Rehabilitation Practice and Science
Abstract
Background: chronic shoulder pain is a frequent and debilitating symptom in patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatism, such as polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Diagnosis and management of shoulder pain in this condition are often challenging due to overlapping clinical features with other musculoskeletal disorders. Recent advances in musculoskeletal ultrasonography have provided a valuable tool for diagnosing and guiding treatment, particularly for ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections. Objectives: This case report aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of ultrasoundguided interventions in the diagnosis and management of shoulder pain in a patient with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Methods: One female patient presenting with chronic shoulder pain underwent ultrasound evaluation, revealing double effusion, both intra-articular and bursal. The patient was treated with ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections, followed by a physiotherapy program. Clinical outcomes such as pain relief (measured by the Visual Analog Scale) and improved range of motion were monitored over one month. Results: Our patient showed considerable clinical improvement following the intervention, experiencing a notable reduction in pain from 8/10 to 2/10, along with regained range of motion and functional ability.
Recommended Citation
Anbari, Younes El; Yachaoui, Souhail; Alrahoomi, Abdulla; Ouasmi, Nabila; and Oumri, Ahmed Amine El
(2024)
"Shoulder Pain in Polymyalgia Rheumatica: How Ultrasound Can Help,"
Rehabilitation Practice and Science: Vol. 2025:
Iss.
1, Article 2.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6315/3005-3846.2250
Available at:
https://rps.researchcommons.org/journal/vol2025/iss1/2
