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The shoulder joint is one of the most complex joints in the body, providing great range of motion due to its complicated anatomy. The most qualified doctor to see for your shoulder pain is an orthopedic surgeon, specially trained in shoulder care. They have knowledge and experience with injuries and conditions of the upper extremities, including the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder, and can recommend the best diagnosis and treatment plan available.
Conditions, Disorders, and Injuries
IBJI’s shoulder care specialists have an in-depth understanding of the muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the shoulder, where pain commonly occurs. They will listen to your concerns and provide a thorough, comprehensive exam to diagnose the cause of your pain or discomfort.
Causes of Shoulder Pain
- Arthritis: Acromiocalvicular (AC) Injuries
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis
- Arthritis: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Biceps Tendon Rupture
- Biceps Tendonitis
- Burners and Stingers
- Chronic Shoulder Pain
- Clavicle (Collarbone) Fracture
- Diabetes-related Shoulder Issues
- Frozen Shoulder
- Glenoid (Shoulder Socket) Fractures
- Gout
- Humerus Fracture
- Impingement Syndrome
- Joint Stiffness
- Ligament Injuries
- Loose Shoulder
- Lupus
- Muscle Imbalance
- Nerve Injuries
- Repetitive Strains
- Rotator Cuff Injuries
- Rotator Cuff Tears
- Shoulder Blade (Scapula) Fractures
- Shoulder Dislocation
- Shoulder Instability
- Shoulder Separation
- Shoulder Stiffness
- SLAP and Labrum Tear
- Tendonitis
- Traumatic Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder Treatments
The expert shoulder care team at IBJI consists of trained specialists in advanced surgical and non-surgical treatments. They use a multidisciplinary approach to determine the best treatment options to relieve your discomfort and improve your range of motion to get back to an active life without pain.
Non-Surgical
- Acupuncture
- Bracing
- Functional Rehabilitation
- Heat/Ice
- Imaging (MRIs and CT scans)
- Immediate Care
- Injections
- Massage Therapy
- Nerve Blocks
- NSAIDs and Steroids
- Nutrition Counseling
- Occupational Therapy
- Pain Management
- Physical Therapy
- Weight Loss Assistance
Surgical
- AC Joint Surgery and Repair
- Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
- Bankart Repair
- Biceps Tendon Surgery
- Broken Collarbone Surgery
- Distal Clavicle Excision
- Frozen Shoulder Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Shoulder Surgery
- Partial Shoulder Replacement
- Reverse Shoulder Replacement
- Revision Shoulder Surgery
- Rotator Cuff Repair
- Shoulder Fracture Repair
- Shoulder Impingement Surgery
- Shoulder Joint Fusion
- Shoulder Resurfacing
- SLAP Repair
- Stemless Shoulder Arthroplasty
- Tendon Reconstruction Surgery
- Tendon Rupture Repair
- Tendon Transfer Surgery
- Torn Labrum Surgery
- Total Shoulder Joint Replacement
FAQs about Shoulder Care
What Is Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
Shoulder replacement surgery involves replacing the normal ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder with a metal ball along with possibly a plastic (or polyethylene) socket. When non-surgical shoulder care treatments have failed to relieve pain, the patient may best be served with this type of treatment. The type of procedure depends on the condition or injury to the shoulder. Shoulder replacement surgery is increasingly common and is often recommended when pain or limited range of motion interfere with daily life.
Why Visit a Shoulder Surgeon?
The shoulder is a particularly complex joint which could require specialized care from a specialist with expertise in the latest treatments. When chronic shoulder pain due to arthritis or another condition or injury affects your ability to do everyday tasks, an experienced orthopedic surgeon can provide advanced shoulder care. They will diagnose the cause of your shoulder pain and recommend next steps. Often, they will want to try conservative non-surgical treatments before recommending surgery.
Can a Shoulder Doctor Also Treat My Collarbone?
Yes. Shoulder doctors are trained in the entire area of the shoulder girdle, which includes your upper arm bone (humerus), shoulder blade (scapula), and the collarbone (clavicle). If you’re dealing with collarbone pain, look for an experienced orthopedic team that can provide shoulder care from diagnosis to recovery.
Can My Condition Be Treated Non-surgically?
Yes, thankfully most shoulder conditions can be treated with non-surgical treatment options such as medications, physical therapy, and injections. It is often only when these have failed that surgical treatment is considered.
Can My Surgery Be Done with Minimally Invasive Techniques?
Depending on the issue, many shoulder conditions can be treated with minimally invasive treatment such as arthroscopy. Please ask your shoulder specialist if this is possible with your particular condition.
Related Resources
Check out this collection of videos for more information about some of the most common problems that IBJI’s shoulder care specialists have diagnosed and treated.
