THEthe shoulder pain that does not pass, the difficulty in daily movements and the “shot” every time the arm is raised can indicate one Rotator -headphones lesion. This structure of muscles e shoulder tendons It is essential for movements in all directions. According to the data of the Italian Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology (Siot)about 30% of the over 60 in Italy have alterations or breakage of the rotator cuff, but the problem nOn only the elderly concerns. Sportsmen and workers subjected to repetitive efforts, in fact, show an increasing number of cases, demonstrating how the pathology can affect even the youngest.
Shoulder pain: a symptom not to be ignored
In Italy, according to the Italian Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology (Siot)about the 30% of over 60 He suffers from alterations or breakage of the rotator cap. But the problem does not concern only the elderly: sportsmen and manual workers are increasingly affected.
The shoulder pain that persists over time, accompanied by difficulties in the movements and by the feeling of a “shot” when lifting the arm, is often the first symptom of an injury to the rotator cuff. This structure, made up of muscles and tendons of the shoulder, is essential to guarantee stability and allow movements in all directions. In Italy, according to the Italian Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology (Siot), about thirty percent of the over 60s have alterations or breakage of the rotator cuff. It is a problem widespread not only among the elderly, but also among young sportsmen and among those who carry out repetitive and usaraating manual jobs.
Risk factors for the injury of the rotator cuff
«Degeneration and injuries are not synonymous, but often they follow one another – recalls the doctor Erika ViolaSiot councilor -. It is important to recognize signals and intervene with personalized therapies ». Among the main causes and risk factors are:
- Natural degeneration of tendons with the advance of age
- Incorrect postures and worn jobs
- Sudden traumalike falling or wrong movements
- Sport without adequate trainingespecially “overhead” disciplines (tennis, swimming, volleyball)
- Smoke and inheritance
Symptoms of injury: how to recognize it
THE Symptoms not to be overlooked they include night pain and during the movements above the head, snap sensations or joint schiocco, muscle weakness and limitations in daily gestures.
If the shoulder pain worsens over time, it is It is necessary to contact an orthopedist. A careful diagnosis includes clinical visit and targeted exams, because the gravity of the lesion does not always coincide with the intensity of pain.
Not only surgery: when physiotherapy and infiltrations are needed
Not all injuries necessarily require surgery. In less serious cases, the targeted physiotherapy can help strengthen muscles and recover mobility, while the infiltrations They represent a valid support to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. However, when the pain is persistent and weakness compromises daily activities, surgery becomes a concrete solution.
Shoulder pain: this is when arthroscopy is indicated
The intervention is often performed in arthroscopy and, if practiced in selected patients, allows you to return to a functional and not painful shoulder. As the Professor Pietro Simone Randelli, President of the Siot, the recovery times vary very on the basis of the type of injury, the general conditions of the patient and the quality of rehabilitation. It is important to remember that factors like the diabetes, obesity, hypertension or fumOr they can slow down healing and increase the risk of recurrence. «Artroscopic surgery, if performed on selected patients, allows you to return to a functional shoulder – explains Professor Pietro Simone RandelliSiot president -. But recovery times depend on age, general conditions and quality of the shoulder rehabilitation».
Functional recovery and prevention
The functional recovery of the shoulder takes time, constancy and a well -structured rehabilitation path. Physiotherapy represents a fundamental factor, but prevention is equally relevant. Take care of posture, avoid unnecessary overloads, practice sports carefully e without improvisations, Do not neglect the signals of painEe immediately contact a specialist in case of symptoms are essential strategies to reduce the risk of injury. Also theprolonged immobility must be avoided, Since it can encourage the appearance of the so -called frozen shoulder, a condition that strongly limits the movements and complicates the therapeutic path.
10 Siot tips to keep your shoulders healthy
Here are the practical recommendations of the orthopedists Siot:
Never underestimate shoulder pain.
Correct the trunk and scapula posture.
Avoid heavy bags or unbalanced backpacks.
Limit weights and movements above the head if not trained.
Heating and stretching in sport.
Attention to “overhead” sports who use the tendons.
Avoid prolonged immobility to prevent frozen shoulder, in medicine called adhesive capsulitisa pathology that affects the shoulder articulation causing intense pain and one progressive rigidity movements.
Contact an orthopedist immediately to the first symptoms.
Rely on shoulder physiotherapy and infiltrations in acute cases.
Consider surgery only in the cases selected.