Shoulder pain can make it difficult to reach overhead, lift, sleep comfortably, get dressed, work, or participate in sports. The shoulder provides a wide range of motion, but that mobility also places significant demands on its muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.
Common Causes
Our orthopedic team evaluates and treats rotator cuff tendinitis and tears, bursitis and impingement, biceps tendon injuries, frozen shoulder, osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, labral tears, instability, dislocations, and fractures of the collarbone or proximal humerus.
Pain may occur in the front, side, or back of the shoulder and sometimes extends into the upper arm. Other symptoms include weakness, stiffness, reduced motion, night pain, catching, popping, or a feeling that the shoulder may slip out of place.
Evaluation
The provider reviews how symptoms began and examines motion, strength, stability, and tenderness. The neck may also be examined because nerve irritation can produce shoulder or arm symptoms. Same-day X-rays may identify arthritis, fractures, alignment problems, or bone changes. An MRI may be ordered externally when a rotator cuff tear, labral injury, or other soft-tissue problem is suspected.
Treatment
Nonsurgical treatment may include activity modification, physical therapy, medication, temporary sling use when appropriate, and corticosteroid injections. Rehabilitation can restore motion, strengthen the rotator cuff and shoulder-blade muscles, and improve mechanics.
If symptoms remain limiting, surgery may be considered. Available procedures include shoulder arthroscopy, rotator cuff repair, stabilization or labral treatment, fracture treatment, and total shoulder replacement. The recommendation depends on the damaged structure, symptoms, goals, health, and response to nonsurgical treatment.
When to Seek Treatment
Arrange an evaluation for persistent pain, progressive weakness, repeated instability, night pain, or difficulty raising the arm. Seek urgent treatment for deformity, an open injury, sudden loss of function, or new numbness with a pale or cool hand. Shoulder discomfort with chest pressure, shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or jaw or arm pain may be a medical emergency; call 911.
Locations
Our orthopedic team provides evaluation and treatment at clinics in New Braunfels, Seguin, Cuero, Kenedy, Hallettsville, and Yoakum. Services and provider availability vary by location.
