What causes shoulder pain?
Shoulder pain may arise from an acute injury, overuse, or wear-and-tear. Conditions that are common causes of shoulder pain include:
- Arthritis
- Fractures
- Dislocations
- Bursitis
- Tendinitis
- Rotator cuff tears
- Shoulder impingement
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Chronic shoulder instability
To find the source of your shoulder pain, Dr. Rottinghaus reviews your medical history, performs a physical exam, and talks to you about your symptoms.
You may also have to go for an X-ray or other diagnostic test to confirm what's wrong. In some cases, Dr. Rottinghaus might need to perform arthroscopy, using an instrument with a tiny camera to look inside the shoulder joint.
What treatments can help with shoulder pain?
Most patients with shoulder pain benefit from conservative treatments such as:
- Rest and activity modification
- Hot or cold therapies
- Physical therapy
- Medication
- Use of a sling or other support device
If your shoulder pain persists, you might require 1-2 steroid injections in the joint. Steroids have potent anti-inflammatory properties that can offer long-lasting relief.
Would I need surgery for my shoulder pain?
If conservative approaches aren't working after several months, or the cause of your shoulder pain is unlikely to improve using nonsurgical methods, Dr. Rottinghaus can discuss your surgical options.
Depending on the cause of your shoulder pain, you might require:
Rotator cuff repair
The muscles and tendons that make up your rotator cuff hold the shoulder joint in place and let you move your shoulder freely. Tendon tears that don't heal might require surgical repair and, in some cases, tendon transfer.
Total shoulder replacement
If the ball and socket parts of your shoulder joint are severely damaged or have deteriorated beyond repair due to osteoarthritis, it might be best to remove them. Dr. Rottinghaus then replaces them with artificial components.
Reverse shoulder replacement
If you require a shoulder replacement due to shoulder instability, replacing the joint may not stop your shoulder from dislocating again. In these cases, Dr. Rottinghaus fits the replacement socket at the top of your humerus (arm bone) and the replacement ball in your shoulder blade.
You might also require surgery to remove bone spurs and make other repairs. Where possible, Dr. Rottinghaus uses minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques to reduce pain and promote faster recovery.
If you're suffering from shoulder pain, get the treatment you need by calling Brian Rottinghaus, MD, today, or book an appointment online.
