ORTHOPEDIC CARE

Shoulder & Rotator Cuff Surgery

Don’t let shoulder pain stop you from reaching for the stars.

THE MOST MOBILE JOINT IN YOUR BODY

Understanding Shoulder Pain

What most people call the shoulder is really several joints that combine with tendons and muscles to allow a wide range of motion in the arm, from scratching your back to throwing the perfect pitch. Mobility has its price, however. It can lead to increasing problems with instability or impingement of the soft tissue or bony structures in your shoulder, resulting in pain.

You may feel pain only when you move your shoulder, or all the time. The pain may be temporary, or it may continue and require medical diagnosis and treatment.

Recognizing Shoulder Issues

Problems with your shoulder can include a variety of injuries and disorders, such as:

Rotator Cuff TendinitisAlso known as shoulder impingement, this occurs when the rotator cuff tendons become inflamed or trapped under the shoulder blade, causing pain, especially when moving the arm.
BursitisInflammation of the fluid-filled sac that protects the shoulder joint.
Frozen ShoulderThe muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the shoulder become stiff, making it difficult and painful to move.
ArthritisA chronic condition that can cause cartilage breakdown in the shoulder joint.
DislocationAn injury in which the upper arm bone comes out of the shoulder socket.
FractureA broken bone in the shoulder.
Tendon tearsNerve injuryBone spursPoor posture
When to Seek Medical Advice

Shoulder injuries can come from athletic activities, household chores, or a sudden increase in activity. Some can be treated at home with rest, ice, and elevation. See a doctor if you experience:

  • Intense pain or sudden swelling
  • Weakness or numbness in the arm or hand
  • Pain that lasts more than 2 to 4 weeks
  • Deformity of the shoulder joint or shoulder instability

Your doctor can identify the cause with X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and more.

Shoulder Surgeries

Surgery may be required to resolve some shoulder issues, although many people with shoulder pain benefit from physical therapy and rest. Certain problems, such as recurring dislocations and rotator cuff tears, will require surgery. Surgery can involve arthroscopy to remove scar tissue or repair torn tissues, or traditional open procedures for larger reconstructions.

Shoulder Joint ReplacementAn increasingly common procedure, now as successful as hip and knee replacement at reducing pain and enabling patients to resume everyday activities. More than 100,000 people in the U.S. have shoulder replacement surgery each year. If nonsurgical treatments like medications or physical therapy are no longer helping, it may be worth considering.

Shoulder Rehab With Liberty PT

Many shoulder problems respond to physical therapy before surgery is ever needed, and our Overhead Athlete Program specializes in shoulder rehab. Liberty Sports & Physical Therapy is on-site at both locations, so your care continues seamlessly.

Physical Therapy

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