J Korean Med Assoc.
2022 Nov;65(11):699-708. 10.5124/jkma.2022.65.11.699.
Nonoperative treatment of shoulder pain
- Affiliations
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- 1Shoulder and Elbow Joint Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Konkuk University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
- KMID: 2536606
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2022.65.11.699
Abstract
- Background
The shoulder joint has a wide range of motion and is extensively used. Damage in its components may cause functional deficits and pain. In particular, shoulder joint pain is associated with discomfort due to the involvement of the joint’s movement in basic tasks of daily life, such as washing one’s hair, dressing, and eating.
Current Concepts
Diseases that cause shoulder joint pain include shoulder impingement syndrome, rotator cuff tear and tendinopathy, lesion of superior labrum anterior to posterior, biceps tendinitis, adhesive capsulitis, calcific tendinitis, and shoulder instability. Nonoperative treatment of shoulder joint pain includes: (1) reducing pain and preventing structural damage through rest, lifestyle modification, and physical therapy; (2) reducing pain through drug and injection treatment; (3) strengthening the rotator cuff muscles, around the scapula; and (4) performing scapular stabilization treatment through muscle strengthening. These treatments maintain the biomechanics of the shoulder joint, prevent disease progression, and enable pain-free daily life and exercise through symptom relief.
Discussion and Conclusion
It is necessary to have an accurate understanding of the structures that cause shoulder joint pain. Understanding the cause of the pain can prevent the disease from progressing. Nonoperative management for shoulder pain consists of preventing a decrease in the range of motion of the shoulder joint with reduction of pain relief, preventing inflammation through drug treatment, injection treatment, lifestyle modifications, and improving muscle strength of the muscles around the rotator cuff and periscapular muscle joint through rehabilitation exercise. Nonoperative treatment modalities are valuable and cost-effective management options for shoulder pain.
