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Shoulder Pain & Treatments

Shoulder Pain & Treatments

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Shoulder Pains & the Types of Shoulder Pain Treatments & Therapy Conducted by our Doctors

Besides being the largest joint, the shoulder is also one of the most complex joints in the human body and is supported by a combination of muscles, bones and ligaments that allows a higher degree of motion and flexibility.

Shoulder pain and injury are very common and affect people of all ages. There are many causes of shoulder pain, and apart from arthritis, dislocations, instability and fractures, the shoulder is also prone to bursitis and tendinitis.

Shoulder pain can often be treated at home by using ice to provide relief and reduce swelling. You may also take painkillers to reduce the pain. However, if the pain persists even after a few days, it is advisable to consult a specialist for advice.

You must seek out an Orthopaedic Specialist if you are experiencing unbearable pain and swelling in your shoulder, especially if you are unable to rotate your shoulder, have no feeling in the arm and have a high temperature. The Orthopaedic Doctor may prescribe medication or physiotherapy and you will likely require to do a scan to accurately diagnose the cause of your shoulder pain.

Here at OSC, we offer a wide range of orthopaedic shoulder surgeries and treatments conducted by highly-qualified shoulder surgeons and orthopaedic specialists in Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia.

SHOULDER BURSITIS

Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs located in the joints throughout the body, including the shoulder. They act as cushions and help reduce friction between the gliding muscles and the bone.

Sometimes, excessive use of the shoulder leads to inflammation of the bursa between the rotator cuff and shoulder blade, causing sharp pain in the shoulder that is coupled with swelling, redness, stiffness and difficulty moving your joint. The result is a common condition known as bursitis. Many daily activities, such as combing your hair or getting dressed, may become difficult.

Anyone can experience bursitis, especially those who are involved in sports or manual labour. However, older people have a higher risk of getting bursitis shoulder pain. People with pre-existing health issues such as arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, diabetes and uremia can also experience shoulder bursitis.

How Our Surgeons Treat Shoulder Bursitis

Rest and ice therapy will be attempted for milder cases as a way to relieve shoulder pain caused by bursitis. If symptoms persist, a doctor can perform injections in or around the bursa to reduce swelling and discomfort. It is rarely necessary to excise the entire bursa surgically.

SHOULDER TENDINITIS

A tendon is a cord that connects muscle to bone, and sometimes, shoulder pain could indicate that the tendon is inflamed or irritated. Swelling, redness, warmth, difficulty moving the shoulder and a cracking sensation in the shoulder are some symptoms of tendinitis, which is common around the shoulder area.

Anyone can get shoulder tendinitis. However, adults, especially those over 40 years old, are more at risk as tendons become less elastic and flexible as we age, making them vulnerable to wear and tear.

Generally, tendinitis is one of two types:

Acute

Excessive ball throwing or other overhead activities during work or sport can lead to acute tendinitis.

Chronic

Degenerative diseases like arthritis or repetitive wear and tear due to age can lead to chronic tendinitis.

How Our Specialists Treat Tendinitis in the Shoulder Blade

Shoulder pain treatments for tendinitis may include a combination of rest, wrapping, and the use of ice packs for recent or severe injuries. Painkillers are used to reduce swelling. Physical therapy for shoulder pain is also part of the treatment. If pain is severe enough, an injection can also be administered into the shoulder to relieve symptoms. Shoulder surgery is only considered if symptoms do not improve with other treatments.

Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgery Conducted by Our Orthopaedic in Kuala Lumpur (KL)

If you are not responding to non-surgical treatments for your shoulder pain, a shoulder arthroscopy surgery may be considered.

Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that orthopaedic surgeons carry out to inspect, diagnose as well as treat problems inside a joint.

The common arthroscopic procedures are:

  • Rotator cuff repair
  • Repair of ligaments
  • Removal of inflamed tissue/loose cartilage
  • Removal/repair of the labrum
  • Repair for recurrent shoulder dislocation

Rotator Cuff Injury Treatment

A rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles surrounding the shoulder joint. It keeps the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder. Injuring the rotator cuff would require a rotator cuff injury treatment to be carried out.

This shoulder surgery often involves doctors having to re-attach the tendon to the head of the humerus. Should there be a partial tear, the surgeon may only need to carry out debridement, a trimming or smoothing procedure. A complete tear, however, is repaired by stitching the tendon back on the upper arm bone.

Surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff most often involves re-attaching the tendon to the head of the humerus (upper arm bone). A partial tear, however, may need only a trimming or smoothing procedure called a debridement. A complete tear is repaired by stitching the tendon back to its original site on the humerus.

Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery

If you are experiencing severe shoulder pain that interferes with your daily activities like lifting or reaching out for objects, washing and even sleeping, a shoulder specialist might recommend a shoulder replacement surgery.

Shoulder replacement surgery might also be the best option for your shoulder pain if you have not experienced any improvements from getting other treatments such as cortisone injection, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications.

Shoulder replacement surgery is performed by surgeons to remove the damaged parts of the shoulder. These parts are then replaced with artificial components, also known as prostheses.

This surgery is done either to replace just the head of the humerus bone or both the humerus bone and the socket.

What is the cost of shoulder replacement and arthroscopic shoulder surgery in Malaysia?

To learn more about the cost of shoulder replacement surgery, arthroscopic shoulder surgery or other orthopaedic shoulder surgeries available at OSC, please feel free to contact us via WhatsApp at +6016 938 7830.

If you experience persistent shoulder pain, swelling, or have difficulty rotating your shoulder, it is advisable to seek medical assistance. Additionally, if you notice loss of sensation in your arm or have a high temperature along with shoulder pain, consulting an orthopaedic specialist at OSC is recommended. Timely evaluation is crucial to determine the cause of your shoulder issues and receive appropriate treatment.

The recovery process after shoulder surgery varies depending on the type of procedure and individual factors. Generally, it may involve rest, physiotherapy, and gradual rehabilitation. Full recovery can take several weeks to months, with a return to strenuous activities potentially taking up to a year. At OSC, our orthopaedic surgeon will provide you with a personalised recovery plan and timeline to guide you through the process.

After undergoing shoulder surgery, it is essential to adhere to a set of do’s and don’ts to ensure a successful recovery. Here’s a brief overview of what to do and what to avoid:

Do’s:

  • Follow your orthopaedic surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully.
  • Attend all recommended physiotherapy sessions.
  • Keep the surgical area clean and dry.

Don’ts:

  • Put excessive weight on your operated shoulder.
  • Skip prescribed medications or physiotherapy sessions.
  • Do high-impact activities until cleared by your orthopaedic surgeon.

Common shoulder ailments encompass conditions such as bursitis, tendinitis, osteoarthritis of the shoulder, dislocations, instability, and fractures. These conditions can lead to pain, discomfort, and restricted mobility in the shoulder joint.

Treatment options for severe shoulder conditions depend on the specific ailment and its severity. Common treatments include: 

  • Non-surgical approaches like ice therapy, medications and physiotherapy.
  • Injections for shoulder pain management.
  • Shoulder arthroscopy surgery. 
  • Rotator cuff repair.
  • Reverse shoulder replacement. 

Book your appointment with us today and our orthopaedic shoulder specialists will help to determine the most suitable treatment based on your diagnosis and individual needs.

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