Shoulder Pain

What is shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain refers to discomfort you experience in your shoulder, whether it’s during movement or at rest. The pain may range from a dull ache to a sharp severe pain. 

While shoulder pain can come and go quickly, if your pain is lingering longer than expected or affecting your daily activities, Dr. Delman can examine your shoulder and provide a treatment plan to reduce your discomfort. 

What causes shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain is common and can develop from many causes. Some of the most common include:

Arthritis

Arthritis is a general medical term that indicates joint inflammation. Your shoulder is susceptible to arthritis, like any other joint in your body.

Rotator cuff tear

The rotator cuff is a group of tendons that attaches your humerus to your shoulder blade and helps you lift and rotate your shoulder. Rotator cuff tears are common and indicate that the tendon is no longer fully connected to your humerus. 

Labral tear

The labrum is a type of cartilage found at the rim of your shoulder’s socket joint and helps hold the ball joint in place. Labral tears occur when the cartilage is torn. 

Impingement

Impingement is a shoulder condition in which your shoulder blade puts pressure on your soft tissue, resulting in pain and limited mobility.

Tendinitis, bursitis, fractures, and dislocations can also lead to shoulder pain.

How is shoulder pain diagnosed?

Dr. Delman can determine the underlying cause of your shoulder pain after a comprehensive examination. During your examination, he reviews your symptoms and medical history and evaluates your shoulder. To confirm or rule out a diagnosis, he may recommend an X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound. 

What are the treatments for shoulder pain?

Treatment for your shoulder pain depends on the underlying cause. Dr. Delman develops personalized treatment plans aimed at relieving your pain with the least amount of risk. Initially, he may take a conservative approach and recommend anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy.

Depending on the cause of your shoulder pain, he may recommend platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which is a form of regenerative medicine that utilizes the healing properties in your own blood to accelerate healing of your diseased or damaged tissue. 

Dr. Delman is also a skilled and experienced surgeon, and when necessary may recommend a specific surgical procedure to repair your shoulder. Some of his specialties include shoulder replacement and arthroscopic surgery, which is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure he can perform to repair rotator cuff injuries or shoulder instability.

Shoulder pain can occur from many causes. For an evaluation and treatment plan from an experienced orthopedic specialist, schedule an appointment with Allan Delman, M.D., online or by phone today.