Shoulder pain
Causes, diagnosis & treatment
Shoulder pain can have a variety of causes. Shoulder pain can occur at any age due to accidents, wear and tear, overloading and postural problems. The symptoms often lead to severe restrictions in everyday life, at work and during sport. The pain can either occur locally in the shoulder joint during certain movements or radiate from the neck to the entire arm.
Causes of shoulder pain:
Impingement of the shoulder (shoulder-arm syndrome)
Shoulder impingement is a painful narrowing of the shoulder joint, often caused by bony changes. The space between the humeral head and the acromion becomes too narrow, causing tendon irritation and pain in the shoulder.
Calcified shoulder (tendinitis calcarea)
Calcified shoulder is caused by calcium deposits in the tendons of the muscles (rotator cuff). This leads to severe shoulder pain, which can occur both at rest and during movement. In the majority of cases, calcific shoulder can be treated conservatively with great success.
Frozen shoulder
Frozen shoulder, also known as frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis, is a painful restriction of movement in the shoulder joint. The exact causes of frozen shoulder are not fully understood.
The disease typically comprises three phases:
- Freezing phase (pain phase): Increasing pain, especially during movement and often at night. The mobility of the shoulder becomes increasingly restricted.
- Freezing phase (stiffness phase): The pain may subside, but mobility remains severely restricted.
- Thawing phase (release phase): Mobility slowly improves and the shoulder begins to recover.
The duration of the phases is individual and can last from 12 to 36 months.
Shoulder contusion and strain after accident
Falls on the shoulder with bruises, strains and dislocations (luxations) can lead to painful conditions. Injuries to the muscles of the shoulder joint (rotator cuff injury) in particular can lead to persistent discomfort after accidents.
Shoulder joint wear and tear (osteoarthritis of the shoulder)
Wear and tear of the shoulder joint leads to changes in the joint cartilage. The disease most frequently occurs without a known cause. Omarthrosis also frequently occurs after previous injuries to the shoulder joint. In particular, injuries and changes to the shoulder muscles (rotator cuff) can lead to a narrowing of the humeral head under the acromion.
Diagnosis of shoulder pain
In addition to a detailed consultation and examination of your shoulder joint, X-rays, ultrasound and laboratory tests are available in our practice if necessary. In some cases, a further examination using MRI or CT is necessary. Thanks to our network, we can organize appointments for you at short notice.
Treatment of shoulder pain
Minimal invasiveness with maximum effect. Our doctors use established, state-of-the-art and innovative treatment methods. In consultation with you, we develop a treatment concept tailored to your needs. Our conservative treatment methods for shoulder pain include
Shock wave therapy
Shock wave therapy is an effective method for treating acute and chronic pain in the shoulder joint. Dr. Baron & colleagues treat calcific shoulder pain in particular very successfully with targeted pressure waves. The pressure waves penetrate deep into the tissue to stimulate the body’s self-healing processes.
The shock waves stimulate blood circulation and metabolism. This promotes anti-inflammatory processes and activates the body’s own healing processes. The aim is to gently relieve pain and improve mobility by supporting tissue regeneration.
Chirotherapy (manual therapy)
Chirotherapy is most frequently used for musculoskeletal complaints. We use chirotherapy not only on the spine, but also on the shoulder joint. Chirotherapy is a proven method, particularly for acute pain or restricted movement, for example after a sudden incorrect movement.
The exact mechanical and neurophysiological effects have not yet been sufficiently investigated. The effect of manual therapy is most likely based on pain and neuromodulation. An increase in muscle tone due to pain can lead to a reduction in muscle tension and a decrease in protective tension, which has a positive effect on blood circulation, strength and mobility. This can have a positive effect on the perception of pain, particularly in the short term, in order to alleviate pain and reduce the use of medication.
Infiltration therapy
If the shoulder joint hurts and the joint cartilage is affected, injections can have a soothing effect and improve the mobility of the joint. Depending on the cause of the pain, we use injections with the following active ingredients:
- Hyaluronic acid: Improves gliding ability and is often effective for 6 to 12 months
- Homeopathic active ingredients: Safe and easy to use
- Autologous conditioned plasma (ACP): The body’s own growth factors and anti-inflammatory agents alleviate the symptoms
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): The body’s own protein-rich platelets influence the healing of tendons, ligaments, muscles and bones
- Crystalline cortisone: Long-lasting effect with strong and effective reduction of inflammation
Prior to a joint injection, we will explain the individual steps to you in detail. The risk of joint infection is very low and is significantly reduced by our hygienic measures.
Kinesio taping
Kinesio taping is a form of therapy based on the use of elastic adhesive tapes (known as kinesio tapes) to support the musculoskeletal system and relieve pain.
Dr. Baron & Kollegen are your experts for shoulder joint complaints. Address your complaints now and book an appointment online.
Treatment of sports injuries
Our doctors have an additional qualification in trauma surgery and have many years of experience in the treatment of shoulder joint injuries. This includes the treatment of bone fractures, dislocations and muscle injuries. If an operation has been recommended for you, we will be happy to give you a second opinion. Please bring all previous findings with you.