Why Does Shoulder Pain Worsen Despite Treatment?
Many individuals suffer from shoulder pain for more than three months, trying various treatments like shockwave therapy, laser therapy, medications, and injections, yet see no improvement or even experience worsening symptoms. If hospital visits result in increased stiffness and pain, it is crucial to obtain an accurate diagnosis rather than relying solely on symptom-based treatments.
Understanding the Complexity of Shoulder Pain
Despite multiple treatment modalities, persistent or worsening pain might suggest an inaccurate diagnosis. The shoulder is a complex structure involving tendons, ligaments, bones, and nerves. A simple pain could be a sign of more serious issues such as muscle or tendon tears, adhesive capsulitis, or calcific tendonitis.
Is Manual Therapy Always Beneficial?
Manual therapy involves physical therapists using their hands to improve joint and muscle function, but its effectiveness can vary significantly. During active inflammation or tissue damage, manual therapy might exacerbate symptoms. Conditions like rotator cuff tears or severe joint adhesions require careful assessment before manual therapy. An MRI or ultrasound should precede any physical interventions to determine the shoulder’s current state.
Advanced Diagnostic Options in Large Hospitals
University hospitals or large general hospitals with orthopedics or rehabilitation medicine departments can offer precise diagnostics. While standard X-rays might miss tendon or ligament injuries, MRI scans can provide detailed insights. Additionally, real-time ultrasound examinations and electromyography tests can help diagnose nerve-related pain. Blood tests may also be necessary to rule out inflammatory or autoimmune diseases.
The Role of Orthopedic Diagnosis
Orthopedic evaluations can accurately identify structural issues involving bones, ligaments, and tendons, and determine if surgical intervention is necessary. They are particularly effective in diagnosing rotator cuff tears or internal joint inflammation.
Rehabilitation Medicine’s Approach
When pain becomes chronic and muscle use patterns are distorted, exercise therapy and posture correction become essential. Rehabilitation medicine focuses on these aspects, creating customized treatment plans to address the root causes.
Interventional Treatment at Pain Clinics
For nerve pain, referred pain, or myofascial pain that does not respond to medications or physical therapy, pain medicine clinics offer nerve blocks, radiofrequency treatments, and injections. These procedures can also be combined with manual therapy to soothe nerves before physical manipulation.
The Importance of Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment
If shoulder pain persists for over three months without improvement, it is crucial to reassess the treatment approach. Before dismissing treatments as ineffective or painful, understand where the pain originates. Accurate diagnosis is the key to recovery, and it often requires comprehensive evaluations at university hospital orthopedics or rehabilitation departments, including MRI and ultrasound diagnostics. Combining these with manual or physical therapy and nerve block treatments may offer the most effective relief.
Conclusion: Seeking Comprehensive Evaluation for Shoulder Pain
Persistent shoulder pain can become chronic and lead to functional limitations if not addressed properly. Accurate diagnosis is the first step towards recovery. Visiting larger hospitals for a thorough evaluation rather than repeatedly attending the same facility is crucial. With precise diagnostics and a tailored treatment plan, recovery is possible, ensuring better management of shoulder pain and improved quality of life.