Unfortunately, they cannot be administered too often (usually not more than once every 3 months), as their more frequent use leads to damage to the articular cartilage. This makes it difficult to use them in the case of recurrent shoulder problems. In addition to treatment with compresses and showers (possible at home), there are also a number of treatments useful in the fight against ZZB:
- cryotherapy (except compresses), e.g. visits to the cryochamber,
- laser therapy – often has an analgesic effect and stimulates blood circulation,
- therapeutic massages – aimed at improving the blood supply to periarticular tissues,
- iontophoresis – it is a procedure involving the transdermal administration of drugs, drug molecules penetrate the skin with the help of an electric field,
- ultrasounds – have an anti-inflammatory effect, relax muscles and improve blood circulation.
Ask your doctor which treatments and in what number will most effectively help in the fight against ailments. Once the acute period of the disease has passed and the pain and inflammation have lessened, start exercising. Their goal is to improve muscle strength, prevent distortions, contractures and stiffness, and maintain overall mobility. The scope of kinesiotherapy includes exercises:
- general improvement,
- covering specific muscle groups,
- relaxing,
- stretching,
- performed passively and actively.
The number of kinesiotherapy techniques is large, so a well-prepared physiotherapist is another, next to a doctor, very important person in the team of people treating ZBB. Consult your physical therapist about the sequence and nature of the exercises you introduce.
Painful shoulder syndrome – surgery
Painful shoulder syndrome rarely requires surgical intervention. Surgery should be considered in the event of a tendon rupture or joint stiffness that cannot be corrected by rehabilitation.An early visit to the doctor will help to solve the problem quickly. This will prevent the development of stiffness and possible future chronic problems with the shoulder joint.
First of all, you should take care of the sick shoulder joint. Dress appropriately for the weather conditions, protect the pond from cooling down. You have to give up or at least avoid overburdening the diseased shoulder (e.g. when shopping, doing housework). When sleeping, you should sleep on your back or on a healthy shoulder – never sleep on a sick shoulder! Exercise systematically, it will help you maintain full range of motion in the joint. Swimming and aquatherapy are recommendable solutions for chronic ZBB.
Ignoring the problem will only extend the treatment time and in the future may cause inflammation in the shoulder joint to recur, and even result in the so-called “Frozen joint” – that is, irreversible restriction of mobility in the joint. Remember – no health problems, even the smallest ones, should be taken lightly!