Shoulder Specialist

Why do I have shoulder pain?

The wide range of mobility in your shoulder function stems from the ball-and-socket design. Your shoulder joint allows your upper arm bone (humerus) to glide around smoothly in your shoulder blade (scapula). With the help of several connective tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, and muscles, in addition to joint-protecting cartilage, you can move your arm in all directions.

Having this much mobility in a joint can lead to problems, though. Not only are you prone to overuse injuries, but you can also develop degenerative conditions that cause tissues to gradually break down. In any case, if you have shoulder pain, it could be a sign of:

• Rotator cuff tear
• Shoulder arthritis
• Ligament tear
• Impingement
• Dislocation
• Fracture  
• Bursitis
  
  

While less common, occasionally shoulder pain is a sign of nerve damage, infections, or tumors. The only way to know what’s going on for certain is to have an evaluation with Dr. Shayfer, and possibly digital X-ray or ultrasound imaging.

What are the symptoms of a shoulder injury?

The symptoms you experience with a shoulder injury or chronic condition can vary. After a personal injury, such as a slip and fall, you might have acute pain. If you’re an athlete who plays a throwing sport, like baseball, your pain could progress gradually over years. You could experience:

• Numbness or tingling down your arm
• Pain that worsens with activity
• Inflammation or swelling
• Difficulty reaching above your head
• Limited range of motion
  
  

Most types of shoulder injuries or chronic conditions can have similar symptoms — starting with pain. So, it can be difficult to determine exactly what might be causing your pain, based off of symptoms alone. Once Dr. Shayfer performs a physical exam, looks at your images, and evaluates your range-of-motion limitations, he can put together options for your treatment plan.

How is a shoulder injury treated?

Your comprehensive shoulder treatment package at Sohail Shayfer, MD Inc. generally begins by pairing conservative therapies to help you get relief from pain and to help you heal. Shoulder injury treatments can include:

• Stem cell therapy
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
• Corticosteroid injections
• Physical or occupational therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medications
  
  

In some cases, surgery is essential to repair a shoulder injury, like if you have a severe rotator cuff tear. If you do need surgery, Dr. Shayfer uses the latest techniques and tools, including arthroscopy, to repair your shoulder in the most minimally invasive manner possible.

Schedule your shoulder evaluation at Sohail Shayfer, MD Inc. today. Click on the online scheduling feature to book or call the clinic directly.