Shoulder pain

Shoulder pain

Shoulder pain is a common condition, and most people will experience it at some point in their lives. The orthopedics department at Doctor Reuter Medical Center provides expert shoulder care, including conservative orthopedic treatments, manual medicine, and, if necessary, advanced surgical procedures.

Shoulder Pain Treatment in Dubai

Shoulder problems can be complex and may arise from various causes. Early diagnosis and intervention are important to prevent worsening conditions and improve recovery outcomes. Symptoms to watch for include:

  • Pain – May be felt at the front, side, or deep within the shoulder and can range from mild discomfort to persistent or activity-related pain. It may worsen with lifting, overhead movement, or certain arm positions. Persistent pain should always be assessed by a specialist. 
  • Weakness or Loss of Function – Difficulty lifting the arm, carrying objects, or performing daily activities such as dressing or reaching overhead. Medical evaluation and therapy can restore strength and mobility. 
  • Limited Range of Motion – Reduced ability to move the shoulder freely, including difficulty raising the arm or rotating the joint, often associated with stiffness or capsular restriction due to inflammation of the shoulder capsule (e.g., frozen shoulder) . Early treatment is essential for recovery. 
  • Instability – When the upper arm moves partially or completely out of the shoulder socket, often due to ligament, labral or capsular injuries from falls or accidents, professional evaluation is needed.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain may be associated with a variety of conditions, including:

Degenerative conditions

  • Shoulder osteoarthritis

Soft tissue disorders

  • Rotator cuff tendinopathy
  • Bursitis

Structural or mechanical conditions

  • Rotator cuff tears
  • Shoulder impingement syndrome
  • Labral injuries

Other causes

  • Overuse-related conditions
  • Postural dysfunction
  • Referred pain from the cervical spine

Our Shoulder Pain Treatments

We offer a variety of conservative and advanced treatment options tailored to your shoulder condition:

Infiltration Therapy

Used for bursitis, tendinitis (long head of the biceps), or frozen shoulder, infiltration therapy delivers anti-inflammatory agents or local anesthetics directly to the affected area, reducing pain and inflammation.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)

Shockwave therapy is commonly used for chronic tendon disorders (tendinopathies), calcific tendinitis, enthesopathies, and certain impingement-related conditions.

In selected cases, ESWT may also be considered for bone-related conditions such as bone marrow oedema, particularly when symptoms persist despite conventional conservative treatment.

ESWT is typically used when symptoms do not respond sufficiently to initial conservative therapies and may help improve function and reduce pain over time.

Manual Medicine & Chirotherapy

Manual medicine addresses shoulder pain caused by dysfunctions of the cervical or thoracic spine, as well as muscular imbalance or joint restriction. Dr. Schmitz uses chirotherapy to relieve tightness, improve mobility and correct underlying causes of pain.

Second Opinions

If you have an existing diagnosis, we provide second opinions and a personalized treatment plan. No two patients are the same, so every treatment is tailored to the individual.

Diagnosis & Treatment Procedure

Each patient receives a thorough orthopedic assessment, including physical examination, imaging if needed, and symptom evaluation. Based on the findings, we create a customized treatment plan which may include non-surgical therapies, manual medicine, shockwave therapy, injections or arthroscopic procedures when indicated. Our goal is to relieve pain, restore function and prevent recurrence.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I see a shoulder specialist?
See a specialist if you experience persistent pain, weakness, instability, or limited motion. Early intervention can prevent further progression.

Can shoulder pain be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many patients respond well to injections, shockwave therapy, manual medicine, chirotherapy and rehabilitation exercises. Surgery is only considered if conservative treatments are insufficient.

What causes a frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder occurs when the shoulder capsule becomes inflamed and stiff, limiting movement. Causes include injury, post-surgical immobilization, or chronic inflammation.

Can rotator cuff injuries heal without surgery?
Some mild to moderate rotator cuff injuries respond well to physiotherapy, shockwave therapy, or injections. Severe tears may require surgical repair.

How long does recovery take?
Recovery depends on the condition and treatment type. Non-surgical therapies often provide improvement in weeks, while surgical recovery may take months with rehabilitation.

Book a Shoulder Pain Consultation in Dubai

Don’t let shoulder pain limit your life. Contact Doctor Reuter Medical Center today for professional evaluation and treatment. Our orthopedic specialists, will create a personalized treatment plan to reduce pain, restore function, and improve mobility for long-term shoulder health.

Consult our experts

Our services are carefully designed to provide to your individual needs, offering a holistic approach that addresses both physical and emotional well-being.

Dr. Helge Schmitz

Dr. Helge Schmitz

Consultant Orthopedist & Orthopedic Surgeon