Shoulder Pain? Dr. Ram Yaron on the Innovations, Treatments, and Important News for Those Suffering from Shoulder Issues

Research has shown that biological treatments can reduce shoulder pain and may prevent the need for surgery, but that's not all.

Dr. Ram Yaron, a senior orthopedic surgeon and chairman of the Israeli Shoulder and Joint Society, explains in an exclusive interview with PassportNews that the innovative biological treatments also prevent harmful side effects to the patient.

What are the causes of shoulder injuries?

Dr. Ram Yaron: "The reasons for shoulder injuries are varied, but they often involve overuse. Athletes are among those affected. As people age, especially over 50, degenerative processes combined with muscle weakening increase the risk of shoulder injuries."

In which sports are the causes more common?

"Shoulder injuries are particularly common among handball players, basketball players, tennis players, weightlifters, and swimmers. Often, these injuries result from poor training and excessive stress on the shoulder joint. Individuals whose daily work involves heavy use of their shoulders are also exposed to shoulder injuries."

What are the symptoms of shoulder injuries?

"The patient feels a kind of pinching in the shoulder tendon, which means tendon inflammation, leading to instability of the shoulder itself and other injuries. Another sign of inflammation is local pain that increases when lifting the shoulder above head height, and difficulty in movement."

Does a tear in the shoulder tendon mainly happen?

"A tear or strain in the shoulder tendons is a common sports injury, caused by excessive load on the shoulder tendons."

How is it diagnosed?

"Diagnosis of the injury takes into account the symptoms the patient reports, their ability to perform certain actions, and their medical history. Imaging tests can also help in these cases, although they are limited in some situations and do not always clearly determine the nature of the injury. Nevertheless, consulting a doctor who specializes in sports injuries, including shoulder injuries, can help in dealing with the injury, obtaining a faster diagnosis, and receiving treatment."

How is it treated?

"There are many treatments that can be offered in cases of shoulder injuries, ranging from rest and physical therapy to various anti-inflammatory injections, biological injections, and in some cases, surgeries."

What are the latest innovations in shoulder pain treatments and the latest news for those suffering from them?

"There are new developments in this field. For example, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in the shoulder is a minimally invasive new procedure that uses the patient's blood to help heal injuries and conditions affecting tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints."

What is the plasma injection process?

"Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is prepared by taking a blood sample and spinning it in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the rest of the blood. Platelets are cells that play a role in blood clotting and wound healing. The plasma is injected under ultrasound into the affected area."

How do I know if the treatment is right for me?

"Suitable reasons for PRP treatment include inflammation of varying severity in the tendons, cartilage wear, or partial tendon tears."

Are there alternatives to PRP?

"One alternative is cortisone injection, which is a type of steroid.

Cortisone may treat tendon inflammation, but we typically avoid cortisone shots in partial or full-thickness rotator cuff tears because we believe cortisone can weaken and even extend the tear. It's worth noting that several studies have found that PRP injections can significantly reduce chronic shoulder pain caused by injuries such as rotator cuff tears (tendons surrounding the shoulder joint), osteoarthritis, and tendonitis."

Patients reported decreased pain, improved range of motion and strength, and better quality of life.

After growth factors injection, the treated area requires rest. About a week later, the patient starts physical therapy to improve range and strengthen the shoulder stabilizers. Return to low to moderate-intensity sports activity is possible about two weeks after treatment according to a gradual effort scale."

Photo: PR