Shoulder Pain Specialist
Western Orthopaedics, P.C.
Orthopedic Surgeons & Physical Therapists located in Denver, CO
If you swing your arms around for a moment, you realize the incredibly wide range of motion these joints supply to your arms. But this flexibility can come at a cost as issues crop up that lead to shoulder pain. Western Orthopaedics, P.C., joint experts understand the inherent instability of your shoulder joints and offer solutions that remedy your pain and re-establish function. To learn more, call the Denver or Arvada, Colorado, office, or request online today.
Shoulder Pain Q & A
What are the symptoms of shoulder pain?
While the answer to this question may seem obvious, the nature of your shoulder pain, as well as any accompanying symptoms, can vary depending upon the problem.
For example, you may only experience shoulder pain at night or with certain movements. Or, the pain may be a constant companion.
As well, you may also experience:
- A crackling sound when you move your shoulder
- Limited range of motion, including the inability to lift your arm overhead
- Swelling and stiffness around the shoulder
Be sure to note your symptoms, which helps your provider at Western Orthopaedics, P.C., identify the cause of your shoulder pain.
What are the most common causes of shoulder pain?
The most common causes of shoulder pain include:
- Impingement
- Rotator cuff tears
- Arthritis
- Dislocation or separation
- Fractures
- Bursitis
To figure out what’s causing your shoulder pain, you should seek the counsel of a joint specialist, like those found at Western Orthopaedics, P.C.
How is shoulder pain diagnosed?
After reviewing your symptoms and performing a physical exam, your joint expert at Western Orthopaedics, P.C., orders diagnostic imaging, such as in-house X-rays. This imaging allows your doctor to get a closer look at the internal structures inside the ball-and-socket joint to locate the source of your shoulder pain.
How is shoulder pain treated?
Your treatment depends upon what’s causing your shoulder pain. Once your doctor at Western Orthopaedics, P.C., diagnoses the problem, they discuss the next steps with you, which may include:
- Immobilization (sling)
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Corticosteroid injections
- Rest
- Physical therapy
- Regenerative medicine
If you have a serious tear in your connective tissue, your doctor may recommend surgical repair using the latest minimally invasive techniques. If arthritis has wreaked havoc within your joint, you may benefit from shoulder replacement surgery.
The bottom line is that shoulders are extremely delicate joints that require prompt care in order to avoid long-term problems. For example, if you dislocate your shoulder, the joint may be more susceptible to future dislocations. As another example, if you tear your rotator cuff, this tissue doesn’t usually heal on its own and requires surgical correction sooner rather than later.
To explore your options in remedying your shoulder pain, call Western Orthopaedics, P.C., or request an appointment using the online booking feature.
Patient Education Videos:
- Videos on Range of Motion Exercises & Sling & Ice Demonstration
- About Rotator Cuff Repairs
- Patient History, Diagnostic Testing and Symptoms
- Rehabilitation and Postoperative Restrictions
- When to Consider Surgery for Shoulder Instability
- Conservative Treatment of Shoulder Instability
- The Directions of Shoulder Instability
- Surgical Options for Shoulder Instability
- Rehabilitation after Rotator Cuff Surgery
- Conservative Treatment for Rotator Cuff Tears
- Introduction to Rotator Cuff Tears
- Preparation for Rotator Cuff Surgery
- Surgical Treatment for Rotator Cuff Tears
- Summary of Rotator Cuff Tears
- Rotator Cuff Tears that Can't be Repaired
- Common Problems of the Shoulder
- What is Shoulder Instability
- Surgical Treatment for Rotator Cuff Tears
- Conservative Treatment for Rotator Cuff Tears
- Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Tears
- Anatomy and Function of the Shoulder Joint
- Rotator Cuff Tears