Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can occur due to a variety of reasons. Possible causes include injuries, overuse, inflammation such as arthritis or bursitis, tendon damage, arthrosis, or muscle tension. Unhealthy diet and environmental factors should also be considered when determining the causes. Therapists should also consider the masticatory system in cases of shoulder pain. If there is a functional disorder of the masticatory system, shoulder pain, as a result of TMJ, may occur. An interdisciplinary assessment by an experienced dentist is highly recommended for shoulder pain.

Treatment depends on the cause. Therefore, a thorough medical history, physical examination, blood tests, and additional radiological imaging, such as ultrasound or MRI, are essential. Rest, physiotherapeutic exercises, and anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving medications, including injections, can help with acute pain. For chronic shoulder pain, targeted medical treatment, including dietary changes and detoxification measures, may be necessary. The primary treatment approach is to achieve anti-inflammatory effects to reduce swelling of the inflamed tendon. For partial tears, stimulating the body’s healing process to accelerate healing may be beneficial. This could involve hyperthermia, anti-inflammatory infusions, taking anti-inflammatory supplements, and ultrasound-guided PRP injection. In some cases, especially with structural problems such as tendon rupture, surgery is essential. A TMJ consultation can reveal the impact of the masticatory system on shoulder pain. In the case of a bio-functional disorder of the masticatory apparatus, it is necessary to bring the temporomandibular joints into a correct centric position and to treat the anatomically incorrect bite. Only in this way can the temporomandibular joints, teeth, and body be holistically balanced in the long term.

Heat can have a soothing effect and relieve tension. Recommended sources of heat include warm baths, sauna, and exposure to infrared light. Overheating and burns should be avoided at all costs.

Consistent training is crucial for preventing serious damage. Since a postural and training-induced elevation of the humeral head is often the cause of the problem, correct posture, especially at the desk, should be observed—shoulders should not be pulled forward, and armrests should not be set too high. When training, exercises focusing on downward force development and stretching should be preferred.

Prevention, to avoid future shoulder pain, is fundamental and important. This includes a healthy diet, regular moderate training of the shoulder and back muscles, ergonomic workplace design, and regular stretching to counteract muscle shortening. Excessive and unusual strains should be avoided.

The information listed contains relevant topics and serves to improve understanding.