Shoulder Care
Understanding shoulder conditions.
Shoulder pain can result from an acute injury, repetitive activity, instability, tendon damage, or arthritis. Evaluation begins with understanding your symptoms, goals, and activity level.
When to schedule an evaluation
- Pain that persists or disrupts sleep
- Weakness or difficulty lifting the arm
- Clicking, catching, or instability
- Loss of motion or increasing stiffness
- Pain after a fall, collision, or dislocation
Common Conditions
Finding the source of shoulder pain.
Symptoms can overlap, so an examination and appropriate imaging may be needed to identify the source of pain.
Rotator Cuff Tears & Tendinitis
The rotator cuff helps lift and rotate the arm. Irritation or tearing may cause pain, weakness, and difficulty with overhead activity.
Learn more →Labral Tears
Injury to the cartilage surrounding the socket may cause pain, catching, clicking, or instability.
Instability & Dislocations
After a dislocation or repeated injury, the shoulder may feel loose or slip out of position.
Biceps Tendon & AC Joint Disorders
Pain at the front or top of the shoulder can worsen with lifting, reaching, or cross-body movement.
Shoulder Arthritis
Loss of joint cartilage can lead to pain, stiffness, grinding, and reduced motion.
Shoulder Replacement
For advanced arthritis with substantial pain and loss of function, anatomic or reverse replacement may be considered.
Evaluation
Your visit may include a review of the injury and symptoms, an examination of motion, strength, and stability, and X-rays. MRI, ultrasound, or CT imaging may be recommended when additional detail is needed.
Treatment options
Care may begin with activity modification, physical therapy, medication, or an injection when appropriate. Arthroscopy, tendon or labral repair, stabilization, or joint replacement may be discussed when warranted.
Additional Patient Education
Trusted independent resources.
Shoulder pain limiting your activity?
Call for appointment scheduling and location information.
This information is for general educational purposes and does not replace an evaluation or individualized medical advice.