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The shoulder is one of the most mobile, but also complex joints in the human body. Thanks to it, we can raise our hand, grasp, and create. However, this freedom of movement is also accompanied by sensitivity to injuries or degenerative phenomena, which often lead to chronic shoulder pain.

Chronic shoulder pain is a very common condition, which, unfortunately, many patients get used to or neglect, resulting in a worsening of the condition and a gradual decrease in their quality of life.

Shoulder pain is not “innocent”

Shoulder pain should not be underestimated. Many times, due to the body’s compensatory mechanisms, the function of the hand is temporarily maintained. The patient gets used to the pain and postpones treatment, considering it to be something temporary or “tolerable”. In reality, however, this progressive deterioration often leads to significant changes in the joint, and when help is finally sought, the solution is not always simple or non-invasive.

Why does the shoulder hurt? 

The shoulder can hurt for several reasons:

• Tendinitis (e.g. hyperacanthium or hypospadium)

• Rupture of rotator cuff tendons

• Calcific tendonitis

• Impingement Syndrome

• Shoulder Osteoarthritis

• Acromioclavicular joint arthritis

• Shoulder dislocation

• Frozen shoulder

• Long head injuries biceps brachii

The pain may be sudden or gradual, worsen at night, be accompanied by reduced range of motion, weakness, or even inability to sleep on the affected side.

The importance of correct and timely diagnosis

Correct and timely diagnosis is the first step in treatment. Each patient is different and requiresan individualized approach, which combines clinical examination, history taking and functional assessment, as well as imaging tests (e.g. ultrasound, X-ray, MRI). 

In this context, the doctor-patient relationship is crucial. The patient must explain what he or she is feeling and the doctor must understand, suggest and inspire trust. 

Treatment Solutions

Treatment of shoulder pain is not one-size-fits-all. There are many different options, depending on the nature and severity of the problem:

Pharmaceutical treatment

• Anti-inflammatory drugs

• Painkillers

• Muscle relaxants 

Physiotherapy and Kinesiotherapy

• Special strengthening and stretching protocols
• Ergometric control
• Recover range of motion 

Biological Therapies

• PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Injections
• Stem cell infusions (stem cells) 

Shoulder Arthroscopy

When the problem is mechanical (such as tendon rupture or impingement), the solution comes through arthroscopic surgery. This is a minimally invasive method, performed with very small incisions and a high-definition camera. The method offers less postoperative pain, faster recovery and minimal destruction of healthy tissue. 

Robotic shoulder surgery

In the most complex cases, robotic technology offers revolutionary precision. Today, we plan the surgery on the computer, preparing angles, degrees and distances from known anatomical points with absolute precision. Then, we execute the plan in the operating room with the help of robotic systems that guarantee extremely accurate reproduction of the plan. 

Robotic surgery is mainly useful:

• In anatomical shoulder arthroplasty
• In reverse shoulder arthroplasty
• In complex anatomical corrections
• In revision of previous operations arthroplasty

 The importance of early intervention

Delaying seeking medical help has a direct cost in quality of life.

The pain may initially seem minor, but over time:

• Limits use of the hand
• Disrupts sleep
• Impacts work or physical activity
• Leads to chronic damage requiring more complex interventions

Return to life and activity

Rehabilitation after proper therapeutic intervention, even surgical, is almost always successful. With the right rehabilitation protocol, most patients return to work, to sports (amateur or professional), and to their daily lives, without pain.

Conclusion

Shoulder pain is never “normal” and should not become a way of life. From the mildest tendonitis to severe degenerative lesions, there are now multiple treatment options that can give the patient complete restoration of functionality and freedom from pain. Correct diagnosis, timely intervention, but also modern technology, are the “keys” to victory over chronic shoulder pain.