Shoulder pain
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Has pain limited your ability to enjoy activities? Meet one-on-one with an Asante orthopedic specialist to assess your bone, joint and muscle health — the first step toward returning to an active lifestyle.
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Shoulder pain involves the muscles, tendons, and joints that make up the shoulder. It can be caused by a sudden injury, overuse, strain or natural aging. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor will determine what the most likely cause and treatment is for your case, and will create a personalized plan based on your unique needs and lifestyle.
Conditions we treat
Rotator cuff tear
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint and help to move and stabilize the shoulder. A rotator cuff tear is a tear in one or more of these muscles or tendons. These tears can be caused by a sudden injury, such as a fall, or they can develop gradually over time due to wear and tear or overuse.
Rotator cuff tears can range in severity from small tears to complete ruptures of the muscle or tendon. Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear include shoulder pain, weakness in the shoulder, and difficulty lifting the arm.
Treatment for a rotator cuff tear depends on the severity of the tear and the symptoms that you are experiencing. Non-surgical treatment options may include rest, physical therapy, and medications to reduce pain and inflammation. Surgical treatment may be necessary for more severe tears or if other treatment is not effective. Surgery for a rotator cuff tear may involve repairing the tear or removing damaged tissue
Rotator cuff tendinitis
Rotator cuff tendinitis is a condition in which the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles become inflamed. The rotator cuff muscles are a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint and help to move and stabilize the shoulder. Tendinitis is typically caused by overuse or repetitive strain injuries.
Symptoms of rotator cuff tendinitis include shoulder pain, particularly when lifting the arm or when the arm is in certain positions. The pain may be worse at night or when lying on the affected shoulder. Other symptoms may include weakness in the shoulder and a reduced range of motion in the joint.
Treatment for rotator cuff tendinitis may include rest, physical therapy, and medications to reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, a corticosteroid injection may be recommended to help reduce inflammation. Severe or persistent cases of rotator cuff tendinitis may require surgical treatment.
Frozen shoulder
A frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition in which the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful, making it difficult to move your arm. It is most common in people between the ages of 40 and 60 and is more common in women than in men.
Frozen shoulder can develop after a shoulder injury or surgery, or it can occur for no apparent reason. Risk factors for developing a frozen shoulder include diabetes, stroke and thyroid problems.
Symptoms of a frozen shoulder include shoulder pain, stiffness and reduced range of motion in the joint. The condition usually develops gradually and can last for several months or longer.
Treatment for a frozen shoulder may include physical therapy or medications to reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, a corticosteroid injection may be recommended to help reduce inflammation. Severe or persistent cases of a frozen shoulder may require surgical treatment.
Shoulder bursitis
Shoulder bursitis is a condition in which the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, muscles, and tendons in your shoulder, become inflamed. Bursitis is usually caused by repetitive strain injuries or overuse of the shoulder joint. It can also be caused by an injury or infection.
Symptoms of shoulder bursitis include shoulder pain, tenderness, and swelling. The pain may be worse when your arm is raised or when your shoulder is pressed on. There may also be a reduced range of motion in the shoulder joint.
Treatment for shoulder bursitis may include rest, physical therapy and medications to reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, a corticosteroid injection may be recommended to help reduce inflammation. Severe or persistent cases of shoulder bursitis may require surgical intervention to remove the inflamed bursae.
Dislocated shoulder
A dislocated shoulder is a condition in which the upper arm bone (humerus) becomes displaced from the shoulder blade (scapula) and “pops” out of place. A dislocated shoulder can be caused by a variety of factors including a fall, a sports injury or a car accident. It is a painful injury that can cause damage to the ligaments, muscles, and tendons in the shoulder.
Symptoms of a dislocated shoulder include shoulder pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the arm. Your shoulder may also look deformed or out of place.
Treatment for a dislocated shoulder typically involves “popping” the shoulder back into place by physically moving the upper arm bone back into its proper position. This can be done with manual manipulation or with the use of medication to relax the muscles. After your shoulder is put back into place, your arm will be immobilized in a sling to allow the joint to heal. Physical therapy may be recommended to help restore strength and range of motion to your shoulder. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged ligaments or tendons.
Labrum tear
The labrum is a ring of soft cartilage that surrounds the shoulder blade (scapula) and helps to stabilize the shoulder joint. A labrum tear is a tear in this ring of cartilage. Labrum tears can be caused by things like a fall, a sports injury or overuse.
Symptoms of a labrum tear include shoulder pain, difficulty lifting the arm, and a feeling of instability in the shoulder. The pain may be worse when your arm is lifted or when your shoulder is moved in certain positions.
Treatment for a labrum tear depends on the severity of the tear and the symptoms you are experiencing. Non-surgical treatment options may include rest, physical therapy and medication to reduce pain and inflammation. Surgical treatment may be necessary for more severe tears or if non-surgical treatment doesn’t appear to be working. Surgery for a labrum tear may involve repairing the tear or removing the damaged tissue.
Treatment options
Achieving the best possible outcome takes work on both our part and yours. We promise to hold up our end of the bargain by providing the best medical services possible when you’re in our care. We'll be there to support you as you do your part by fully participating in an ongoing rehabilitation program.
Asante’s Sports Medicine team includes a range of experienced orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine specialists who provide full-service care for the treatment and injuries that occur during sports and physical activity. We offer a range of treatments for knee pain, including physical therapy, rehabilitation exercises, medications, and minimally invasive surgeries.
Our nationally recognized joint replacement program at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center features surgeons in the Asante Health Network and uses therapies and treatment options to reduce or eliminate pain and improve patient recovery times.
In severe cases, your shoulder may require surgery. If so, one of our fellowship-trained shoulder reconstruction surgeons will work with you to determine the best surgery and rehabilitation plan based on your specific goals and lifestyle.