Understanding Shoulder Pain & Rotator Cuff Conditions
Shoulder pain is common in adults, often due to rotator cuff degeneration, impingement, or arthritis. X-rays and MRIs help doctors identify the structural changes causing pain, weakness, and limited motion.
This guide explains the key X-ray terms, what they mean for patients, and safe treatment options available in Singapore.
Common X-ray Terms in Shoulder Conditions
1. Acromial Spur
Meaning: A bony outgrowth from the acromion (shoulder bone).
Implication: Can pinch the rotator cuff tendons, causing pain and impingement.
Treatment:
Shockwave therapy or HotHeal to reduce pain and inflammation
Physiotherapy to improve posture and shoulder mechanics
MRI at The Pain Relief Clinic if tendon tear is suspected
2. Subacromial Narrowing
Meaning: Reduced space between the acromion and rotator cuff tendons.
Implication: Increases friction on tendons → rotator cuff tendinopathy or tears.
Treatment:
Targeted physiotherapy to strengthen rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers
HotHeal Therapy for pain and tissue repair
Shockwave therapy for persistent inflammation
3. Rotator Cuff Calcification
Meaning: Calcium deposits in the rotator cuff tendons.
Implication: Causes stiffness, pain, and sometimes sudden flare-ups.
Treatment:
Shockwave therapy for calcification breakdown
Physiotherapy for range of motion and strengthening
Regenerix Gold as supportive joint/tendon supplement
MRI if tendon damage needs detailed assessment
4. AC Joint Arthrosis (Acromioclavicular Joint Arthritis)
Meaning: Degenerative changes in the joint where the collarbone meets the acromion.
Implication: Pain at the top of the shoulder, especially with overhead activity.
Treatment:
Physiotherapy for shoulder stabilization
HotHeal Therapy or shockwave for pain relief
MRI if joint degeneration is severe or for surgical planning
5. Humeral Head Migration
Meaning: The ball of the shoulder joint shifts upward due to rotator cuff weakness.
Implication: May indicate chronic rotator cuff tear and altered shoulder mechanics.
Treatment:
Physiotherapy for muscle retraining
HotHeal Therapy to improve soft tissue health
MRI to confirm tendon integrity
6. Scapular Winging
Meaning: The shoulder blade sticks out abnormally when pushing against a wall.
Implication: Often due to muscle weakness or nerve injury.
Treatment:
Physiotherapy focusing on serratus anterior and scapular stabilizers
HotHeal Therapy to improve shoulder muscle activation
Non-Surgical Treatments for Shoulder Conditions
Physiotherapy (Pain Relief Practice): Improves mobility, strengthens muscles, and stabilizes the joint.
Shockwave Therapy: Reduces pain from calcific tendinitis and chronic inflammation.
HotHeal Therapy Protocol: Manual therapy combined with radiofrequency improves blood flow and tissue healing.
Regenerix Gold: Supports tendon and cartilage health for long-term benefit.
MRI (Pain Relief Clinic): Provides detailed imaging of rotator cuff tendons, labrum, and cartilage, especially when X-ray findings don’t explain the pain.
When Should You Consider an MRI?
Sudden or severe shoulder pain
Limited range of motion
Suspected rotator cuff tear or labral injury
Persistent symptoms despite physiotherapy and non-invasive treatment
Key Takeaway
X-ray findings such as acromial spur, subacromial narrowing, rotator cuff calcification, AC joint arthrosis, and humeral head migration help identify the cause of shoulder pain. Non-surgical therapies including physiotherapy, shockwave, HotHeal, and Regenerix Gold are effective for many patients, while MRI at The Pain Relief Clinic provides further clarity for diagnosis and treatment planning.
