Don’t shoulder the burden alone
Relieve shoulder pain once and for all with our effective and long-lasting treatments.
How does shoulder pain occur?
Shoulder pain can occur due to a number of reasons, such as strain, tendinitis, muscle tears, shoulder joint instability, fractures or pinched nerves.
For some, the pain can only be felt when they move their shoulder. For others, all the time. Depending on the severity, the pain may be temporary or long-term, and may require medical diagnosis and treatment.
Seek Prompt Treatment For Shoulder Pain
Left untreated, shoulder muscle pain and inflammation can lead to chronic injury, significantly affecting your quality of life and making it difficult to complete daily tasks.
Do seek prompt treatment if experiencing any of these symptoms:
Pain In Front And Side Of Shoulder
Sharp Pain During Movement
Night Pain When Sleeping And Turning
Restricted Shoulder Movement
Weakness In Lifting Arm
Dr Poh can help you to overcome shoulder pain with proper care and minimally invasive treatment.
Common Shoulder Pain Conditions
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that affects the shoulder joint. It occurs when the connective tissue enclosing the joint becomes thickened and tight. Bands of scar tissue may also form, to the extent that it restricts motion.
The pain and stiffness that come with it usually develop gradually and worsen over time, and you may find it very difficult to move your shoulder. However, after a period of worsening symptoms, the frozen shoulder tends to get better, although full recovery may take up to three years.
Rotator Cuff Tears
A common cause of pain in adults, rotator cuff tears are often caused by progressive wear and tear of the tendon tissue over time. When one or more of the rotator cuff tendons is/are torn, the tendon no longer attaches itself to the humerus (upper arm bone). These tendons start to fray and may completely tear as the damage progresses. This condition can thus result in a weakened shoulder, making it difficult to raise and move your arm.
Here are the different types of tears:
- Partial tear: An incomplete tear where the damaged tendons are not completely severed
- Full-thickness tear: Also known as a complete tear, which separates all the tendons from the bone, resulting in a hole in the tendon
Common Misconceptions Of Rotator Cuff Injury
Commonly misdiagnosed as frozen shoulder
Can co-exist with degenerative biceps tears
Wrongly diagnosed as neck (cervical spine) degeneration
Difference Between Rotator Cuff Injury And Frozen Shoulder
Frozen Shoulder
Thickening of soft tissues around the
Characterized by pain and stiffness and limited motion in all directions
Can be linked to medical conditions e.g, diabetes, and immobility
Rotator Cuff Injury
Treatments Available
Surgery
The most common type of shoulder surgery is arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure used to treat different types of shoulder problems.
Non-surgical procedures
Your orthopaedic doctor may prescribe medications to help relieve pain or treat the root cause. You may also undergo physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around your shoulder so that it becomes more stable. Sometimes, steroid injections may be required to provide pain relief and improve mobility that can last for months.
Stretching exercises
Minor knee pain may sometimes be improved with simple stretching exercises you can do in the comfort of your own home. Your orthopaedic doctor may suggest some exercises and advise you on how to complete them.
Simple Rotator Cuff Relief Exercise
The shoulder pain and stiffness arising from rotator cuff injuries may be relieved by simple stretching exercises you can do in the comfort of your own home. These exercises help you to regain some motion and flexibility in your shoulder, allowing you to get back to doing what you love.
Exercise 1: Walk Up Exercise
Stand up and with your elbow straight, use your fingers to “crawl” up a door frame or wall as far as possible. Hold the position for at least 10 to 20 seconds and repeat the exercise 5 to 10 times each session. Try to complete 3 sessions per day.
Exercise 2: Shoulder Forward Elevation
Stand up and with your elbow straight, raise your arm to point to the ceiling. Hold the position for 10 seconds and repeat the exercise 5 to 10 times each session. Try to complete 3 sessions per day.
Exercise 3: Shoulder Abduction
Stand up and with your elbow straight, raise your arm out to the side with your palm facing downward. Take note not to shrug your shoulder or tilt your trunk. Repeat the exercise 5 to 10 times each session and try to complete 3 sessions per day.
Exercise 4: Shoulder External Rotation
Stand with the involved side of your body against a wall. Bend your elbow 90 degrees. Push the back of your hand slowly into the wall. Hold for 5 seconds, and then relax. Repeat 10 times per session. Do 3 sessions a day.
Exercise 5: Shoulder Internal Rotation
Use your other hand or a towel to help bring your involved hand behind your back and across to the opposite side. Repeat 10 times per session. Do 3 sessions a day.
Exercise 1: Walk Up Exercise
Stand up and with your elbow straight, use your fingers to “crawl” up a door frame or wall as far as possible. Hold the position for at least 10 to 20 seconds and repeat the exercise 5 to 10 times each session. Try to complete 3 sessions per day.
Exercise 2: Shoulder Forward Elevation
Stand up and with your elbow straight, raise your arm to point to the ceiling. Hold the position for 10 seconds and repeat the exercise 5 to 10 times each session. Try to complete 3 sessions per day.
Exercise 3: Shoulder Abduction
Stand up and with your elbow straight, raise your arm out to the side with your palm facing downward. Take note not to shrug your shoulder or tilt your trunk. Repeat the exercise 5 to 10 times each session and try to complete 3 sessions per day.
Exercise 4: Shoulder External Rotation
Stand with the involved side of your body against a wall. Bend your elbow 90 degrees. Push the back of your hand slowly into the wall. Hold for 5 seconds, and then relax. Repeat 10 times per session. Do 3 sessions a day.
Exercise 5: Shoulder Internal Rotation
Use your other hand or a towel to help bring your involved hand behind your back and across to the opposite side. Repeat 10 times per session. Do 3 sessions a day.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Us
At Advanced Orthopaedic and Sports Centre, we see a wide range of disorders affecting joint mobility and strive to provide a comprehensive approach to the evaluation and management of these conditions. Besides specialising in effective joint arthroscopy, reconstruction, and replacement surgery, we also recognise the importance of pain management and rehabilitation to relieve your symptoms and allow you to get back to living your life to the fullest. It is our promise to help you achieve that and beyond by coming up with an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment. Let us provide you with the best in orthopaedic care for your sports injury or joint problems.
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