The Topic Of This Post

  • Periarthritis and the shoulder joints
  • At the origins of scapulohumeral periarthritis
  • Symptoms not to be underestimated
  • Which therapeutic path to choose?
  • Playing in advance: the value of a preventive plan

When one of our shoulders causes pain, we usually complain of sudden twinges or a persistent state of tension: these are symptoms that deserve to be investigated because in some cases they could be a manifestation of periarthritis. In reality, the term periarthritis refers to a series of different inflammatory processes affecting our joint tissues. Since the shoulder joints are among the most affected by this pathology, let’s review the most common manifestations and take a look at the treatment options below. PERIARTHRITIS AND THE SHOULDER JOINTS

 

Both our bones and the surrounding joint structures are subject to morphological changes over time. In the case of the shoulder, the rotator muscles in which the relative tendons are inserted are particularly functional: it is the so-called “rotator cuff” that modifies our scapular structure and makes the arm rotate.

Among the morphological changes affecting the shoulder joints, some are unfortunately of a degenerative and inflammatory nature. One of the consequences is the so-called scapulohumeral periarthritis: in its most acute stages, this syndrome implies a reduced ability to move the shoulder and, sometimes, the inability to perform simple daily gestures.

In the context of a complex joint structure such as that of the shoulder, the sites of inflammation can therefore be different, sometimes even multiple: if we have received a diagnosis of periarthritis, it is therefore important to undergo further investigations that precisely define the nature of our problem and find the most suitable clinical solution for our case.

AT THE ORIGINS OF SCAPULOHUMERAL periarthritis

But why do our joints tend to get inflamed? According to clinical case histories, one of the main genesis of scapulohumeral periarthritis is of a traumatic nature: in other words, this disorder is mostly diagnosed among patients returning from prolonged immobility, caused by fractures or tendon injuries.

Another common cause is the physiological degeneration of the tendons, which over the years tend to lose elasticity, for hereditary or constitutional reasons: the muscle-tendon layer may be subject to a structural deterioration of a genetic nature.

If we then think of some professions or competitive sports activities, we can circumscribe as a possible cause of periarthritis also the prolonged use, and therefore wearing, of the scapulohumeral joint. Our tendons work under a complex system of bones, muscles, and ligaments: this functioning favors, under stress, their injury and (in the most serious cases) partial or total rupture.

Some pathological conditions related to the onset of periarthritis have also been identified, such as:

  • diabetes
  • hyper- and hypothyroidism
  • heart and cardiovascular diseases
  • Parkinson’s disease

For these reasons, if you are affected by one of these disorders it is advisable to include in your clinical routine a series of periodic checks, aimed at preventing – as far as possible – the onset of periarthritis and any other related pathologies.

SYMPTOMS NOT TO BE UNDERESTIMATED

Since the shoulder joint is one of the most overloaded in everyday life, each of us will have experienced localized discomfort at least once, perhaps due to having carried excessive or poorly distributed weight. So how can we distinguish normal fatigue from the symptom of suspected shoulder periarthritis?

Generally, people who have been diagnosed with a form of periarthritis complain of:

  • acute and sudden pain, with both diurnal and nocturnal onset;
  • painful and localized tension even at rest;
  • extreme difficulty in performing once automatic gestures (such as hanging up your jacket, buttoning your bra, taking your wallet out of your back pocket);
  • inability to keep the arm raised above the head.

Except for acute onset, the signs of a shoulder joint injury appear progressively. This means that, once more, we need to monitor our symptoms and keep track of their occurrence: we will notice that both flare-ups and improvements are gradual. In particular:

  • when the contracture is recent, the pain is intermittent and still allows movement;
  • in the chronic phase, the shoulder is practically stiff and unable to move.

Paying attention to the progression of pain, we will therefore provide our specialist with extremely useful information for formulating the most correct diagnosis.

WHICH THERAPEUTIC PATH TO CHOOSE?

 

At the beginning of the treatment process for periarthritis, our tissues will probably be preliminarily examined by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (MRI) or arthroscopy: both are diagnostic tests with different degrees of invasiveness, which allow to highlight the lesions affecting the joints.

Once our specific problem has been circumscribed, the specialist will evaluate the most suitable therapy.

In the context of therapies aimed at relieving shoulder pain, an important role is played by physiotherapy: rehabilitation treatments in this sense are aimed at strengthening the entire joint structure, and a good physiotherapy pathway can restore the functionality of the tendons without necessarily resorting to arthroscopic surgery.

Thanks to a valid physiotherapy process and the support of anti-inflammatory drug therapy, the joint stiffness caused by periarthritis can therefore be overcome, temporarily or even permanently. In addition to relieving pain, physiotherapy exercises allow us to improve joint flexibility and teach us to avoid harmful postural habits.

PLAYING IN ADVANCE: THE VALUE OF A PREVENTIVE PLAN

As we have seen, if we do heavy work or play a sport, or have been diagnosed with a form of periarthritis, our doctor has probably recommended physiotherapy as a good rehabilitation practice. From this point of view, it could be interesting to be able to access more types of physiotherapy: a therapeutic plan also offers this possibility.

For those who make prevention the first and most important form of treatment, the advantages associated with subscribing to a therapeutic plan are numerous: it allows us to constantly monitor our pathologies and achieve our health goals, offering both us and specialists a constant clinical and administrative support at reduced rates. 

Ensuring ad hoc treatment for one’s diagnosis, therefore, becomes simpler immediately: thus we have more time to devote ourselves to our Medicare life.