The shoulder joint is one of the most complex and mobile joints in the human body, making it susceptible to various injuries and conditions. An ortho doctor specializes in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal problems, including a wide range of shoulder issues that can significantly impact your quality of life.
Understanding common shoulder problems and how orthopedic specialists can help will guide you toward the right treatment path.
Shoulder problems affect millions of Americans, causing pain and limiting daily activities, but an ortho doctor can provide effective treatments to restore function and reduce discomfort.
In this blog, you will learn about the following:
- Early intervention matters – Seeking treatment from an orthopedic specialist when symptoms first appear can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
- Multiple treatment options available – From physical therapy and medications to minimally invasive procedures, ortho doctors offer comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s needs.
- Specialized expertise required – Orthopedic doctors have advanced training in diagnosing and treating complex shoulder conditions that general practitioners may not fully address.
What Are the Most Common Shoulder Problems?
Shoulder problems can develop from sudden injuries, repetitive motions, or age-related wear and tear. The shoulder’s complex structure includes bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that work together to provide a remarkable range of motion.
- Rotator cuff injuries represent the most frequent shoulder problem treated by orthopedic doctors. The rotator cuff consists of four muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, rotator cuff tears affect approximately 2 million Americans annually, with risk increasing significantly after age 40.
- Shoulder impingement syndrome occurs when the rotator cuff tendons become compressed between bones during arm movement. This condition often develops gradually and affects people who perform repetitive overhead activities.
- Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, causes stiffness and pain that develops slowly and can last for months or years. The Cleveland Clinic reports this condition affects women between the ages of 40-60 most commonly.
- Shoulder arthritis develops when cartilage in the joint wears down over time, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. This degenerative condition becomes more common with advancing age.
How Do Ortho Doctors Diagnose Shoulder Problems?
When you visit an orthopedic clinic for shoulder pain, the diagnostic process begins with a comprehensive evaluation. Ortho doctors use systematic approaches to identify the exact cause of your symptoms.
The initial examination includes a detailed medical history and physical assessment. Your orthopedic specialist will ask about when symptoms began, what activities worsen pain, and whether you have experienced previous shoulder injuries.
- Physical examination techniques help ortho doctors assess range of motion, strength, and stability. Specific tests can isolate different structures within the shoulder to pinpoint the source of problems.
- Imaging studies provide detailed views of the shoulder’s anatomy. X-rays reveal bone problems and arthritis, while MRI scans show soft tissue damage, including rotator cuff tears. MRI imaging has 95% accuracy in detecting full-thickness rotator cuff tears.
- Diagnostic injections sometimes help confirm the source of pain. If symptoms improve after an injection into a specific area, it helps verify the diagnosis.
What Treatment Options Do Ortho Doctors Provide?
Orthopedic doctors offer comprehensive treatment approaches that range from conservative management to advanced surgical procedures. Treatment plans are individualized based on the specific condition, severity, patient age, and activity level.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Physical therapy forms the cornerstone of conservative shoulder treatment. Specialized exercises strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and restore normal movement patterns. Research shows that structured physical therapy programs can effectively treat many shoulder conditions without surgery.
- Medications help manage pain and inflammation. Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) reduce swelling and discomfort. For severe pain, ortho doctors may prescribe stronger medications for short-term use.
- Injection therapy provides targeted relief for specific conditions. Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation in the shoulder joint or around tendons. Hyaluronic acid injections may help patients with shoulder arthritis.
Surgical Treatment Options
When conservative treatments do not provide adequate relief, ortho doctors may recommend surgical intervention. Modern orthopedic surgery offers minimally invasive techniques that reduce recovery time and improve outcomes.
- Arthroscopic surgery uses small incisions and a tiny camera to repair damaged structures inside the shoulder. This approach treats rotator cuff tears, removes inflamed tissue, and addresses impingement problems.
- Shoulder replacement surgery may be necessary for severe arthritis or complex fractures. Total shoulder replacement involves replacing damaged joint surfaces with artificial components.
When Should You See an Ortho Doctor for Shoulder Pain?
Recognizing when to seek specialized orthopedic care can prevent minor problems from becoming major issues requiring extensive treatment.
- Persistent pain lasting more than a few days warrants evaluation by an ortho doctor. Pain that interferes with sleep or daily activities should not be ignored.
- Loss of function, including the inability to lift your arm, reach overhead, or perform normal activities, indicates the need for professional assessment.
- Weakness or numbness in the arm or hand may signal nerve involvement requiring immediate attention from an orthopedic specialist.
- A previous injury that continues causing problems despite initial treatment should be reevaluated by an ortho doctor who specializes in shoulder conditions.
How Can You Prevent Common Shoulder Problems?
Prevention strategies can significantly reduce your risk of developing shoulder problems that require treatment from an ortho doctor.
- Proper warm-up before physical activities prepares shoulder muscles and joints for movement. Dynamic stretching and gradual activity increase help prevent injury.
- Strength training that includes exercises for all shoulder muscles creates balanced support around the joint. Focus on rotator cuff strengthening exercises recommended by fitness professionals.
- Good posture during work and daily activities reduces stress on the shoulder structures. Ergonomic workstation setups prevent repetitive strain injuries.
- Activity modification helps avoid overuse injuries. Alternate repetitive activities with rest periods and vary your exercise routine to prevent overloading specific muscle groups.
Ortho Doctor in San Antonio, TX
Do not let shoulder pain limit your activities or reduce your quality of life. The experienced ortho doctors at The Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment for all types of shoulder problems. Our orthopedic specialists use the latest diagnostic techniques and treatment options to help you return to the activities you love.
Schedule your consultation today to discuss your shoulder concerns with our expert team. Contact us at (210) 692-7400 or fill out our appointment request form. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes and can prevent minor problems from requiring extensive treatment.
