A randomized controlled trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine has reported that ultrasound treatment is effective at reducing shoulder pain and calcium deposits and increasing quality of life when compared to a sham ultrasound treatment.

References
Ebenbichler GR, Erdogmus CB, Resch KL. Ultrasound Therapy For Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder. The New England Journal of Medicine. 1999; 340(20):1533-1538.

We often experience shoulder pain with no recollection of trauma. The causes are varied and include osteoarthritis, referred pain from your neck or overuse injuries. Sleeping in a bad position can pinch structures during the night and cause inflammation. Overuse of the shoulder during sports or daily activities can cause tendonitis, bursitis or impingement syndrome. These injuries will not allow you to move in a pain free manner and will cause altered movement patterns. This results in muscle imbalance and tightening of the shoulder structures.

A proper diagnosis and treatment is important it you are to return to your previous levels of activity. Remember, early intervention allows for quicker and better recovery.

References
West Vancouver Sports and Orthopedic Physiotherapy Clinic

The shoulder joint is a ball and socket joint similar to the hip joint. While the hip joint is designed to be very stable, the shoulder joint sacrifices stability in order to have increased mobility. Although it has some ligamentous stability, the shoulder mostly depends on the rotator cuff to keep it stable through the range of motion. The four muscles of the rotator cuff must work as a group along with the muscles of the shoulder blade and the arm to ensure proper biomechanics are maintained.

When you injure one or more of the rotator cuff muscles, the biomechanics of the shoulder is altered and can lead to impingement syndromes and tendonitis. Not only does the injured structure have to heal, but you must also retrain the muscles as a group so they can again work synchronously to avoid further complications and re-injury. The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the body and the rehabilitation following injury is also complex.

Clinically, we get the best results when the injury is treated immediately following trauma. Remember to ice and rest the injured arm in a supported position. If you think you may have a fracture, ensure you have an x-ray done. If your pain persists, see us at West Vancouver Sports and Orthopedic Physiotherapy where we will assess and diagnose your injury and will decide on the appropriate path of rehabilitation.

References
West Vancouver Sports and Orthopedic Physiotherapy Clinic