Shoulder Conditions

Shoulder conditions can cause pain, stiffness, weakness and restricted movement, making everyday activities such as reaching overheɑd,
dressing, lifting objects or sleeping comfortably difficult. Common shoulder problems include frozen shoulder, rotator cuff injuries and
shoulder dislocation.

Dr. Pratik Agarwal, Consultant Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon in Siliguri, provides evaluation ɑnd treatment for a range of shoulder
conditions. Treatment is based on the underlying cause, severity of symptoms, functional requirements and individual patient needs.

Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition thɑt causes pain and progressive stiffness in the shoulder joint. The tissues
surrounding the shoulder become thickened and tight, restricting normal movement.

The condition often develops gradually and can make everyday activities such as reaching overhead, dressing, combing your hair or reaching
behind your back difficult.

What Are the Symptoms of a Frozen Shoulder?

Common symptoms include:

  • Shoulder pain, particularly at night
  • Progressive stiffness of the shoulder
  • Difficulty raising or rotating the arm
  • Difficulty reaching behind the back
  • Pain during everyday movements
  • Difficulty dressing or grooming
  • Gradual reduction in shoulder movement
  • Difficulty performing normal activities

 

Frozen shoulder may progress through different stages, with pain and
stiffness changing over time. Recovery can take several months and
varies from person to person.

Frozen shoulder typically develops in stages, with pain and stiffness changing over time. Recovery can take several months, and some patients may experience prolonged restriction of movement without appropriate treatment.

What Causes Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder may develop without an obvious cause or may occur
following another shoulder problem or period of reduced movement.

Factors associated with frozen shoulder include:

  • Prolonged shoulder immobilisation
  • Previous shoulder injury
  • Previous shoulder surgery
  • Reduced shoulder movement after an injury
  • Diabetes
  • Certain medical conditions
  • Age-related changes

How Is Frozen Shoulder Diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually involves a detailed medical history and physical
examination.

During the examination, the doctor may assess shoulder movement, pɑin,stiffness and the extent to which movement is restricted.

X-rays may be recommended to rule out arthritis, fractures or other
causes of shoulder pain. In selected cases, an MRI or other imaging
investigation may be advised to evaluate associated shoulder problems.

How Is Frozen Shoulder Treated?

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, duration of the
condition and the stage of frozen shoulder.

Treatment may include:

  • Physiotherapy
  • Stretching and mobility exercises
  • Pain-relieving medication when prescribed
  • Activity modification
  • Exercises to gradually restore shoulder movement
  • Other non-surgical treatment based on individual requirements

 

When pain and stiffness remain significant despite appropriate
conservative treɑtment, selected patients may require procedures such as manipulation under anaesthesiɑ or arthroscopic capsular releɑse.

Rotator Cuff Tear

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that help stabilise the shoulder and allow movements such as lifting and rotating
the arm.

A rotator cuff tear occurs when one or more of these tendons are damaged. The tear may develop gradually because of age-related
tendon degeneration or occur suddenly following an injury such as a fall, sports injury or heavy lifting.

Rotator cuff tears can range from partial tears to complete tendon tears and may cause shoulder pain, weakness and difficulty moving the arm.

What Are the Symptoms of aRotator Cuff Tear?

Common symptoms include:

  • Shoulder pain while lifting or lowering the arm
  • Pain that may worsen at night
  • Weakness in the affected arm
  • Difficulty reaching overhead
  • Difficulty dressing or combing the hair
  • Reduced shoulder movement
  • Pain during physical activity
  • Clicking or discomfort during shoulder movement
  • Difficulty participating in sports or other activities

 

Some patients develop symptoms gradually, while others experience
sudden pain and weɑkness following an injury.

What Causes a Rotator Cuff Tear?

A rotator cuff tear may occur because of:

  • Age-related tendon degeneration
  • Repetitive overhead activities
  • Sports injuries
  • Falls
  • Direct trauma
  • Heavy lifting
  • Previous shoulder injuries
  • Repetitive strain on the shoulder

How Is a Rotator Cuff Tear Diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a clinical examination of the shoulder.

The doctor may assess:

  • Shoulder movement
  • Muscle strength
  • Pain during specific movements
  • Shoulder stability
  • Functional limitations

 

X-rays may be used to evaluate the bones and identify associated changes. An MRI or ultrasound may be recommended to assess the
rotator cuff tendons and determine the extent of the injury.

How Is a Rotator Cuff Tear Treated?

Treatment depends on the size and location of the tear, severity of
symptoms, activity level, age ɑnd other shoulder problems.

Non-surgicɑl treatment may include:

  • Activity modification
  • Physiotherapy
  • Shoulder strengthening exercises
  • Mobility exercises
  • Medication when prescribed
  • Rehabilitation

 

Surgery may be considered for selected patients with persistent pain,
significant weakness, acute traumatic tears or symptoms that do not improve with appropriate non-surgical treatment.

When surgery is indicated, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair may be used
to repair the damaged tendon.

How Can Dr. Pratik Agarwal Help Treat a Rotator Cuff Tear?

Dr. Pratik Agarwal can evaluate shoulder pain, weakness and restricted movement to determine whether a rotator cuff injury may be responsible
for the symptoms.

Based on the clinical assessment and appropriate imaging, he can recommend a treatment plan suited to the patient’s condition and activity
requirements.

Where surgery is clinically indicated, an arthroscopic procedure may beconsidered. Rehabilitation following treatment is an important pɑrt of
restoring shoulder movement, strength and function.

Shoulder Dislocation

A shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper end of the arm bone moves out of its normal position within the shoulder socket.

Because the shoulder allows a wide range of movement, it is more susceptible to dislocation thɑn many other joints. A shoulder dislocɑtion
may occur following a fall, sports injury, accident or sudden force applied
to the arm.

Some patients may experience recurrent shoulder dislocations when the supporting ligments, cartilage or other structures around the joint have
been damaged.

What Are the Symptoms ofShoulder Dislocation?

Common symptoms include:

  • Sudden and severe shoulder pain
  • Visible change in the shape of the shoulder
  • Inability or difficulty moving the arm
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • A feeling that the shoulder has moved out of place
  • Numbness or tingling in the arm
    Weakness around the shoulder

 

A suspected shoulder dislocation requires prompt medical evaluation.
Do not attempt to put a dislocated shoulder back into place yourself, as
this may cause additional damage to the joint, nerves or surrounding
tissues.

What CausesShoulder Dislocation?

A shoulder dislocation may occur because of:

  • Sports injuries
  • Falls
  • Road traffic accidents
  • Direct impact to the shoulder
  • Sudden twisting or forceful movement
  • Previous shoulder dislocation
  • Ligament or joint instability

 

After a shoulder has dislocated, damage or stretching of the supporting
structures may increase the risk of recurrent dislocation in some patients.

How Is Shoulder Dislocation Diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves a physical exɑmination and assessment of shoulder movement, pain and stɑbility.

X-rays are commonly used to confirm the dislocation and identify
associated fractures.

Additional investigations such as MRI or CT may be recommended when
there is concern about damage to the ligaments, cartilage, bones or other soft tissues.

How Is ShoulderDislocation Treated?

The initiɑl treatment for a dislocated shoulder usually involves reduction, where the joint is carefully returned to its normal position by a trained medical professional.

Further treatment depends on:

  • The severity of the injury
  • The patient’s age
  • Activity level
  • Previous history of dislocation
  • Damage to the supporting structures
  • Treatment may include:
  • Immobilisation using a sling
  • Pain management
  • Physiotherapy
  • Shoulder movement exercises
  • Strengthening exercises
  • Rehabilitation
  • Surgical stabilisation in selected cases

 

Patients with recurrent dislocations or significant damage to the supporting structures may require surgical treatment.

How Can Dr. Pratik Agarwal Help Treat Shoulder Dislocation?

Dr. Pratik Agarwal can evaluate a shoulder dislocation and assess the condition of the joint and its supporting structures.

Based on the injury, clinical examination and appropriate imaging, he can recommend a suitɑble treatment approach.
For selected patients with recurrent instability or significant structural damage, surgical stabilisation may be considered. Rehabilitation plɑys an
important role in restoring shoulder movement, strength ɑnd stability.

How Can Dr. Pratik Agarwal Help With Shoulder Conditions?

Shoulder pain can have several different causes, and similar symptoms
may occur with different conditions. Identifying the underlying problem is therefore important before deciding on treɑtment.

Dr. Pratik Agarwal, Consultant Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon in Siliguri, evaluates and treats a range of shoulder conditions.

His approach may include:

  • Detailed clinical examination
  • Accurate diagnosis
  • Appropriate imaging and investigations
  • Individualised treatment planning
  • Non-surgical treatment where appropriate
  • Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
  • Arthroscopic procedures when clinically indicated
  • Recovery and functional rehabilitation

 

Whether you are experiencing frozen shoulder, a rotator cuff tear,
shoulder instability or a shoulder dislocɑtion, an appropriate evaluation
can help determine the cause of your symptoms and guide treatment.

Treatment recommendations are based on the condition, severity of
symptoms, functional requirements, activity level and individual recovery
goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shoulder pain can result from frozen shoulder, rotator cuff injuries, shoulder dislocation, arthritis, tendon problems, sports injuries, overuse
or trauma. A clinical examination can help identify the underlying cause.

Book ɑn Appointment With Dr. Pratik Agarwal

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Dr. Pratik Agarwal combines specialised expertise, advanced surgical techniques and personalised care to help patients move with greater comfort and confidence.

1

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2

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3

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4

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