Shoulder pain treatment at Széchenyi Thermal Bath – case study

Initially, he hoped the symptoms would subside on their own, and therefore tried anti-inflammatory and pain-relief medication. These provided only temporary, short-lived improvement. He also reported that the pain frequently woke him at night.

When assessing shoulder pain, three areas are examined in detail: potential issues of the cervical spine, the shoulder joint itself, and—though more rarely—lung conditions, which is why we always ask about regular chest screenings. If the pain originates from the cervical spine and radiates to the shoulder, the shoulder’s range of motion typically remains intact.

However, when the shoulder joint is directly affected, pain is accompanied by a noticeable restriction in movement. After a detailed history-taking and physical examination, we selected a targeted treatment plan.

In this patient’s case, the underlying problem was inflammation of the biceps tendon sheath. The symptoms included severe shoulder pain and significantly limited mobility.

The foundation of the treatment was low-level laser therapy, a highly specialised light-based technique. The penetrating laser beams interact with cells and stimulate biochemical processes that reduce inflammation, thereby easing pain and swelling. The treatment is painless and can achieve relatively quick results, even with repeated applications.

During the initial inflammatory phase, we began with individual aquatic physiotherapy, as the buoyancy of the water reduces load on the joint, making movement easier and more comfortable. After a few sessions, the aquatic exercises were complemented with land-based physiotherapy, with the aim of restoring the shoulder’s full range of motion—crucial for performing everyday activities without limitation.

The treatment plan also included medical therapeutic massage, focusing on relaxing the surrounding muscles and improving circulation.

Around the tenth day of therapy, our patient reported significant improvement, with marked pain reduction and noticeable restoration of mobility.