Shoulder Pain Treatment
in Delray Beach, FL
in Delray Beach, FL
Shoulder Pain: Prevalence and Symptoms
Shoulder pain is a common condition affecting 2.4% of middle-aged adults. It can occur due to injuries, overuse, arthritis, and other causes. The shoulder is a complex joint with many muscles, tendons, and ligaments, so there are many potential sources of pain. Typical symptoms include aching, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and difficulty lifting the arm. While shoulder pain can often be treated with rest, ice, medication, and physical therapy, sometimes injections are required for more severe injuries or conditions.
Arthritis
Two main types of arthritis can cause shoulder pain: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage (rubbery tissue inside the joint) breaks down over time. As a result, the bones rub against each other, leading to significant pain. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disorder in which immune cells attack healthy tissues, causing inflammation. It can damage the shoulder joint and soft tissues. Besides pain, patients often feel stiffness and a loss of shoulder function.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
An injury to the rotator cuff muscles and tendons in the shoulder can lead to significant discomfort. It often occurs due to overuse or acute trauma. Symptoms include shoulder pain, weakness, and limited mobility. These negative sensations may also radiate to the shoulder blade and other areas. A rotator cuff injury can lead to tears, sprains, and other conditions that seriously affect the patient’s quality of life.
Shoulder Joint Dislocation
Shoulder dislocation is a common cause of acute pain and dysfunction. It occurs when the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) becomes displaced from the shoulder socket. This can happen from a traumatic injury, like a fall or sports accident, which forces the shoulder joint out of its normal position. Dislocation stretches the joint capsule and ligaments, leading to intense pain, swelling, and an inability to move the arm.
Arthritis
Two main types of arthritis can cause shoulder pain: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage (rubbery tissue inside the joint) breaks down over time. As a result, the bones rub against each other, leading to significant pain. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disorder in which immune cells attack healthy tissues, causing inflammation. It can damage the shoulder joint and soft tissues. Besides pain, patients often feel stiffness and a loss of shoulder function.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
An injury to the rotator cuff muscles and tendons in the shoulder can lead to significant discomfort. It often occurs due to overuse or acute trauma. Symptoms include shoulder pain, weakness, and limited mobility. These negative sensations may also radiate to the shoulder blade and other areas. A rotator cuff injury can lead to tears, sprains, and other conditions that seriously affect the patient’s quality of life.
Shoulder Joint Dislocation
Shoulder dislocation is a common cause of acute pain and dysfunction. It occurs when the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) becomes displaced from the shoulder socket. This can happen from a traumatic injury, like a fall or sports accident, which forces the shoulder joint out of its normal position. Dislocation stretches the joint capsule and ligaments, leading to intense pain, swelling, and an inability to move the arm.
Bone Spurs
These are bony projections that develop in the shoulder joint. They often occur due to arthritis or aging. The spurs can irritate the rotator cuff tendons and bursa sacs, leading to pain and inflammation.
Nerve Injuries
The shoulder joint is surrounded by a network of nerves. Injuries to these nerves may occur from trauma, chronic diseases like arthritis, poor posture, or repetitive motions. This can lead to pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the shoulder and arm.
Bone Spurs
These are bony projections that develop in the shoulder joint. They often occur due to arthritis or aging. The spurs can irritate the rotator cuff tendons and bursa sacs, leading to pain and inflammation.
Nerve Injuries
Possible Conditions
PRP Injections
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections involve taking a sample of the patient’s own blood, extracting PRP, and injecting it into the injured area. This procedure takes 30-45 minutes. PRP includes growth factors (useful proteins) that heal the affected tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints. These injections can reduce inflammation and promote the regeneration of soft tissues. Multiple treatments may be needed for full effect.
Steroid Injections With Ultrasound Guidance
This procedure involves injecting a steroid medication directly into the shoulder joint or other affected area. Ultrasound guidance allows the doctor to precisely direct the needle and deliver the medication to the exact location of injury or swelling. Steroid injections can provide powerful anti-inflammatory effects and help people experiencing shoulder pain.
Trigger Point Injections
This treatment targets painful muscle knots called trigger points. A local anesthetic, sometimes mixed with a steroid, is injected directly into these problematic spots. This can relieve spasms, relax muscles, and break the pain cycle. If the underlying cause of the trigger points is addressed, such injections may provide longer-term relief.
Medication Management
Medication management involves prescribing oral drugs to help manage shoulder pain and inflammation. Standard options include NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), analgesics, muscle relaxants, and corticosteroid pills. Medications provide significant relief for patients who experience shoulder pain. They are often combined with other treatments to achieve long-lasting results.
Possible Treatments
Week 1
In the first week, inflammation and pain levels decrease as the injections begin working. Patients are advised to rest the shoulder as much as possible and avoid strenuous activity that could aggravate the injury. Ice packs may be applied to help reduce swelling. Patients can begin gentle range-of-motion exercises but should avoid lifting or pushing with the affected arm. Pain medication may be used sparingly to manage any residual discomfort.
Week 2
Symptoms improve substantially by the second week and the range of motion increases. At this stage, patients may engage in physical therapy, with exercises focused on flexibility and strengthening of the rotator cuff and shoulder muscles. Stretches, light-resistance band work, and gentle joint mobilization techniques may be incorporated.
Week 1
In the first week, inflammation and pain levels decrease as the injections begin working. Patients are advised to rest the shoulder as much as possible and avoid strenuous activity that could aggravate the injury. Ice packs may be applied to help reduce swelling. Patients can begin gentle range-of-motion exercises but should avoid lifting or pushing with the affected arm. Pain medication may be used sparingly to manage any residual discomfort.
Week 2
Symptoms improve substantially by the second week and the range of motion increases. At this stage, patients may engage in physical therapy, with exercises focused on flexibility and strengthening of the rotator cuff and shoulder muscles. Stretches, light-resistance band work, and gentle joint mobilization techniques may be incorporated.
Weeks 3-6
Over the next several weeks, the shoulder injury continues healing. If the patient is engaged in physical therapy, they can undergo progressive resistance exercises, starting light and increasing gradually. The goal is to regain full mobility and stability without overstressing the joint. By the end of this period, many patients recover good shoulder function with minimal lingering stiffness or soreness.
Beyond 6 Weeks
If pain and weakness persist beyond six weeks, further evaluation may be warranted to check for complications. Additional imaging, medication adjustments, or referral to shoulder surgery can be considered if symptoms are not resolving as expected. However, most patients see significant improvement with proper treatment and return to normal activities within six weeks. Some residual tightness or intermittent discomfort may remain for several months after injections.
Weeks 3-6
Over the next several weeks, the shoulder injury continues healing. If the patient is engaged in physical therapy, they can undergo progressive resistance exercises, starting light and increasing gradually. The goal is to regain full mobility and stability without overstressing the joint. By the end of this period, many patients recover good shoulder function with minimal lingering stiffness or soreness.
Beyond 6 Weeks
If pain and weakness persist beyond six weeks, further evaluation may be warranted to check for complications. Additional imaging, medication adjustments, or referral to shoulder surgery can be considered if symptoms are not resolving as expected. However, most patients see significant improvement with proper treatment and return to normal activities within six weeks. Some residual tightness or intermittent discomfort may remain for several months after injections.
Recovery After Shoulder Pain Treatment
Candidates for Shoulder Pain Treatment
During the initial consultation, Dr. Gazelle Aram studies the patient’s medical history and develops a comprehensive treatment plan. Using her deep expertise, she selects the best procedures to achieve lasting relief.
Benefits of Shoulder Pain Treatment
Our effective treatments address all types of discomfort and relieve pain. Patients can receive the following benefits:
Cost of Shoulder Pain Treatment in Delray Beach, FL
The cost of shoulder pain treatment in Delray Beach ranges from $100 to $5,000, depending on the type of procedure:
- Physical therapy may require between $100 and $300 per session.
- One steroid injection costs $200-$300, so several treatments during a year can add up to $1,200.
- The most expensive option is PRP. Depending on the patient's condition, one injection may cost between $500 and $2,500.
Expert Care Center gives price quotes after the initial consultation with Dr. Aram. She evaluates each patient thoroughly and discusses their symptoms before selecting the best treatment and providing a detailed cost breakdown.
Dr. Aram Is a Specialist in Shoulder Pain Treatment
As a member of prestigious medical organizations, Dr. Gazelle Aram stays current on the latest innovations in regenerative medicine. This allows her to develop personalized treatment plans that combine traditional methods with new therapies harnessing the body’s natural healing abilities. Her integrative approach also incorporates lifestyle factors to promote long-term wellness. With expertise cultivated through organizations like the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and ARMI, Dr. Aram achieves excellent results for all patients.
