Surgical and non-surgical treatments for shoulder overuse injuries

Shoulder and scapular disorders are very common in overhead sports, e.g. ball sports, swimming, kite surfing, windsurfing, snowboarding and gymnastics, but also in extensive computer work. A luxation trauma (fall on the extended arm) of the shoulder and a following instability needs to be diagnosed and treated. Otherwise labrum tears/ligament tears or cartilage  damages may become the reason for early osteoarthritis.
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​The shoulder girdle is a very complex system co-working with the spine and chest. The aim is to rebalance muscle function and coordination in the shoulder and thoracic system.

​Some injuries leading to pain syndromes (calcification of the rotator cuff or painful impingement) or tears in the rotator tendon system require arthroscopic surgery procedures.

The aim is always to stabilize the rotation center of the shoulder joint and to balance the complete scapular-thoracic system. A continued dysfunction with shifts in the center will ultimately create pain, disorders in the upper back, osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint and reduce mobility.

Non-surgical treatments:

• Specific manual and osteopathic techniques
• Stabilization training like TRX cord training or HUBER 360° Training
• Indoor (in my of office) climbing therapy and functional training of the shoulder muscles
• Capsular pain can be cured by High Energy Inductive Therapy
• Painful trigger points and small calcifications respond well to Shockwave Therapy
  

Surgical treatments:

• Arthroscopic reattachment of the labrum or supraspinatus tendon to restore stability in injuries and chronic instabilities 
• Arthroscopic extraction of calcification, opening of the space for the rotator cuff muscle (acromioplasty).
• Arthroscopic mobilisation in cases of chronic shoulder stiffness
• Arthroscopic cut of the long biceps tendon and shoulder ligaments in case of chronic pain and inflammation