Sore Shoulder in Physical Practice

Abstract

Sore shoulder or shoulder region is frequently encountered in general population. According to reference data prevalence ranges between 15 and 20% in 40-45 age group. A weak bone support enables extensive excursions of this joint and simultaneously reduces its stability. We analyzed successfulness of sore shoulder treatment in a sample of 1115 patients treated in the Center for physical medicine and rehabilitation between 1996 and 2004. All the patients reported to the Center either in acute phase or in the phase of chronic state exacerbation, with limited function that was graded on the scale 0 to 5. Type and kind of sore shoulder cause was determined by clinical examination and, where needed, by X-ray. Of the total number of cases, 33 patients did not report for follow up examination, 166 patients were forwarded to other physical therapy centers for treatment so the final analysis included 916 patients (82%) whose treatment success was evaluated on the scale 0 to 5. In 659 (58%) patients the inflammation of musculus biceps long tendon was identified as a cause of sore shoulder. The least frequent cause was the blow syndrome (impingement) -20 (2%). In 666 patients (73%) the problem was resolved by local instillation of depo corticosteroids (Betamethason 7 mg) so the physical treatment was not required.