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Chronic shoulder pain can significantly impact daily life, hindering simple tasks like reaching overhead, lifting objects, or even getting dressed. Whether it's due to injury, overuse, or underlying medical conditions, chronic shoulder pain requires proper diagnosis and treatment to alleviate discomfort and improve function. We specialize in treating chronic shoulder pain to help patients regain mobility and enjoy a better quality of life. 

Causes of Chronic Shoulder Pain:  Chronic shoulder pain can arise from a variety of underlying conditions, including:

  • Rotator Cuff Injuries: Tears or strains in the rotator cuff muscles, which stabilize and move the shoulder joint, can cause chronic pain, weakness, and limited range of motion.

  • Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): A condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, often accompanied by decreased mobility and difficulty performing everyday tasks.

  • Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: Compression of the rotator cuff tendons or bursa between the shoulder blade and the humerus bone can cause inflammation, pain, and restricted movement.

  • Osteoarthritis: Degenerative changes in the shoulder joint, including the breakdown of cartilage and bone spurs, can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.

  • Tendonitis or Bursitis: Inflammation of the tendons or bursae in the shoulder joint, often caused by overuse or repetitive movements, can result in chronic pain and swelling.

  • Shoulder Instability: Weakness or laxity in the ligaments and muscles surrounding the shoulder joint can cause the joint to become unstable, leading to chronic pain, dislocations, or subluxations.

Symptoms of Chronic Shoulder Pain:The symptoms of chronic shoulder pain can vary depending on the underlying cause but may include:

  1. Pain: Dull, aching, or sharp pain in the shoulder joint, particularly with movement or pressure.

  2. Stiffness: Difficulty moving the shoulder joint or decreased range of motion, especially when reaching overhead or behind the back.

  3. Weakness: Difficulty lifting or carrying objects, as well as decreased strength in the affected shoulder.

  4. Swelling: Inflammation or swelling in the shoulder area, often accompanied by warmth or redness.

  5. Clicking or Popping Sensations: Sensations of clicking, popping, or grinding in the shoulder joint with movement.

Treatment Options for Chronic Shoulder Pain: Treatment for chronic shoulder pain aims to alleviate symptoms, improve mobility, and address the underlying cause. Depending on the severity and cause of the pain, treatment options may include:

  • Conservative Management: Initially, conservative treatments such as rest, ice therapy, physical therapy, and over-the-counter pain medications may be recommended to relieve symptoms and improve function.

  • Intra-Articular Injections: Corticosteroid injections or hyaluronic acid injections delivered directly into the shoulder joint can help reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.

  • Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises and stretching techniques prescribed by a physical therapist can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.

  • Minimally Invasive Procedures: For patients who do not respond to conservative treatments, minimally invasive procedures such as shoulder joint nerve blocks or radiofrequency ablation may be recommended to target and disrupt pain signals.

  • Surgery: In severe cases or when conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgical options such as arthroscopic surgery, shoulder stabilization procedures, or joint replacement surgery may be considered to address underlying structural issues and alleviate chronic shoulder pain.

Chronic shoulder pain can be a challenging condition to manage, but effective treatment options are available to help patients find relief and improve their quality of life.  If you're experiencing chronic shoulder pain, don't hesitate to reach out to our team for evaluation and personalized treatment recommendations. We're here to help you find relief and get back to living your life to the fullest.

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