Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain treatment in Thane. Most shoulder pain comes from the rotator cuff, a frozen shoulder or arthritis, and most improves with physiotherapy and time.
Why Does My Shoulder Hurt?
The shoulder moves more than any other joint in the body. That freedom of movement depends on a group of muscles and tendons called the rotator cuff, which hold the ball of the arm bone in its shallow socket. When these tissues are irritated, torn or stiff, everyday tasks such as combing your hair, reaching a shelf, dressing or sleeping on that side become painful.
Common Causes
Rotator Cuff Problems
The most common cause of shoulder pain in adults. The tendons can become irritated from overuse or wear (tendinopathy), pinched under the bone above (impingement), or torn. Pain is often felt on the outer side of the upper arm, is worse when lifting the arm or at night, and can make the arm feel weak.
Frozen Shoulder
The lining of the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and then tight, so the shoulder becomes painful and very stiff. It is more common in people aged 40 to 60 and in people with diabetes or thyroid problems. A frozen shoulder usually gets better over time, with physiotherapy and sometimes an injection, but recovery can take many months.
Shoulder Arthritis
Wear of the cartilage in the ball and socket, causing deep pain, stiffness and grinding. Rheumatoid arthritis and long-standing rotator cuff tears can also damage the joint.
Dislocation and Instability
The ball comes out of the socket, usually after a fall or a sports injury. Young, active people have a high chance of it happening again.
Fractures
A fall onto the arm or shoulder can break the upper arm bone or the collarbone, especially in older people.
Which of These Sounds Like You?
- “It hurts to lift my arm, especially at night, and my arm feels weak.”Tendon & Ligament Injuries
- “My shoulder is stiff and grinds, and the pain has been getting worse over months or years.”Arthritis
- “Severe arthritis or a large tendon tear has left my shoulder painful and hard to use.”Shoulder Replacement
- “I fell on my shoulder and now I cannot lift my arm.”Fracture & Trauma Care
How Shoulder Pain Is Diagnosed
Dr. Gadkari asks how the pain started and what makes it worse, and examines how far the shoulder moves and how strong the rotator cuff is. He also checks the neck, because neck problems can cause shoulder pain. X-rays show arthritis and bone problems; an ultrasound or MRI scan shows the tendons.
Treatment Options
Step 1 of 5
Rest From Aggravating Movements
Avoid lifting above shoulder height and heavy carrying for a while, but keep the shoulder gently moving.
Step 2 of 5
Physiotherapy
The main treatment for rotator cuff problems and frozen shoulder: stretching, then strengthening the muscles that control the shoulder.
Step 3 of 5
Medicines
Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines to make exercises possible and help with sleep.
Step 4 of 5
Injections
A steroid injection can ease pain from the rotator cuff or a frozen shoulder, so physiotherapy can work.
Step 5 of 5
Surgery
Repair of some rotator cuff tears, stabilisation for repeated dislocations, or a shoulder replacement for severe arthritis.
Read about surgery
Most shoulder pain does not need an operation. Dr. Gadkari finds the exact cause, explains it in plain words and sets a practical plan. When surgery is the better choice, for example for a large tendon tear in an active person or severe arthritis, he explains the options and what recovery involves.
Understand Your Diagnosis
He goes through your X-rays and scans with you, so you know exactly what is wrong and why.
Try Non-Surgical Care
Medicines, physiotherapy, weight and activity changes come first, for as long as they help.
Operate When It Helps
Surgery is advised only when it will clearly improve your pain and daily life.
Sleeping With a Painful Shoulder
- Sleep on your back or on the other side, with a pillow supporting the painful arm.
- A recliner or extra pillows behind your back can help in the first weeks.
- Take any prescribed pain relief an hour before bed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can shoulder pain be a sign of a heart problem?
Sometimes. Pain in the left shoulder or arm that comes with chest discomfort, breathlessness, sweating or nausea can be a heart attack. Call an ambulance on 108 straight away; do not wait for an orthopaedic appointment.
Is a frozen shoulder a reason for shoulder replacement?
No. A frozen shoulder is stiffness of the joint lining, not worn cartilage, and it usually improves with time, physiotherapy and sometimes an injection. Shoulder replacement is for joints damaged by arthritis, some complex fractures, or rotator cuff tears that cannot be repaired.
Will my shoulder dislocate again?
Young, active people have the highest chance of the shoulder dislocating again after the first time. Physiotherapy helps, and surgery to repair the torn tissue is considered when the shoulder keeps slipping out.
What is a reverse shoulder replacement?
In a reverse shoulder replacement, the ball and socket are swapped, so the ball is fixed to the shoulder blade and the socket to the arm bone. This lets the large deltoid muscle lift the arm when the rotator cuff tendons are badly torn and cannot be repaired.
Book a Consultation
Talk to Dr. Gadkari about shoulder pain. Message the clinic on WhatsApp or call, and they will find a time and place that suits you.
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