Shoulder Pain Specialist

Orthopaedic Associates, Inc

Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialists located in Evansville, IN, Newburgh, IN, & Henderson, KY

Shoulder pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint that affects between 18-26% of the American population. At Orthopaedic Associates, Inc, the experienced surgeons provide complete diagnoses and treatments for shoulder pain. Using effective methods of care, they can reduce your discomfort and improve your quality of life. To make an appointment at the office in Henderson, Kentucky, or one of the offices in Newburgh or Evansville, Indiana, call the nearest location or use the online booking feature today.

Shoulder Pain Q & A

What is shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain is any aching, stiffness, or general discomfort that affects one (or both) of your shoulder joints.

Even though your shoulders are the most mobile joints in your body, their enhanced range of motion increases the risk of accidents and injuries. That’s especially true if you work a job that requires you to lift, reach, or use hand tools on a daily basis.

If you regularly experience shoulder pain and it doesn’t respond to at-home treatments, make an appointment at Orthopaedic Associates, Inc, right away.

What causes shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain occurs for various reasons, including:

Arthritis
Torn cartilage
Torn rotator cuff
Swollen tendons
Bone spurs
Pinched nerves
Broken shoulder
Frozen shoulder
Dislocated shoulder
Spinal cord injury

You might also experience shoulder pain due to a repetitive-use injury or general wear and tear.

When should I see an orthopaedic specialist about shoulder pain?

Make an appointment at Orthopaedic Associates, Inc, if you regularly experience shoulder pain and it doesn’t respond to at-home treatments like ice, rest, or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. That’s especially true if your shoulder pain interferes with your ability to work, exercise, or do other routine tasks.

How is shoulder pain diagnosed?

To diagnose shoulder pain, your Orthopaedic Associates, Inc, provider reviews your medical history and asks about your symptoms, including if the pain is in one shoulder or both, if the pain extends to other areas of your body, and if it hurts more when you move your arm in certain ways.

Next, they have you do a series of easy stretches and exercises. Your provider observes your shoulder during these activities to check its strength, mobility, and range of motion. If they suspect an underlying issue, like a fracture or a bone spur, your provider might also order X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI.

How is shoulder pain treated?

Treatment for shoulder pain depends on various factors, including your age, medical history, and the severity of your symptoms. Even so, Orthopaedic Associates, Inc, typically recommends minimally invasive treatments whenever possible, including:

Physical therapy
Ice and rest
A splint or a cast
Strengthening exercises and stretches
Activity modification
Prescription pain medication
PRP therapy
Corticosteroid injections

If your shoulder pain doesn’t respond to these treatments, your provider might recommend orthopaedic surgery. The providers at Orthopaedic Associates, Inc, offer both traditional open surgery as well as minimally invasive procedures.

To explore the treatment options for shoulder pain, make an appointment at Orthopaedic Associates, Inc, by calling the nearest office or using the online booking feature today.