Mitigate Pain Clinic – Dr Jeshnu Tople – Pain Management Specialist In Nagpur

Facebook Instagram Youtube
Menu
+917820920818
Menu
Call

Shoulder Pain

Shoulder Pain

The shoulder joint is one of the most mobile joints in the body, allowing for a wide range of motion. However, this flexibility also makes it vulnerable to injuries and other painful conditions. Shoulder pain is a common problem that can affect people of all ages and activity levels. It can significantly impact daily life, making simple tasks difficult like lifting objects, reaching overhead or sometimes even combing hair.  Shoulder pain can be short-lived (acute) or long-term (chronic). The pain can range from mild soreness to sharp, stabbing sensations that limit movement. At Mitigate Pain Clinic, we focus on providing interventional pain management solutions tailored to each patient’s unique needs, helping them achieve pain relief and improved mobility without the need for surgery.

Symptoms of Shoulder Pain: Shoulder pain can present with range of symptoms such as –

  • Aching or sharp pain in the shoulder
  • Reduced shoulder movement
  • Stiffness or tightness in the shoulder joint
  • Weakness in the arm or shoulder
  • Pain that worsens with movement or activity
  • Swelling or tenderness around the shoulder joint

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain :

There are many potential causes of shoulder pain, ranging from injuries to chronic conditions. Identifying the cause of your shoulder pain is essential for determining the most appropriate treatment.

1. Rotator cuff rotator cuff tear or strain

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. Injuries to the rotator cuff, such as tear or strains, are common causes of shoulder pain, especially in athletes or individuals who perform repetitive overhead movements.

2. Bursitis

Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints. When the bursae in the shoulder become inflamed, it leads to a condition known as bursitis, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.

3. Frozen Shoulder

Also known as adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder is a condition that causes stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It occurs when the tissues around the shoulder become thickened and tight, limiting movement.

4. Arthritis

Arthritis in the shoulder can be due to osteoarthritis, which is the wear-and-tear of cartilage, or rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition that affects the joints. Both forms of arthritis can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility in the shoulder.

5. Tendonitis

Tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendons, often caused by overuse or repetitive motion. In the shoulder, tendonitis can affect the rotator cuff or biceps tendons, leading to pain and difficulty moving the arm.

6. Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendons are pinched or compressed between the bones of the shoulder. This can cause pain during activities that require lifting the arm, such as reaching overhead or throwing.

7. Shoulder Instability

Shoulder instability occurs when the shoulder joint is loose and slips out of its normal position. This can happen due to trauma, such as a dislocation, or it may develop over time from repetitive movements that stretch the ligaments.

Risk Factors for Developing Shoulder Pain

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing shoulder pain, including:

  • Old age
  • Overuse
  • Repetitive Movements
  • Poor Posture

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Shoulder Pain

Many non-surgical treatments are available to effectively relieve shoulder pain and improve mobility. At Mitigate Pain Clinic, we offer comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique condition and needs.

1. Medications

Medications are often the first line of treatment for shoulder pain, especially when the pain is acute or due to inflammation. Common medications include:

  • Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): These help reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Muscle Relaxants: These are prescribed to alleviate muscle spasms.
  • Opioids: In cases of severe pain, short-term opioid therapy may be considered.

2. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of non-surgical treatment for shoulder pain. A physical therapist can design a personalized exercise program to strengthen the shoulder muscles, improve flexibility, and restore range of motion.

3. Interventional Pain Treatments

At Mitigate Pain Clinic, we specialize in interventional treatments to provide long-term relief from shoulder pain. Mitigate Pain Clinic offers several cutting-edge interventional treatments for managing shoulder pain without surgery. These treatments include nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and shoulder hydrodilatation, platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy and growth factor concentrate (GFC) therapy to target specific sources of pain.

a. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) & Growth Factor Concentrate (GFC) Therapy

PRP & GFC therapy involves injecting concentrated platelets from the patient’s blood into the affected area to promote healing and reduce pain. PRP & GFC therapy is especially beneficial for tendon injuries and arthritis in the shoulder.

b. Nerve Blocks

Nerve blocks involve injecting anesthetics near the nerves that transmit pain signals from the shoulder to the brain. This can provide temporary but effective pain relief, especially for chronic shoulder pain conditions.

c. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

RFA uses heat to target and destroy the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals. This minimally invasive procedure provides long-lasting relief for patients with shoulder pain caused by arthritis or other degenerative conditions.

  1. Shoulder Hydrodilatation

Shoulder hydrodilatation is a non-surgical procedure used to treat frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis). It involves injection into the shoulder joint to stretch the joint capsule and reduce inflammation. This helps to relieve pain and improve range of motion, offering a minimally invasive solution for patients with restricted shoulder movement.

4. Surgery: Surgery is typically considered a last resort for shoulder pain when non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief. Surgical options may include arthroscopy or shoulder replacement to repair severe injuries, such as rotator cuff tears or advanced arthritis.

How to Prevent Shoulder Pain

Preventing shoulder pain involves adopting healthy habits and making changes to your daily routine.

  • Proper Ergonomics: Ensure that your workstation is set up to avoid unnecessary strain on your shoulders, with your computer screen at eye level and your arms supported.
  • Regular Exercise and Stretching: Strengthening the muscles around your shoulder joint and maintaining flexibility can help prevent injuries and pain.
  • Posture Correction: Practice good posture when sitting and standing to reduce strain on your shoulders.
  • Avoiding Repetitive Stress: Take frequent breaks and use proper techniques when performing repetitive tasks that involve your shoulders.

When to See a Specialist for Shoulder Pain

While many cases of shoulder pain can be managed at home with rest and over-the-counter medications, there are certain situations where seeing a specialist is necessary:

  • Severe or Persistent Pain: If your pain is severe or lasts for more than a few weeks, it’s important to consult a specialist.
  • Weakness or Numbness: If you experience weakness in your shoulder or arm, or if you have numbness or tingling, these may be signs of a more serious condition.
  • Limited Range of Motion: If you’re unable to move your shoulder or arm freely, it could be due to conditions like frozen shoulder or a rotator cuff tear, which require professional treatment.

Conclusion

Shoulder pain can be debilitating, but with the right non-surgical treatments, relief is possible. At Mitigate Pain Clinic, we specialize in interventional pain management techniques designed to reduce pain, restore function, and improve the quality of life for our patients. Whether you’re dealing with an injury, arthritis, or chronic overuse, we offer personalized treatment plans to help you regain shoulder mobility without the need for surgery.

Shoulder Pain

The main causes of shoulder pain include a variety of conditions affecting the muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints. The main causes include:

  • Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
  • Rotator cuff tear
  • Shoulder osteoarthritis
  • Shoulder tendinitis
  • Bursitis
  • Labral tear
  • Dislocation of the shoulder joint
  • Fracture
  • Referred pain – pain originating from the neck or other areas

Each of these conditions require detailed assessment for diagnosis and treatment.

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) is a condition causing pain, stiffness, and restricted movement in the shoulder joint due to inflammation and thickening of the surrounding connective tissue. It progresses in three stages: the freezing stage (increasing pain and stiffness), the frozen stage (stiffness with reduced pain), and the thawing stage (gradual improvement in motion). Common in people aged 40–60, it is linked to conditions like diabetes, thyroid issues, or prolonged immobility after injury. Treatment includes physical therapy, pain management, and sometimes corticosteroid injections or surgery. Recovery takes months to years, but most regain near-normal shoulder function.

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint thereby limiting movement. It occurs when the connective tissue around the joint becomes inflamed and stiff, limiting the mobility. An Interventional Pain Physician can help manage pain of frozen shoulder through treatments such as hydrodilatation and nerve blocks with the use of sonography. These procedures aim to reduce inflammation, reduce pain and improve mobility. Although delayed interventional treatment has very good results, early intervention can easily prevent further stiffness and promote faster recovery. Additionally, physiotherapy can help restore mobility and flexibility.

A rotator cuff tear is a condition where one or more of the four muscles or tendons forming the rotator cuff in the shoulder are damaged. This tear can be partial or full-thickness, often resulting from overuse, acute injury, or degeneration with age. Symptoms include shoulder pain, weakness, and limited range of motion, especially during overhead activities. Common causes include repetitive stress, heavy lifting, or trauma. Diagnosis involves physical exams, imaging (MRI or ultrasound), and treatment ranges from rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications to corticosteroid injections or surgery for severe cases. Early intervention improves outcomes and functionality.

A rotator cuff tear involves damage to the tendons that stabilise the shoulder joint, often resulting in pain and limited shoulder movement. Interventional pain physician can provide relief through treatments such as ultrasound-guided platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy or growth factor concentrate (GFC) therapy or nerve blocks. These minimally invasive procedures aim to reduce inflammation, promote healing and restore shoulder function, providing an effective alternative to surgery.

Osteoarthritis of the shoulder is a degenerative joint condition where the cartilage covering the ends of the bones in the shoulder joint wears down over time. This leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. It commonly affects the glenohumeral joint (where the arm bone meets the shoulder socket) or the acromioclavicular joint (where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade). Causes include aging, repetitive use, injury, or previous joint inflammation. Treatment focuses on pain management, physical therapy, and improving function through medications, injections, or, in severe cases, joint replacement surgery. Lifestyle changes, like low-impact exercises, can also help.

Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is the breakdown of the cartilage in the shoulder joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. Interventional pain physician may perform treatments such as viscosupplementation, platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy or growth factor concentrate (GFC) therapy or radiofrequency ablation to manage pain and inflammation. These minimally invasive procedures provide significant relief and improve function. These treatments may avoid or delay the need for more invasive treatments such as joint replacement surgery.

Shoulder bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa, a fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between bones, tendons, and muscles in the shoulder joint. It often occurs due to repetitive movements, overuse, injury, or conditions like arthritis. Symptoms include shoulder pain, swelling, tenderness, and reduced range of motion. In some cases, redness and warmth may indicate an infection. Diagnosis involves a physical exam and imaging like X-rays or MRI. Treatment includes rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and sometimes corticosteroid injections. Severe cases may require surgery. Early intervention helps manage symptoms and prevents chronic issues.

The bursa is a fluid-filled sac that cushions the shoulder joint. Shoulder bursitis is inflammation of the bursa. Bursitis causes pain, swelling, and restricted mobility. Interventional pain physicians can provide relief through treatments such as ultrasound-guided injections such as platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy or growth factor concentrate (GFC) therapy or corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain. Physiotherapy is often recommended to restore mobility.

Shoulder tendinitis is the inflammation or irritation of tendons in the shoulder, commonly affecting the rotator cuff or biceps tendons. It is often caused by repetitive overhead movements, overuse, or sudden injuries. Aging, poor posture, and conditions like arthritis can also contribute. Symptoms include shoulder pain, especially during movement, tenderness, swelling, and a limited range of motion. Treatment includes rest, ice application, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and sometimes corticosteroid injections. Severe cases may require surgery. Early management helps prevent worsening and promotes recovery, allowing for the restoration of normal shoulder function.

Shoulder tendinitis is inflammation of the tendons in the shoulder, often caused by overuse or injury, leaving a person with pain and restricted mobility. Interventional pain physicians can provide relief through treatments such as ultrasound-guided injections such as platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy or growth factor concentrate (GFC) therapy or corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation. These minimally invasive options aim to relieve symptoms, restore function and prevent further damage without resorting to surgery.

A labral tear is an injury to the labrum, the cartilage that lines and stabilizes a ball-and-socket joint, such as the shoulder or hip. In the shoulder, the labrum deepens the socket to secure the arm bone, while in the hip, it cushions the thighbone. Tears can result from trauma, repetitive motion, or degeneration. Symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, clicking sounds, and instability. Diagnosis typically involves physical exams and imaging like MRI. Treatment may include rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or surgery in severe cases. Early intervention can restore joint function and prevent further complications.

The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of a ball-and-socket joint like the shoulder or hip. The labrum cartilage helps provide stability and mobility to the shoulder joint. Having a labral tear can cause pain, instability, and difficulty with overhead or rotational movement. Interventional pain physician can provide relief through treatments such as ultrasound-guided steroid injections and nerve blocks to reduce inflammation. To regenerate a labral tear, interventional pain physicians may perform platelet rich plasma (PRP) intervention or growth factor concentrate (GFC) intervention. This treatment is helpful for the regeneration of labral tears and may also help avoid major shoulder surgery. Physiotherapy may be recommended to improve strength and mobility.

Our Treatments

Need Any Help Call Us.