Shoulder pain is something most of us experience at some point in our lives. However, if the pain doesn’t go away, it could be a sign of a more serious injury.
There are lots of shoulder injuries you can develop, and rotator cuff disorders are particularly common. Here, you’ll learn about the different rotator cuff disorders and how to spot the differences between them.
What is rotator cuff tendonitis?
Rotator cuff tendonitis is inflammation or irritation of the rotator cuff muscles. The condition can range in severity, and in extreme cases cause the rotator cuff to become trapped below the acromion. This causes extreme pain, requiring immediate treatment.
Tendonitis occurs over time and can be caused by several factors. You can develop it due to playing overhead sports, or simply by sleeping in an awkward position on the shoulder.
What is a rotator cuff tear?
A rotator cuff tear develops when the attachment from the tendon at the head of the humerus rips. The supraspinatus is the main tendon affected, though a tear could also develop in the other surrounding tendons.
A lot of the time, they occur over time, starting with the fraying of the tendon’s fibres. If the shoulder is used despite continuing pain, the tendon could go on to tear. You can either experience a partial, or full-thickness tear.
Symptoms to watch out for
While both tendonitis and a rotator cuff tear can cause significant pain, there are some differences in their symptoms.
With tendonitis, you’ll find that symptoms often start out mild and worsen in severity over time. They include:
- A clicking sound when using the shoulder
- Pain when lifting or reaching for something
- Stiffness
- Pain even when the shoulder is still
When the condition starts to worsen, you may also have difficulty reaching around your back, and experience more pain at night when trying to sleep.
With a rotator cuff tear, symptoms will depend upon the type of tear you experience. However, some general symptoms to look out for include:
- Pain when trying to sleep
- A weakness in the shoulder and arm
- Pain when you aren’t using the shoulder
- A popping or cracking sound when using the shoulder
If you suffered an acute tear, the pain will usually be more severe, and loss of strength will occur immediately. If it is a degenerative tear, it will cause some pain, but not as intense as an acute tear. Without treatment, a rotator cuff tear will advance until pain medication no longer has any effect.
Whether you are suffering with a rotator cuff tear, or tendonitis, there are some effective treatment options available. Non-surgical options include rest, physiotherapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, or steroid injections. Alternatively, surgery may be required for more severe injuries.
If you are experiencing pain or weakness within the shoulder, it could be a rotator cuff disorder. Book a consultation with a shoulder specialist now to diagnose and begin treatment for the injury.
Large-scale UK Study Evaluates Treatment For Rotator Cuff Tears
/by The Clinic TeamAlthough physiotherapy and corticosteroid injections are commonly used in the treatment of rotator cuff disorders, their effectiveness hasn’t previously been proven. Now, a new large-scale study has provided some insight into patient outcomes, following these common treatments.
Here, we’ll look at what the study found and why physiotherapy is largely used to treat rotator cuff tears.
Understanding the new study
The large-scale study was a randomised, controlled, pragmatic, and multicentre trial. A total of 708 patients aged 18 and over who had a rotator cuff tear, were recruited from 20 National Health Service trusts within the UK.
It excluded those who had other shoulder conditions, alongside a history of shoulder trauma. Patients were randomly assigned a treatment program. The treatments included a single physiotherapy session with or without corticosteroid injections and ongoing physiotherapy sessions.
The results showed that progressive exercise wasn’t more effective than a best practice advice session for improving pain and function. It also showed that corticosteroid injections don’t provide long-term benefits for patients suffering from a rotator cuff disorder.
Its findings towards physiotherapy were promising, with patients experiencing significant improvements over progressive exercise.
Is physiotherapy better than surgery?
If you suffer a rotator cuff tear, there are several treatment options available. While surgery might be required, physiotherapy and conservative treatments can be beneficial.
A physiotherapist can help to address issues with pain and stiffness within the joint. They will work with you to improve coordination, build up muscle strength, and improve your range of motion.
If you do need to undergo surgery, a physiotherapist can still help both before and after the procedure.
The three stages of rehabilitation
After a rotator cuff repair surgery, there are typically three stages of rehabilitation you’ll go through with a physiotherapist.
Stage 1: The first stage aims to aid tendon and bone healing while preventing issues with scar tissue and stiffness. You’ll focus on lighter activities during this first phase, such as scapula and passive exercises.
This rehabilitation stage can take anywhere from 1-6 weeks.
Stage 2: In the second stage, you’ll start to use your shoulder muscles again, switching to more active exercises. Aquatic therapy, isometric exercises, and progressive scapula exercises are all used during this stage.
You’ll go through stage 2 rehabilitation for around 7 to 12 weeks.
Stage 3: In the final stage, you’ll start to introduce resistance training into your treatment plan. This includes functional lifting and resistive exercises.
Patients will typically go through stage 3 rehabilitation for 12 or more weeks.
The above is just a brief guideline for what to expect when undergoing physiotherapy for a rotator cuff tear. To determine whether physiotherapy is a good treatment option for you, book a consultation with a shoulder specialist today.
Shoulder Pain Indicated as Among Most Persistent in New Pain Mapping Study
/by The Clinic TeamA new body-mapping study has revealed shoulder pain is one of the most persistent types of chronic pain. The study identified nine distinct types of chronic pain to aid in the diagnosis and treatment process for patients.
Here, we’ll look at what the new pain mapping study discovered, alongside common causes of shoulder pain.
What did the pain mapping study involve?
The new pain mapping study included a total of 21,500 people who had attended the severe pain management clinics at the University of Pittsburgh. A computer clustering analysis was carried out on patient body maps to determine patterns of pain distribution.
The results showed there were nine clear types of chronic pain a patient could experience. The researchers believe the identified patterns of pain distribution could help to predict pain impact, severity, physical function, and predicted outcomes.
So, what did it find in relation to those experiencing shoulder pain? Unfortunately, it wasn’t great news…
Patients with long-term shoulder pain saw the least improvement
More than 7,000 people involved in the study, went on to fill in a follow-up questionnaire. This was done three months after the body pain map.
Results showed that those who experienced abdominal pain went on to see the biggest improvement. However, those who experienced shoulder, neck, and lower back pain saw the least improvement.
Just 37% of those suffering from lower back, shoulder, and neck pain saw an improvement after three months. The researchers noticed that patients within this subgroup also had some of the same characteristics as those in the widespread pain groups. This could suggest that they are in the early stages of widespread, generalised, chronic pain.
A new long-term study into pain duration and stability within this group has now been recommended.
Common causes of shoulder pain
Shoulder pain is a very common problem that can vary greatly in severity. There are a lot of different causes of shoulder pain, with some proving to be more debilitating than others. Some of the most common causes of shoulder pain include:
Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of ongoing shoulder pain. It causes the cartilage within the joint to break down over time. This in turn leads to a lot of pain and stiffness within the shoulder.
Rotator cuff tears are also common, and they can also develop over time. As the tendon within the shoulder wears down gradually, the pain will start to develop. You can experience partial or full tears, and they tend to be most common in those aged over 50.
Each different cause of shoulder pain will require a different treatment plan. Therefore, if you are suffering from chronic shoulder pain, it is important to seek a diagnosis. Once the cause has been established, an effective treatment plan can be created.
Rotator Cuff Disorders: Tendonitis or Tear?
/by The Clinic TeamShoulder pain is something most of us experience at some point in our lives. However, if the pain doesn’t go away, it could be a sign of a more serious injury.
There are lots of shoulder injuries you can develop, and rotator cuff disorders are particularly common. Here, you’ll learn about the different rotator cuff disorders and how to spot the differences between them.
What is rotator cuff tendonitis?
Rotator cuff tendonitis is inflammation or irritation of the rotator cuff muscles. The condition can range in severity, and in extreme cases cause the rotator cuff to become trapped below the acromion. This causes extreme pain, requiring immediate treatment.
Tendonitis occurs over time and can be caused by several factors. You can develop it due to playing overhead sports, or simply by sleeping in an awkward position on the shoulder.
What is a rotator cuff tear?
A rotator cuff tear develops when the attachment from the tendon at the head of the humerus rips. The supraspinatus is the main tendon affected, though a tear could also develop in the other surrounding tendons.
A lot of the time, they occur over time, starting with the fraying of the tendon’s fibres. If the shoulder is used despite continuing pain, the tendon could go on to tear. You can either experience a partial, or full-thickness tear.
Symptoms to watch out for
While both tendonitis and a rotator cuff tear can cause significant pain, there are some differences in their symptoms.
With tendonitis, you’ll find that symptoms often start out mild and worsen in severity over time. They include:
When the condition starts to worsen, you may also have difficulty reaching around your back, and experience more pain at night when trying to sleep.
With a rotator cuff tear, symptoms will depend upon the type of tear you experience. However, some general symptoms to look out for include:
If you suffered an acute tear, the pain will usually be more severe, and loss of strength will occur immediately. If it is a degenerative tear, it will cause some pain, but not as intense as an acute tear. Without treatment, a rotator cuff tear will advance until pain medication no longer has any effect.
Whether you are suffering with a rotator cuff tear, or tendonitis, there are some effective treatment options available. Non-surgical options include rest, physiotherapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, or steroid injections. Alternatively, surgery may be required for more severe injuries.
If you are experiencing pain or weakness within the shoulder, it could be a rotator cuff disorder. Book a consultation with a shoulder specialist now to diagnose and begin treatment for the injury.
London Shoulder Specialist Study Recently Published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine
/by The Clinic TeamA recently published study carried out by a team including London Shoulder Specialist Mr Ali Narvani has assessed the different treatment options for recurrent anterior instability. Up until now, there has been little research carried out into the effectiveness of existing treatments.
Here, we will look at what the recent study revealed and what it means for patients.
Understanding the recent study
Published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, this recent study pooled data from 2018, across seven cohort studies. It compared Latarjet and Bankart treatments for anterior shoulder instability. Both continuous data and dichotomous data were pooled from a total of 3,275 patients.
Results showed that the Bankart technique had an increased risk of recurrence and re-dislocation. However, it had a decreased risk of infection compared to the Latarjet technique. Both had a similar Rowe score, revision, and haematoma formation rates.
What is the Bankart technique?
During the Bankart procedure, the overstretched or torn labrum and capsule are repaired deeper within the shoulder joint. The surgery is usually performed arthroscopically, but an open procedure can also be used. The method chosen for your repair will be discussed with you during your consultation.
In most cases, the surgeon uses a nerve block during the surgery. This helps to completely numb the area for up to a few hours. Painkillers will be provided to ease the pain after the procedure to make the recovery more comfortable.
What is the Latarjet technique?
The Latarjet technique focuses on relocating a piece of bone, complete with an attached tendon, to the joint of the shoulder. It is commonly performed on patients with recurrent instability that is brought on by a Bankart lesion. This procedure is often recommended for patients where a labrum repair doesn’t fix the damage within the joint.
Understanding shoulder instability
Instability in the shoulder arises when the upper arm bone is pushed out of its socket. It can happen due to an injury or from overuse. Shoulders are susceptible to repeated dislocations after they have been dislocated once. If it keeps happening, it is referred to as chronic instability.
Shoulder instability may be directional, or multidirectional. With directional instability, it can affect the anterior or posterior of the joint. With multidirectional instability, both the front and the back of the joint are affected. Anterior instability tends to be the most common form patients experience. This is likely since the capsule of the joint is weaker in the front of the joint.
Treatment for shoulder instability will depend upon the location and cause of the issue. As the new study suggests, the Latarjet procedure is more effective at reducing the likelihood of recurrence. However, for some patients the Bankart procedure may be the better option.
Call +44 (0) 203 195 2442 to book a consultation to discover the best course of treatment for your shoulder instability today.
Treating Tennis Shoulder: the Management of Shoulder Impingement
/by The Clinic TeamTennis shoulder is a common injury, typically experienced by athletes. Also known as shoulder impingement syndrome, it can develop suddenly, or gradually. Patients may experience significant pain when lifting their arm, causing difficulty when playing sport or carrying out daily activities.
As Wimbledon makes its post-COVID comeback this month, now is the perfect time to learn more about treating tennis shoulder.
What is tennis shoulder?
Tennis shoulder, or shoulder impingement, is caused when a tendon within the shoulder rubs against nearby bone or tissue when the arm is lifted. It occurs within the rotator cuff at the top of the arm. Most of the time, the condition will improve by itself. However, there are times when it is reoccurring.
Swimmers, baseball players, and tennis players whose arms are frequently used overhead are especially vulnerable. Also at risk are people who carry out repetitive lifting or overhead activities with the arm, such as painting, and building. Minor injuries can also result in impingement.
Tennis shoulder symptoms to watch out for
Local swelling and tenderness of the shoulder are common symptoms of rotator cuff problems. Lifting your arm may cause pain and stiffness. Additionally, pain may be felt when an elevated arm is lowered.
There may be mild symptoms at the beginning, causing patients to delay seeking treatment. Typically, shoulder instability can produce the following symptoms:
Stiffness is not usually a symptom of shoulder impingement. If you are experiencing any stiffness, it could be an indicator of frozen shoulder, rather than impingement.
What treatment options are available?
There are several options available for treating tennis shoulder, including physiotherapy, steroid injections, and surgery.
Most patients with shoulder impingement find physiotherapy exercises are enough to correct the issue. The goal of physio exercises is to strengthen the muscles within the joint and correct shoulder posture.
Steroid injections are used to eliminate the pain associated with the condition. The effects last a few weeks, and they are ideal for those suffering with more intense shoulder impingement pain. The only trouble with this form of treatment is that it is only recommended to be given to each patient twice. This is due to a risk of tendon damage if they are used in the long-term.
Surgery is typically used as a last resort for more severe cases of shoulder impingement. A subacromial decompression may be helpful.
In the procedure, the space surrounding the tendon of the rotator cuff is widened, ensuring it doesn’t rub or catch against anything.
Most cases of shoulder impingement can be corrected without surgery. However, it is a good idea to undergo a consultation with a shoulder specialist. This will help you to discover the best form of treatment for your shoulder impingement. To book an appointment with the London Shoulder Specialists call +44 (0) 203 195 2442.
Location of Your Rotator Cuff Tear Does Not Affect Your Surgical Outcome, New Study Finds
/by The Clinic TeamRotator cuff tears are a common, painful condition. Typically treated through surgical repair, there has been a lot of debate over the factors which contribute towards a favourable outcome. These include older age, the size of the tear, smoking, and location.
Now, a new study has shown that the location of the tear does not impact the surgical outcome. Here, we will look at what the study revealed and what patients need to know about the different rotator cuff injuries.
What the latest study revealed
The latest study, published within the May 2021 issue of the Arthroscopy Journal, was carried out to compare functional outcomes based upon location of the rotator cuff tear. They retrospectively analysed 104 patients with symptomatic partial thickness rotator cuff tears from 2010 to 2015.
The researchers collected data on range of motion, pain score measurements, and outcome scores. Data was compared before surgery, as well as one year after, and finally two years after the procedure. Each of the patients had suffered a supraspinatus tendon tear up to 2cm and their average age was in the mid-fifties.
All patients showed a significant improvement in function and pain relief two years after the surgery. It was discovered that there wasn’t any difference between where the tear was located and the outcome of the procedure.
Understanding Articular-Sided and Bursal-Sided tears
Most rotator cuff tears occur within the supraspinatus tendon. However, they can develop as articular-sided or bursal-sided tears.
Articular-sided tears tend to be the most common and they are common in athletes who participate in overhead sports. They run into the rotator cuff from the articular side, typically resulting from trauma.
Bursal-sided tears are less common, and they mostly result from subacromial impingement. They run into the rotator cuff from the bursal side and tend to occur in older age. The reason these tears are less common is because the bursal side is a lot stronger than the articular side. It contains greater tensile strength which makes it more difficult to tear.
What factors can affect the surgical outcome?
The new study shows that the location of the tear does not impact the outcome of surgery. However, there are some factors which can affect how well the tear heals. These include:
These are some of the main factors which could determine how well the shoulder heals after surgical repair. Your London Shoulder Specialist surgeon will be able to discuss the risks with you prior to the procedure.
UK Study Finds Diabetes Likely Cause of Frozen Shoulder
/by The Clinic TeamA new UK study has revealed that Diabetes Type 1 can lead to musculoskeletal issues such as frozen shoulder. The research was presented at the 2021 Diabetes UK Professional Conference.
Here, we will look at what the study found and the link between diabetes and frozen shoulder.
Understanding the study
Researchers from the University of Exeter, analysed health and genetic data from the UK Biobank and FinnGen. They were looking to see if patients with Diabetes Type 1 were more likely to develop other conditions. When a link between diabetes and frozen shoulder was found, the team used the Mendelian randomisation technique to establish whether it was a casual or serious link.
It was revealed that Diabetes Type 1 can directly increase the risk of four conditions. These include frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel syndrome, Dupuytren’s Contracture, and trigger finger. Each of these musculoskeletal conditions are characterised by reduced mobility in the hand, shoulder, fingers, or wrist. They also cause a lot of pain to patients.
It is thought that prolonged high blood pressure caused by Diabetes Type 1 is to blame for the increased risk of musculoskeletal issues. The hope is that now healthcare professionals can recognise these four conditions as chronic complications of Diabetes. This will ultimately help to diagnose and treat the conditions quickly, improving patient outcomes.
What is frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is a condition which causes the shoulder to become painful and stiff. It can last for months, or even years in some cases. It is typically a self-limiting condition which means that it resolves on its own and should have no long-term harmful effect on a person’s health. However, there are treatments available which can help ease the pain and improve mobility.
Frozen shoulder occurs when the tissues around the joint of the shoulder become inflamed. Due to the inflammation, the tissue starts to tighten and shrink, leading to pain and discomfort.
Most people develop a frozen shoulder due to a surgery or injury which prevents the arm from moving normally. As the new study confirms, diabetes can also be a factor.
How is frozen shoulder treated?
While a frozen shoulder does tend to clear up by itself, there are treatment options available which are aimed at controlling pain and increasing mobility of the shoulder joint. Pain relief medication, steroid injections, and physiotherapy are all effective treatment options.
Many patients find a combination of pain relief and physiotherapy works best. The treatment you receive will depend upon how stiff and painful the shoulder is. The goal of physiotherapy is to improve the motion in the shoulder. It will also help to build up strength in the area, helping to reduce the pain. If non-operative measures fail to improve the symptoms, then arthroscopic release of the shoulder capsule and manipulation of the shoulder joint, performed under a general anaesthetic, could be advised.
If you are concerned you might be suffering from a frozen shoulder, call 0203 195 2442 to book a consultation today. There are many potential causes of shoulder pain and stiffness. Therefore, the exact cause will need to be diagnosed before treatment can begin.
Returning to Work and Play After Rotator Cuff Repair
/by The Clinic TeamAfter undergoing a rotator cuff repair, it is important to give the body plenty of time to heal.
Returning to work and sporting or leisure activities should only be considered once the body has fully repaired. The length of time this will take depends upon multiple factors. A recent study has also revealed some patients do not return to their previous work levels.
Here, you will discover everything you need to know about returning to work and play after rotator cuff repair.
Will you be able to return to previous work levels?
The majority of patients who undergo a rotator cuff repair go on to return to previous work levels within six months to a year. However, a recent study has estimated that over 35% of workers who experience a rotator cuff tear, might never return to previous work levels after surgery.
A systematic review was carried out by the Rush University Medical Center in the USA to look into return to work outcomes. They followed 1,224 rotator cuff repair patients with a mean age of 52.2. The researchers discovered that 62.3% of patients were able to return to previous levels of work. The average time it took to fully recover was 8.15 months. A total of 37.7% of patients didn’t return to previous work levels.
Despite some not being able to return to previous work levels, all patients experienced significant improvement in pain reduction and final outcome. There were also no links discovered between arthroscopic and open procedures.
Those who were returning to light work also had the highest likelihood of returning to previous levels. An impressive 97% were able to fully return to what is considered light work.
How quickly can I return to sport after rotator cuff repair?
Those looking to return to sport after rotator cuff surgery can expect the same recovery time as getting back to work. It takes an average of eight months to recover from the procedure, though this will vary between patients.
Numerous studies have shown that the majority of recreational athletes manage to get back to the same level of play as before the surgery. However, only half of professional athletes will regain the same level of play.
Factors that impact recovery after rotator cuff repair
Whether or not you will be able to return to previous work and play levels after rotator cuff repair surgery, depends upon numerous factors. The size of the tear, the sport you play, and your overall fitness will each play a key role in your recovery.
There is also evidence to suggest that patient resilience can play a part in recovery. A study published in the Shoulder & Elbow journal sought to assess the connection between the patient’s ‘resilience’ pre-procedure and post-operative shoulder pain and function and also wider physical and mental health. The study found that resilience was more of an indicator of mental and physical health than of early recovery from shoulder surgery.
So, the majority of patients who undergo rotator cuff repair surgery do manage to return to the same level of work and play. However, your London shoulder surgeon will give you a better idea of whether or not you will be able to get back to work and sport during your consultation.
Releasing a Frozen Shoulder
/by The Clinic TeamFrozen shoulder is a common condition that can cause significant pain within the shoulder. It tends to clear up by itself over a period of time, though it may take up to a year for it to fully recover.
To speed up recovery and ease the symptoms caused by the condition, there are several things you can do. Below, we will look at what frozen shoulder is and how it can be treated.
What is frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is a condition that causes a gradual loss of movement within the shoulder joint. It is mostly caused by inflammation of the tissues of the joint. When inflammation occurs, scarring begins to develop, referred to as adhesions. These adhesions can cause issues with movement of the joint.
The exact cause of frozen shoulder isn’t known. However, it can occur after the shoulder has been immobilised for long periods of time, or due to conditions such as Bursitis.
There are a lot of shoulder conditions a patient can suffer with. Therefore, you should always seek a diagnosis to ensure you are dealing with frozen shoulder and nothing more serious.
Steroid injections prove most effective in recent study
The recent study, published by JAMA Network Open in December 2020, analysed 65 studies. Over 4,000 participants were assessed to see which treatments proved the most effective. It was revealed that steroid injections were the most effective at reducing inflammation.
The treatment was shown to lead to the fastest recovery, and it helped to eliminate or significantly reduce pain. Steroid injections are often used in the treatment of frozen shoulder, but researchers suggest they should now be used as a first line of therapy. They also state that the injections should be provided alongside an at-home exercise program.
Physical therapy for releasing frozen shoulder
Physical therapy is an essential part of frozen shoulder recovery. Through specialist exercises, you will start to regain the strength and movement back within the shoulder.
First, the current movement of the shoulder will be assessed. Then, you will be provided with a range of exercises to help improve the range of movement. These include strength and stretching exercises. You will also be given posture and pain relief advice.
The number of treatments you need will depend upon a variety of factors. Your physiotherapist will tell you how long the therapy will need to continue.
Anti-inflammatory medications to treat frozen shoulder
Alongside steroid injections, anti-inflammatory medications can also be provided. These include Ibuprofen and Aspirin. Your London Shoulder Specialist may also prescribe pain medication to help with sleep and pain reduction.
Frozen shoulder can be a very painful and limiting condition. However, it will tend to clear up by itself within a year. In the meantime, treatments such as steroid injections can help in releasing frozen shoulder, reducing pain and improving movement within the joint.
Signs You Might Need Shoulder Surgery
/by The Clinic TeamWhen you suffer a shoulder injury, it will not always need to be treated with surgery. In fact, most shoulder injuries will heal without surgical intervention. However, in cases where surgery is required, the procedure should be carried out as early as possible.
If you want to ensure you get the right type of treatment quickly, it is important to understand the signs that you might need surgery. Here, we will look at some of the most common signs to watch out for which could mean you require shoulder surgery.
#1 Your injury hasn’t improved after six months of treatment
With most types of shoulder injury, non-surgical treatment will first be provided for a period of up to six months. These include rotator cuff disorders and frozen shoulder. In some cases, non-operative treatment is provided for three months before surgery is considered.
If there is no improvement in the pain or mobility of the shoulder and it shows no signs of healing, surgery will be the best option.
#2 Ongoing pain that impacts your ability to carry out daily tasks
Shoulder injuries can be extremely painful. However, if you suffer with ongoing pain that is impacting your ability to perform basic daily tasks, surgery may be required. When you are living in constant pain, it can greatly reduce your quality of life. Nobody should live in consistent pain, so if your shoulder isn’t healing, surgery is a good option to ease the discomfort.
#3 Complete tears within the shoulder
Rotator cuff tears within the shoulder are common and they will require surgery if they are severe. Partial tears can often heal without surgery, but complete tears often require surgical intervention.
Complete tears are most commonly experienced within the rotator cuff. These can be extremely painful and will require a long recovery process.
#4 The shoulder is unstable and pops out of place
You may find that your shoulder dislocates frequently, or it is unstable. This can lead to a number of issues, especially when trying to carry out daily tasks. For patients under the age of 30, surgery is often the best way to build up stability and prevent further dislocations.
There have been several studies carried out recently which have shown surgery on younger patients to treat shoulder instability can prove beneficial for over a decade.
Knowing when to seek help for a shoulder injury
With shoulder pain, patients are often reluctant to seek help. They mistakenly believe that shoulder pain is a common and normal symptom that will heal on its own. While in some cases this may be true, if the pain is constant and it affects your ability to do things, you should seek professional help.
Booking a consultation with a specialist will help you to determine whether or not your shoulder requires surgery to treat it. The surgeon will be able to explain the pros and cons of surgery, alongside the potential risks.
While shoulder injuries do not always need surgery, it is important to seek a diagnosis and treatment plan as soon as you can.