The Painful Shoulder
By Nicholas J. Avallone, M.D.
As Americans live longer, many of them are finding out that their shoulders are having difficulty keeping up with life’s activities. Shoulder problems are an increasingly common issue facing our population today. In fact, one recent study pointed out that over half of the population over the age of 50 has some form of rotator cuff problem. This is why early treatment and prevention are important to keeping us active later in life.
The group of muscles that are responsible for moving our shoulder in space is called the rotator cuff. Problems with this structure are a primary source of shoulder pain and disability. Occasionally, patients will recall a specific fall or activity that started the problem. However, more frequently, patients talk about a slow onset of pain with overhead or behind the back activities. Many times, this is simply a tendonitis that can be treated with anti-inflammatories and simple exercises. If the problem persists, more formal physical therapy and steroid injections may be required. Many patients will have an MRI performed if they do not improve with conservative measures or if they have a specific weakness noted in their shoulder exam. If the MRI demonstrates a significant tear of the rotator cuff, a discussion is typically undertaken describing the risks and benefits of operative versus non-operative interventions.
If operative intervention is decided upon, there are a few things that the patient should know prior to the procedure. Shoulder surgeries these days are less invasive with arthroscopic techniques employed the majority of the time. This usually means a less painful early recovery. However, extensive physical therapy is still involved to get one’s shoulder strong and functional again. Modern techniques have improved the outcome of this procedure, but a strong patient-physician relationship is still required to have a good outcome.
No matter how severe a person’s shoulder problem is, doing exercises to keep the shoulder healthy after one has recovered is essential to good long-term outcomes. Simple shoulder stretching and strengthening exercises taught by a physician or physical therapist can help keep a person active and their shoulder happy for many years.
For more information regarding the shoulder joint and other orthopedic topics please contact Orthopedic Associates of the Greater Lehigh Valley at 908-859-5585 or visit www.bonedrs.com.
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