SHOULDER PAIN

Do you need the advice of a shoulder pain specialist?   

A shoulder pain specialist in London can help quickly identify problems in a complex system of two joints.   Several ligaments and tendons attach each part of the shoulder joint to the spine through the scapula. Indeed, the arrangement offers excellent mobility but limited stability. Therefore, injuries, strains, and overuse are common. As a result of these injuries, many patients are prone to developing shoulder pain. 

Consequently, there are several different types of pain. For example, shoulder bursitis is characterised by pain in the rotator cuff tendons. Another source of pain is the acromioclavicular (or AC) joint.   Finally, any injury to cartilage from a shoulder dislocation can also cause pain. Alternatively, pain may also originate from the neck. Generally, a shoulder specialist can identify the cause of the pain, allowing treatment to be directed to the source. 

How do we assess shoulder pain by a shoulder pain specialist? 

An assessment begins with thorough questioning, including the onset, location, and factors that trigger and relieve pain. Next, further examination of shoulder strength and range of motion supports the diagnosis. Finally, ultrasound can visualise structures in the shoulder, including tendons and joints. Dr. Masci has extensive experience using MSK ultrasound. Generally, when ultrasound is used in the initial consultation, it can often replace the need for a more expensive MRI scan.

What are the outpatient shoulder pain specialist treatment options?

Typically, patients with longstanding shoulder pain can benefit from an ultrasound-guided cortisone injection. Generally, injections reduce pain and improve rehabilitation. Shoulder injections include shoulder bursitis injection, hydrodilatation for frozen shoulder, and shoulder calcification. Moreover, Dr. Masci can perform these shoulder injections relatively quickly and easily. In general, cortisone, hyaluronic acid, or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are available for the shoulder. 

Importantly, treating most shoulder conditions, whether due to overuse or trauma, almost always involves an exercise program. Furthermore, Dr. Masci collaborates with a fantastic group of rehabilitation specialists who can help you quickly return to sports. Finally, surgery should only be considered for failed injections and rehab cases. For example, recent evidence suggests that surgery equals rehab for rotator cuff pain and frozen shoulder.

Find out the causes of shoulder pain by clicking on the site of your shoulder pain. 

Specific shoulder conditions:

• Frozen shoulder
• Hydrodistension of shoulder
• Steroid injections in the shoulder 
• AC joint arthritis
• Shoulder arthritis 
• Rotator cuff injury/bursitis
• Long head of biceps tendonitis
• Shoulder calcification