WHAT CAUSES IT AND HOW CAN IT BE TREATED?
Shoulder Pain
The shoulder is a complex system made up of five functional joints and numerous muscles working together to enable a wide range of motion. Due to its specific structure and the looseness of its joint capsule, the shoulder is inherently unstable and more prone to injuries and conditions that cause pain and limit movement. Shoulder pain may be the result of an injury, but it can also occur during everyday activities—or even while sleeping.
What Typically Causes Shoulder Pain?
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. It typically progresses through three stages: the “freezing phase,” the “frozen phase,” and the “thawing phase.” The hallmark symptom is persistent pain that is present even at rest and intensifies with movement. Limited shoulder mobility is the second key symptom.
The diagnosis is based on medical history and clinical examination, usually involving an abduction test. Although the exact cause is not fully understood, frozen shoulder is more frequently seen in individuals with diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, or Parkinson’s disease, and may also develop following trauma or surgery.
Treatment typically includes pain relief medication and physical therapy, with corticosteroid injections administered in some cases.
Recovery generally takes 3 to 4 months, depending on the stage of the condition, the accuracy of the diagnosis, and how quickly appropriate therapy is initiated—all of which are essential to restoring full range of motion and function.
Impingement Syndrome
Subacromial impingement syndrome occurs when the rotator cuff tendons become compressed as they pass through the narrow space between the acromion (part of the scapula) and the head of the humerus. This condition causes shoulder pain, weakness, and restricted range of motion. It most commonly affects athletes and individuals whose occupations involve repetitive overhead movements. Other contributing factors include narrowing of the subacromial space due to bony overgrowths, weakness of the scapular muscles leading to improper shoulder mechanics, and rotator cuff injuries that result in inflammation and thickening of the tendons. Symptoms typically include pain when lifting the arm to the side or forward, night pain, weakness when lifting the arm, and limited internal rotation and adduction. Treatment includes physical therapy aimed at strengthening and stretching the muscles, anti-inflammatory medications, and, in more severe cases, surgical decompression to widen the space beneath the acromion.
Muscle Injuries
A shoulder muscle rupture refers to a partial or complete tear of one of the rotator cuff muscles—a group of four muscles responsible for stabilizing the shoulder joint and enabling arm rotation and elevation. Rotator cuff tears may also occur alongside biceps tendon injuries or irritation, or with labral tears (up to the cartilage ring of the shoulder joint).
The most common causes of these injuries include falls, lifting heavy objects, or prolonged overuse.
Symptoms typically include pain, weakness, limited range of motion, a clicking or popping sound when moving the arm, and inability to lift the arm.
The diagnosis is made based on clinical evaluation and imaging, most commonly ultrasound
Treatment usually involves physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and in some cases, corticosteroid injections.
With appropriate rehabilitation, full recovery may take anywhere from several months to a year.
In more severe cases—such as the “epaulette sign,” which indicates ligament trauma affecting the stabilizing structures between the clavicle and acromion—surgical treatment is often necessary.
Tendinitis
Shoulder tendinitis is a common source of pain, typically caused by inflammation or irritation of the tendons due to overuse or repetitive shoulder movements. The most frequent underlying factor is impingement, where tendons become compressed between shoulder bones during repeated overhead activity, leading to inflammation and pain. Additional causes include aging, poor posture, injuries, and systemic conditions such as diabetes. Symptoms may involve a dull or sharp pain at the front or side of the shoulder, especially during arm movements, tenderness to touch, and a clicking or popping sensation when moving the shoulder. Pain is often more pronounced at night and may disrupt sleep. Treatment usually involves rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and targeted stretching and strengthening exercises. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery may be necessary. With appropriate care, most patients are able to regain full shoulder function.
Bursitis
Bursitis is the inflammation of bursae—small, fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between tissues within a joint. In the shoulder, the most common types include subacromial, subdeltoid, and subcoracoid bursitis. Subacromial bursitis develops when the bursa becomes compressed between the rotator cuff tendons and the acromion, resulting in pain on the outer part of the shoulder and restricted movement. Subdeltoid bursitis affects the bursa beneath the deltoid muscle and presents with similar symptoms. Subcoracoid bursitis causes pain in the front of the shoulder that may radiate toward the chest. Common causes include repetitive microtrauma, joint overuse, direct injury, and systemic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. The diagnosis is made through clinical examination and imaging. Treatment typically includes rest, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and, in severe cases, surgery.
How We Manage and Treat Shoulder Pain?
In Dr. Rodić’s office, our approach is entirely focused on achieving the best possible outcomes. Patients receive dedicated, individualized care and a complete service—from diagnostic evaluation to therapy, recovery, and follow-up. Whether you’re dealing with an injury, chronic pain, or require rehabilitation, everything can be done in one place—saving both time and money.
Examination
With a comprehensive approach, decades of experience, and top-level expertise, we ensure that after your examination in our office, you’ll receive an accurate diagnosis—providing a solid foundation for effective treatment and recovery.
Effective Solutions Without Surgery
Thanks to cutting-edge technology, specialized treatments, and a highly skilled medical team, we avoid surgical procedures in up to 80% of cases—achieving results that are equal to or even better than surgery.
Faster Recovery
Our approach reduces recovery time by up to 30%, helping you return to daily activities and a life without pain—sooner and with greater ease.
Hear From Our Patients
Precise Diagnosis Is the Key to Effective Treatment
The first and most important step to pain relief, effective treatment, and a fast recovery is making an accurate diagnosis. Therapy only follows once the exact cause of your condition has been identified. Early and precise detection allows for timely intervention, speeding up recovery and helping prevent complications such as chronic pain or long-term disability.
At our clinic, every patient is examined by Dr. Goran Rodić—a widely recognized expert with decades of experience and exceptional expertise in ultrasound diagnostics.
Through a detailed review of your medical history, physical examination, and imaging, we ensure that no detail is missed. This approach allows us to deliver a fast and accurate diagnosis as the foundation for targeted therapy and optimal results.
In most cases, the entire diagnostic process is completed within our clinic, eliminating the need for additional tests—saving you both time and cost.
Our Diagnostic Process
Meet Dr. Rodić
Dr. Goran Rodić is a renowned international expert with over 30 years of experience in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
He graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Belgrade in 1983 and completed his specialization in physical medicine and rehabilitation in 1988.
At the age of 30, he became the head of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Clinical Center of Serbia—the youngest person ever to hold that position in the institution’s history.
He spent 11 years with FK Partizan as the club’s first full-time physician since its founding. As a sports medicine specialist, he worked with football clubs in China and Saudi Arabia, and during his time in Saudi Arabia, he provided medical care to members of the royal family.
For over 20 years, he has served as the physician for the National Theatre in Belgrade. He also spent eight years working with the Terazije Theatre and six years as the doctor for the national ensemble “Kolo.”
Through decades of training and specialized work in clinics, institutions, and sports organizations both in Serbia and abroad, he has developed exceptional expertise in diagnosing and treating injuries of the locomotor system, as well as conditions related to rheumatologic and degenerative processes affecting joints, joint capsules, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and the meniscus.
He is one of the pioneers of ultrasound physiatric diagnostics in Serbia and is recognized as a leading authority in this field
Personalized Treatment Plan for Optimal Results
Once an accurate diagnosis is made, we develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your condition, needs, and goals. The focus is on restoring function, reducing pain, and addressing the root cause—whether it’s an injury, a chronic condition, or post-surgical recovery.
Depending on the diagnosis and clinical findings, your treatment plan may include manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, physical modalities (such as ultrasound, electrotherapy, or laser therapy), and other specialized techniques.
Our goal is to achieve the best possible results in the shortest amount of time, using the most effective and comfortable approach. Thanks to our decades of experience, advanced technology, and complete dedication to every patient, we are able to avoid surgery in up to 80% of cases—while achieving the same or even better outcomes. At the same time, we reduce the need for medication and help you recover faster. In fact, our patients tend to recover up to 30% faster than average.
We apply a wide range of therapeutic modalities that are an essential part of comprehensive physiatric care.
Therapies We Offer
Magnetic Therapy
Magnetic therapy is a physiotherapy method that uses static or pulsed magnetic fields to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. Its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects are especially helpful in managing conditions such as osteoarthritis, tendinitis, and muscle spasms.
Magnetic therapy supports the body’s natural healing processes and aids in the repair of damaged tissue, particularly in sports injuries and postoperative rehabilitation. By improving circulation in the affected area, it enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients essential for tissue regeneration. In addition, magnetic fields help strengthen muscles, improve coordination, and support better nerve conduction.
We apply various magnetotherapy techniques, including static magnets embedded in braces and bandages, PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field) devices, and full-body magnetotherapy systems.
Read more about Magnetic therapy
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is a highly effective physiotherapy treatment that helps relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and accelerate tissue healing. It uses monochromatic, coherent light precisely directed at the affected area. The energy is absorbed by the cells, triggering biological processes that support healing and tissue regeneration.
One of the key advantages of laser therapy is its ability to penetrate deep into tissue and directly influence cellular activity. It promotes the release of endorphins, improves circulation, and enhances the production of ATP—the primary source of energy for cells.
Laser therapy is effective in treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including osteoarthritis, tendinopathies (such as tennis elbow and Achilles tendinopathy), muscle strains and sprains, neuropathic pain (including sciatica and neuropathy), as well as promoting wound healing and reducing scarring.
At Dr. Rodić’s clinic, we use advanced laser technology that allows us to tailor every treatment to the specific needs of each individual patient.
Read more about Laser Therapy
Ultrasound Therapy
Ultrasound therapy is a widely used method in physiotherapy that offers a range of benefits for patients seeking pain relief, reduced inflammation, and faster tissue healing.
The thermal effects of ultrasound waves improve circulation and help relax muscle spasms, providing effective relief from pain and discomfort. The deep heat generated by ultrasound loosens tight muscles and improves flexibility and mobility, making it especially helpful for conditions such as frozen shoulder, joint stiffness, and muscle contractures.
In addition to its thermal effects, ultrasound therapy also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and inflammation. This makes it particularly useful in treating conditions like tendinitis, bursitis, and arthritis.
Both the mechanical and thermal effects of ultrasound promote the healing of damaged muscles, tendons, and ligaments by stimulating the formation of new blood vessels and enhancing collagen production. Improved circulation brings more oxygen and nutrients to the affected area, which supports tissue regeneration and helps shorten recovery time.
We use ultrasound therapy to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including sprains, strains, tendinitis, bursitis, arthritis, and to break down scar tissue or support the healing of surgical wounds. It is often combined with manual therapies and therapeutic exercises to achieve the best possible results.
Explore the Benefits of Ultrasound Therapy
Electrotherapy
Electrotherapy is one of the most commonly used methods in physiotherapy. It uses electrical currents to stimulate nerves, muscles, and tissues throughout the body. This method is applied in the treatment of a wide range of conditions affecting the locomotor system, including chronic pain, neurological disorders, and muscle spasms. It also plays an important role in rehabilitation after stroke, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal trauma, as well as in treating muscle weakness, atrophy, and wound healing.
Types of Electrotherapy We Use:
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
Delivers low-intensity electrical currents to stimulate nerves and reduce pain.
EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation)
Delivers controlled impulses to the muscles, triggering contractions that strengthen muscles and enhance circulation.
IFC (Interferential Current Therapy)
Applies multiple intersecting currents to create a therapeutic, low-frequency signal deep within the body, helping reduce pain and relax muscles.
Galvanic Stimulation
Uses continuous direct current to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and support tissue regeneration.
HVES (High-Voltage Electrical Stimulation)
Delivers short bursts of high-voltage current that stimulate muscle contractions and improve blood flow and tissue oxygenation.
One of the key advantages of electrotherapy is that it is a non-invasive, drug-free method of managing pain and improving muscle function. It can speed up recovery and, in some cases, help patients avoid or postpone surgery.
Discover How Electrotherapy Can Help
Kinesitherapy
Kinesitherapy is one of the most commonly used physical therapy methods. It involves therapeutic exercises and guided movement aimed at improving muscle strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual needs of the patient and can be used to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, chronic pain, and neurological disorders.
It is especially recommended for patients recovering after surgery, as it helps restore movement and reduce the risk of complications such as thrombosis, respiratory infections, contractures, and general physical deconditioning.
After certain illnesses, surgeries, or injuries, muscle strength often weakens and joint mobility decreases. In these cases, patients may experience pain and be unable to move the joint through its full range.
Kinesitherapy is also effective in cases of back pain, joint pain, limited mobility following trauma, or posture-related issues, as well as other musculoskeletal disorders.
Read More About Kinesitherapy
Therapeutic Massage
Therapeutic massage is an essential part of physiotherapy treatment plans, especially for patients recovering from injuries or dealing with chronic pain. Its main goal is to help restore or improve overall physical function.
Massage helps relieve pain by reducing muscle tension, improving circulation, and stimulating the release of endorphins. It also enhances joint mobility and muscle flexibility, reduces inflammation, helps flush out lactic acid and other metabolic waste, and promotes the body’s natural healing processes.
Physiotherapists apply various massage techniques, including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, and sports massage. These are often combined with other physiotherapy methods such as therapeutic exercises, electrotherapy, ultrasound, or joint mobilization for optimal results.
Therapeutic massage is a valuable, non-invasive, and effective way to reduce pain, restore function, and support overall well-being.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy, or light therapy, is an innovative physiotherapy method that uses specific wavelengths of light to accelerate tissue healing, reduce pain and inflammation, and enhance overall rehabilitation outcomes.
It is especially effective for relieving pain in conditions such as osteoarthritis, tendinitis, and neuropathic pain. Phototherapy reduces inflammation by blocking inflammatory mediators, supports tissue regeneration by stimulating ATP and collagen production, and increases circulation—delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the treated area.
There are various types of phototherapy. For example, LLLT (low-level laser therapy) uses low-intensity light to activate cellular processes and stimulate tissue repair. MIRE therapy uses infrared light to boost circulation and promote deeper healing. Ultraviolet therapies, such as UVB and PUVA, are commonly used for skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema
Phototherapy is a completely non-invasive, safe, and effective alternative to medication and invasive procedures. It is used to treat musculoskeletal injuries, osteoarthritis, neuropathic pain, wound healing, and skin conditions. The decision to include phototherapy in your treatment plan is made in consultation with a qualified physical therapist. It is often combined with other therapies to improve outcomes and speed up recovery.
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Joint Puncture
Joint puncture, or arthrocentesis, is a medical procedure in which a needle is inserted into a joint to remove fluid (aspiration) or inject medication. It is used both for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
This procedure may be indicated to determine the cause of joint effusion (e.g., infection), assess the condition of the joint structures (e.g., meniscus or cartilage damage), relieve swelling and pain by removing excess fluid, or to administer medication such as antibiotics, corticosteroids, or pain relievers directly into the joint.
The procedure begins with cleaning and disinfecting the skin. A long, thin needle is then carefully inserted into the joint space, and either fluid is withdrawn with a syringe or medication is injected. Commonly treated joints include the shoulder (subacromial bursa), hip (trochanteric bursa), elbow (olecranon bursa), and knee.
When performed by an experienced professional, joint puncture is considered a safe procedure. Mild discomfort may occur, such as temporary pain, swelling, or minor bruising.
Joint puncture is effective in reducing inflammation and pain, accelerating recovery, and providing valuable diagnostic insights—especially when other treatment methods are not sufficient.
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Relief Begins With the Right Diagnosis
Early and accurate detection of the underlying cause is the first step toward effective treatment and a faster recovery.
