If you just endure it, it’s only temporary... It does not get better.
Are you losing sleep due to chronic shoulder pain?
Many people endure the pain at first, hoping it will go away, and only visit the hospital when the discomfort becomes severe.
Shoulder pain, too, is often overlooked in the early stages, but as time passes, it can worsen and significantly disrupt daily life . What’s important to note is that long-lasting shoulder pain won’t resolve on its own if left untreated.
Do you feel a sharp pain in your shoulder? Why does shoulder pain occur? Overuse of the shoulder Degenerative changes due to aging Excessive sports activities
Reasons for Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can occur due to the following causes: Degenerative Causes Due to Aging As we age, the muscles, ligaments, and joints around the shoulder weaken, leading to degeneration and structural changes. Causes Related to Sports Activities Engaging in intense physical activity beyond one's capacity or exercising without proper warm-up can lead to injuries. Additionally, prolonged sports activities can put excessive strain on the shoulder. Excessive Shoulder Use Repetitive overhead movements, frequent heavy lifting, and prolonged fixed postures—such as extended computer work—can contribute to shoulder pain.
Shoulder Pain Condition 1 Frozen Shoulder It’s not just a condition for people in their 50s. The Most Common Shoulder Condition A typical symptom is stiffness in the shoulder, making movement difficult and causing severe pain. Normal Shoulder: The joint capsule moves smoothly. Frozen Shoulder: The joint capsule sticks together or becomes inflamed, restricting movement.
Common Shoulder Conditions Shoulder Condition 2: Rotator Cuff Tear A condition where one of the four tendons that move the shoulder is stretched or torn, causing pain. Shoulder Condition 3: Calcific Tendinitis A condition caused by the accumulation of calcium deposits in the shoulder tendons, leading to pain and stiffness. Shoulder Condition 4: Shoulder Impingement Syndrome A condition where the space between the acromion and the humerus narrows, causing pain with shoulder movement. Shoulder Condition 5: Shoulder Arthritis A condition where inflammation occurs in the shoulder joint, leading to damage of the surrounding tissues and cartilage.
Various Conditions Related to Shoulder Pain
If these conditions are not properly managed in the early stages of symptom onset, the symptoms may worsen rather than improve.
Wait a moment, The cause of shoulder pain may be localized to the affected area, but did you know that abnormalities in your lower back or walking pattern could also be a problem?
If you want to properly find out why you're in pain, you need this. Electromyography (EMG) A test that measures and evaluates the electrical signals between the nervous system and muscles to determine nerve damage or muscle abnormalities
Could There Be a Hidden Cause of Shoulder Pain?
You might dismiss your shoulder pain as just a common frozen shoulder, but in some cases, the issue may not actually originate from the shoulder itself. Factors such as walking patterns or spinal conditions can contribute to shoulder pain.
Because there are various underlying causes, including overall physical imbalances and structural issues, accurately identifying the source of the pain is crucial. To diagnose shoulder pain, assessing the alignment of the bones and evaluating the condition of the muscles and associated nerves are important steps. X-ray: Used to check bone alignment and provide insight into possible muscular abnormalities. Ultrasound: Helps in detecting muscle strains or tension in detail. Electromyography (EMG): Useful for assessing chronic tingling sensations or persistent pain by measuring electrical signals between muscles and nerves, helping to determine nerve compression or damage caused by muscular issues.
Different Pain for Different Shoulder Conditions
Different Treatment Methods Based on Diagnosis Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) Acupuncture Therapy Injection Therapy Muscle Relaxation Technique
Therapeutic Approaches Through Diagnosis Depending on the diagnosis of shoulder pain, various treatment approaches can be considered.
Manual Therapy for Unexplained Shoulder Pain
Manual Therapy A treatment method that helps regulate pain and improve function by restoring the proper alignment of the spine and joints, including the neck, shoulders, spine, and pelvis
Early Treatment for Shoulder Pain Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) High-energy waves are momentarily transmitted from the outside to the inside, intentionally causing micro-injuries to the affected area. This process stimulates cell regeneration and promotes recovery
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy helps realign the spine and joints while relaxing tense muscles, reducing pain, and improving function.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
ESWT delivers powerful waves (energy) continuously to the muscles around the painful area, helping to alleviate symptoms and promote cellular regeneration. Through shockwave therapy, both acute and chronic shoulder pain can be treated more effectively.
Why Proper Treatment is Necessary for Shoulder Pain If appropriate treatment is not received after pain occurs, symptoms may worsen. Misalignment of the spine can compress nerves, leading to pain in areas such as the lower back, wrists, and neck.
The Need for Proper Treatment
If shoulder pain is left untreated, the symptoms may worsen, leading to nerve compression.
Additionally, an imbalance in the spine and joints can cause pain in other areas, such as the neck and lower back.
As mentioned earlier, receiving an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment in the early stages is the key to maintaining good health.
Golden Time for Prevention: Chronic Shoulder Pain Prevention Tips Maintain good posture and stretch Avoid excessive shoulder use Engage in regular shoulder-strengthening exercises Receive appropriate treatment at the early stage of pain
Shoulder Pain Prevention Tips
Stretching and Proper Posture: Correct fixed postures and maintain flexible shoulder muscles through regular stretching. Reducing Excessive Shoulder Use: Avoid overuse and excessive movements that strain the shoulders. Shoulder Strengthening Exercises: Regularly perform strength exercises to strengthen shoulder muscles and maintain overall health. Early-Stage Treatment: Do not endure pain—seek treatment immediately when symptoms begin.
Specialist in Rehabilitation Medicine Chief Director’s Consultation
Dr. Jin-Young Lee, a specialist in rehabilitation medicine with over 10 years of experience treating a wide range of patients at university hospitals, provides a seamless one-stop service from diagnosis to treatment.
We support our patients in achieving a comfortable and healthy life.
