Shoulder Pain

Your shoulder is made of tissue, muscle, and bone with mobility that makes you more susceptible to injury. If you suffer from shoulder pain, request an appointment with us to start a treatment plan that works for you.

What are the common reasons for shoulder pain?

You may have shoulder pain due to joint degeneration from osteoarthritis. Other possible causes include:

Inflammation or a tear of the tendons, connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone
Instability, such as during a partial or complete dislocation
Fracture
Impingement, when the top of your shoulder blade compresses the underlying soft tissues

However, nerve-related problems, tumors, and infection are less common reasons that cause shoulder pain.

What type of shoulder pain suggests I should see a doctor?

If you have a sudden onset of acute pain, especially after trauma, it’s important to seek medical attention for diagnosis. Shoulder pain is usually caused by conditions like tendinitis and osteoarthritis. Most people address their pain through over-the-counter medication and limiting daily activity. However, it’s important to seek treatment when your shoulder pain interferes with daily life. Other reasons to visit our office include:

How Is shoulder pain diagnosed?

Your doctor will thoroughly examine your shoulder and medical history to find the cause of your pain. Usually, one of our specialists order X-rays and MRIs to evaluate your joint. Your doctor may recommend arthroscopy, a surgical procedure that uses a fiber-optic camera to evaluate your soft tissue. We will find evaluations that work best for you!

Is surgery the only way to treat shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain can be managed with medications, injections, physical therapy, and rest. If none of these methods are effective, the next step is surgery. Some injuries like dislocations, muscle tears and rotator cuff injuries usually require surgery. Contact us to schedule a consultation, or talk with your primary care physician for a referral.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

We want you to have the knowledge you need to make informed decisions for your health. Learn more about our orthopedic healthcare services by reading through our Frequently Asked Questions.

Is surgery the right course of action for me?

Surgery depends on the severity of injury. Consult with one of our specialists to determine if it’s a route you should take. Your doctor will evaluate your entire injury through comprehensive testing before deciding if surgery is right for you.

When is the best time to have surgery?

Talk with your doctor to schedule a date that works best for you. Schedule flexibility depends on your availability, the severity of your injury and surgeon schedules.

How can I ensure a quick recovery?

We recommend taking it easy during your recovery time. Your doctor will provide you with a thorough post-operative care plan to ensure a speedy recovery.

How long will it take for me to return to normal activities?

Your recovery depends on where your injury is located. Consult with your doctor before starting. Our practitioners will let you know which times are best for your recovery.

Will I be able to do everything I used to do before surgery?

Our goal is for you to return to your normal activities without pain or discomfort! Consult with your doctor about your recovery timeline and how soon you can return to work or sports.

Will I need a referral?

Most insurance providers require a referral from your doctor before covering your care. We recommend scheduling an appointment your doctor before scheduling an appointment with us.

Do you accept my insurance?

We accept several insurance programs from:

Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
FirstCare (Part of Baylor Scott & White Health)
GEHA
HealthNet
HealthSmart
Humana
Medicare
MetLife
PHCS
TeamChoice
Most Worker’s Compensation plans

Consult with our office to ensure your coverage.