Shoulder Pain Specialist
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OrthoCare
Orthopedic Surgeons located in Harlingen, TX
If you experience intense shoulder pain or have limited range of motion, you can get the comprehensive care you need at OrthoCare in Harlingen, Texas. Experienced orthopedic surgeons Stephanie Baker, MD, offers both nonsurgical and surgical solutions for treating the underlying cause of shoulder pain. Whether you need steroid injections or total shoulder replacement surgery, you can rely on the expertise of the orthopedic team at OrthoCare. Schedule an appointment online or by calling the office today to learn more about available treatments for shoulder pain.
Shoulder Pain Q & A
What causes shoulder pain?
Your shoulder is a complex joint that allows you to move in a variety of ways. Injuries from overuse or disease in any of the structures that make up your joint can cause shoulder pain.
One common injury that causes chronic shoulder pain is a rotator cuff tear. The rotator cuff is a group of tendons that connect muscle to bone. When you tear these tendons, it reduces your range of motion, and you may find it painful to lift your arm up over your head.
Other causes of shoulder pain include:
- Arthritis
- Fractures
- Bone spurs
- Labrum tears
- Torn cartilage
- Joint dislocation
- Nerve compression
When you can no longer treat shoulder pain at home, or if your pain is worsening even with treatment, you should schedule a diagnostic evaluation with the orthopedic team at OrthoCare.
How is shoulder pain diagnosed?
To find out the root cause of your shoulder pain, your OrthoCare provider takes time to review your medical history and your physical activities, including exercise and sports.
You may also need diagnostic imaging tests, like X-rays or an ultrasound, that are available on-site to ensure you receive fast, accurate results.
Once they understand the source of your shoulder pain, the medical team customizes a treatment plan to relieve your pain and improve the function of your shoulder joint.
How is shoulder pain treated?
Initially, your OrthoCare provider may recommend nonsurgical treatments to relieve your shoulder pain and reduce inflammation. This may include oral medications or injections of steroids and an anesthetic.
Other treatments for shoulder pain include:
Physical therapy
You may also benefit from physical therapy to strengthen the muscles that support your shoulder joint, and the improved blood circulation promotes natural healing.
Regenerative medicine
Regenerative medicine therapies are an effective treatment option for soft tissue tears and joint degeneration.
By injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stem cells into your shoulder joint, you can heal from the inside out. These substances found naturally in your body help to repair damaged tissue and bone by producing new, healthy cells to replace damaged ones.
Surgery
If you have a serious shoulder injury or progressive degenerative disease, you may be a candidate for surgery. The team at OrthoCare offers several types of orthopedic shoulder surgeries. Among them are:
- Shoulder stabilization
- Shoulder arthroscopy
- Rotator cuff repair
- Shoulder joint replacement
The skilled surgeons also perform superior labrum anterior and posterior (SLAP) surgery to reattach your bicep tendon to the labrum, which is strong cartilage that supports the socket and ball of your joint.
You don’t have to live with chronic shoulder pain. Find out if you’re a candidate for orthopedic surgery or other available treatment by calling OrthoCare, or by requesting an appointment online today.
