Expert care for shoulder pain and injuries

Finding the right care for your shoulder pain begins with an accurate diagnosis. Our locations offer expert management of injuries like rotator cuffs and labrum tears and advanced techniques for complex cases, such as shoulder revision surgery. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your unique needs so you can get back to feeling your best.

In cases where surgical intervention is necessary, we offer a range of highly specialized procedures that may not be widely available elsewhere. Among these is an innovative approach of reverse shoulder replacement, designed to cater to specific conditions where standard procedures may not be effective.

Shoulder pain symptoms

Shoulder pain can manifest in various ways and recognizing the symptoms is essential for effective evaluation and treatment. Some common signs and sensations associated with a shoulder injury can include:

  • Pain
  • Weakness
  • Limited range of motion
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling
  • Popping or clicking
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Instability
  • Grinding sensations

Recognizing and describing these symptoms to your doctor is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Early intervention can help alleviate pain, restore function and prevent further complications so you can live your best each day.

when to see a doctor

You should see your doctor about shoulder pain:

  • If the pain is severe, persistent or follows an injury
  • Your shoulder has limited mobility
  • The pain doesn’t improve
  • You have a history of shoulder issues
  • Swelling, numbness, tingling or a fever
  • You can’t lift or use your arm
  • You experience pain at night that disrupts your sleep

Timely medical assessment ensures accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, prevents complications and speeds up recovery.

Shoulder pain causes

Shoulder pain refers to pain or discomfort in the shoulder joint and surrounding areas. Many possible causes exist, so a personalized diagnosis and treatment plan is essential. Timely intervention can provide effective pain relief and the best chance of restoring normal shoulder function to ensure a healthier, more active future.

Tendon inflammation and tears

Tendons are connective tissue between the bones and muscles in the body. Shoulder pain can often be related to problems with the shoulder tendons, particularly the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles surrounding the shoulder joint to keep it stable and allow various shoulder movements.

  • Bursitis: Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint. It can happen from repetitive movements or trauma and causes localized pain and swelling.
  • Tendonitis: Tendonitis is where tendons become inflamed or irritated. Calcific tendonitis is the formation of calcium deposits in the tendons, whereas rotator cuff tendonitis affects the rotator cuff tendons.
  • Rotator cuff tear: Damage or tearing of the rotator cuff tendons is often a consequence of overuse, heavy lifting or traumatic injury. It can cause persistent pain, weakness and limited range of motion.

Risk factors for developing shoulder pain

Shoulder pain can affect anyone, but certain factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing discomfort in this joint. Recognizing these risk factors is essential for proactive shoulder health:

  • Age: As we age, the wear and tear on our joints, including the shoulder, can lead to conditions like osteoarthritis, making older adults more susceptible to shoulder pain.
  • Overuse: Frequent or heavy lifting, reaching overhead or repetitive shoulder motions can strain the shoulder joint, potentially leading to pain.
  • Sports and physical activity: Participation in sports, such as swimming, tennis or weightlifting, can increase the risk of shoulder injuries, including rotator cuff tears.
  • Previous injuries: If not correctly rehabilitated, a history of shoulder injuries can weaken the joint and make it more susceptible to recurrent issues.
  • Poor posture: Maintaining poor posture, especially while working at a desk or using handheld devices, can strain the shoulder and neck muscles.
  • Lack of muscle strength and flexibility: Weak or imbalanced muscles around the shoulder can fail to provide adequate support and increase the risk of injury.
  • Smoking: Smoking can compromise blood flow and the body's ability to heal, potentially delaying recovery from shoulder injuries.
  • Chronic health conditions: Conditions like diabetes and obesity can contribute to inflammation and joint stress, increasing the risk of shoulder pain.
  • Gender: Some shoulder conditions, such as frozen shoulder, are more common in women.

Diagnosing shoulder pain

Our expert healthcare professionals will work together to diagnose your shoulder pain and create a tailored treatment plan so you can get back to living your daily life pain-free.

Shoulder pain treatment

A tailored approach to your specific condition is key to achieving lasting relief when addressing shoulder pain. Working closely with your doctor, your treatment plan will be designed to meet your diagnosis and individual needs to ensure a comprehensive, personalized path to recovery and pain management for your shoulder.

Self-help

Here are some tips for helping shoulder pain get better:

  • Rest: Resting the affected shoulder is often the initial step to allow the injured area to heal. During this phase, avoiding activities that exacerbate pain is essential to prevent further pain and damage to the joint.
  • Improve posture: Correcting poor posture is fundamental in improving chronic shoulder pain. Ergonomic adjustments in your workspace and daily modifications can significantly reduce stress on the shoulder joints and surrounding muscles.
  • Ice and heat application: Ice helps reduce inflammation, while heat can alleviate muscle tension. Alternating between these two things can manage pain and facilitate the healing process.

Shoulder arthroplasty clinical trial

The Most Effective Local Infiltration Analgesic (LIA) in Reducing Overall Opioid Use and Nausea in the Acute Postoperative Period of Shoulder Arthroplasty Patients; a Prospective, Blinded, Randomized, Observational Study

Study evaluation to determine the least opioid and antiemetic intake during the acute postoperative period in shoulder arthroplasty patients.

Criteria

Inclusion criteria
>18; Diagnosed shoulder arthropathy. Patients scheduled for shoulder arthroplasty.

Exclusion criteria
Prior known allergy to either one of the SOC infiltrative analgesic agents (Bupivacaine, Bupivacaine liposome or Multimodal analgesic containing Ropivacaine, Ketorolac, Epinephrine and normal saline)

For more information, contact
Temilola Majekodunmi
Temilola.Majekodunmi@BSWHealth.org

Two new shoulders. One new me.

Ron Moss, an avid golfer, faced the challenges of a rare genetic disease that gradually eroded his shoulder joints. After consulting with several orthopedic experts, the consensus was clear: a double shoulder replacement was his best option for relief. For Ron, this procedure was pivotal in regaining his quality of life and preserving his love for golf. Ron's story reflects the remarkable possibilities of the orthopedic advancements at Baylor Scott & White Health, allowing individuals to continue enjoying their passions despite challenging health conditions.

Frequently asked questions