Shoulder Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment in Recife
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body, making it susceptible to various injuries. At Intrador, we offer precise diagnosis with ultrasound and advanced treatments such as guided injections to restore your pain-free movement.
Main Causes of Shoulder Pain
Rotator Cuff Syndrome
The most common cause. Involves tendinitis (inflammation) or tears (lesions) of the tendons moving the shoulder. Causes pain when lifting the arm and weakness.
Subacromial Bursitis
Inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac cushioning friction between tendons and bone. Frequently associated with tendinitis.
Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)
Progressive and painful stiffness of the joint. Movement becomes extremely limited ('frozen'). More common in diabetics and women.
Osteoarthritis (Wear and Tear)
Wear of the joint cartilage (glenohumeral or acromioclavicular). Causes deep pain and movement limitation, common in the elderly.
Warning Signs: When to Seek Help?
Do not ignore shoulder pain. Early treatment prevents tendinitis from progressing to tendon tears. Seek a doctor if:
- Pain persists for more than a week
- You feel pain even at rest or at night (disturbing sleep)
- You have difficulty lifting your arm or holding objects
- You feel loss of strength in the arm
- There was a recent trauma, fall, or impact
Important: Sudden pain in the left shoulder accompanied by shortness of breath or chest tightness can be a sign of a heart attack. Seek emergency care immediately.
Interventional Treatments at Intrador
In most cases, surgery is not necessary. Our minimally invasive treatments focus on reducing inflammation and restoring function:
Ultrasound-Guided Injection
Precise application of medications (corticosteroids or anesthetics) directly into the inflammation focus (bursa or tendon), guided by real-time ultrasound. Increases procedure efficacy and safety.
Viscosupplementation
Injection of hyaluronic acid into the joint. Acts as a lubricant, reducing friction and pain, especially in cases of osteoarthritis or cartilage injuries.
Suprascapular Nerve Block
Effective technique for chronic shoulder pain relief and adhesive capsulitis. Blocks pain signal transmission from the shoulder to the brain, allowing more comfortable rehabilitation.
Hydrodilatation (for Frozen Shoulder)
Specific procedure for Adhesive Capsulitis, where we inject saline and medications to 'expand' the contracted joint capsule, improving mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shoulder Pain
When should I see a doctor for shoulder pain?
You should seek a specialist if the pain persists for more than a week, if there is loss of strength or movement, if the pain occurs at night disturbing sleep, or if there is a history of trauma/fall.
What is Ultrasound-Guided Injection?
It is a procedure where the doctor uses ultrasound to visualize the internal structures of the shoulder in real-time, allowing precise medication application (anti-inflammatory, anesthetic, or hyaluronic acid) at the exact inflammation site.
Can shoulder pain be a neck problem?
Yes. Generally, pain originating in the cervical spine (herniated disc or osteoarthritis) radiates to the shoulder. The specialist doctor performs specific physical tests to differentiate the pain origin and treat the correct cause.
Does acupuncture help with shoulder pain?
Yes, acupuncture is very effective in reducing pain and inflammation, besides relaxing tense muscles around the shoulder. It is frequently used together with physiotherapy to speed up recovery.
Restore Your Shoulder Movement
Schedule an evaluation with our specialists. We perform diagnosis and ultrasound-guided procedures in the consultation itself.
Aflitos Unit
Av. Conselheiro Rosa e Silva, 1206, Room 706 - Espinheiro, Recife - PE, ZIP 52020-220
+55 (81) 3072-9816Clinical Review
Dr. Helio Widson Alves Pinheiro
Pain Physician and Acupuncturist | CRM/PE 21167
Member of the Brazilian Society for the Study of Pain (SBED)
Clinically Reviewed by:
Dr. Oyama Arruda Frei Caneca Jr
Ortopedia e Traumatologia
CRM-PE 11648 | RQE 5329
This content is informative and does not replace individual medical evaluation.
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Physician specializing in Orthopedics and Traumatology, with national leadership in Shockwave Therapy (TOC).
Note: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. The information is based on scientific evidence and the clinical practice of the Intrador team, but it does not replace individualized medical evaluation. Conduct, indications, and treatments must be defined after medical consultation.
Clinical reviewer: Dr. Helio Widson Alves Pinheiro · Pain Medicine | Acupuncture · CRM/PE 21167 | RQE 2217, 2808
Published on: January 17, 2026
Reviewed on: January 29, 2026
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