Struggling with shoulder pain that just will not quit? The pain affects you at work and home. You need a real solution. Let’s look at the ways shoulder doctors can help you with pain management and improve your quality of life.
What Causes Shoulder Pain?
Shoulder pain develops due to a variety of reasons. It could start with a sudden injury from sports, a car collision or even a fall. You may have arthritis from using that shoulder over and over again during tennis or volleyball. Even years of poor posture can make your shoulder hurt.
Other common causes of shoulder pain include rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder, tendonitis and bursitis. The pain can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, which affects your work, family responsibilities, exercise and sports.
When Should You See a Shoulder Doctor?
You should discuss this important question with your primary care physician. Your PCP knows a lot about your overall health, past medical history, current medications and more.
Your primary care doctor can discuss a number of treatment options with you. If needed, your PCP will recommend a shoulder specialist in the Baltimore area who can do a more in-depth examination of your shoulder joint.
Likely, you need to see a shoulder doctor:
- When your pain or limited function persists beyond two weeks
- If you have sustained a direct blow or other trauma to the shoulder
- When you cannot do normal activities of daily living without a lot of pain
- If your shoulder is noisy, making popping, snapping or grinding noises
- If your shoulder and arm seem weak, or you have numbness or tingling in the affected arm
- If you cannot sleep or sit without pain
- When redness, swelling or a noticeable deformity (change in shape and size) develops in your painful shoulder
How Shoulder Doctors Can Enhance Your Quality of Life
If you are experiencing shoulder pain, which affects how well you feel and function, get real help from an orthopedic specialist. A shoulder doctor has the education and experience in treating conditions which affect the shoulder joint and surrounding muscles and tendons.
A complete evaluation with a shoulder doctor involves discussing your symptoms and medical history in detail. You will undergo a physical exam and imaging tests, such as digital X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging.
Based on his or her findings, the shoulder doctor will develop a treatment plan right for your desired goals, lifestyle, diagnosis, overall health and more. The plan will address the source of your pain. Treatment will work toward improved shoulder function, flexibility and management of pain and other symptoms.
Depending on your medical diagnosis and other factors, your shoulder doctor may advise:
- Pain medications–over-the-counter or prescription
- Injection therapy (with corticosteroids, for example)
- A detailed plan of physical therapy to reduce pain and improve free movement
- Joint replacement surgery to install new shoulder components
- Joint arthroscopy to repair damaged cartilage, ligaments and tendons
- Shoulder stabilization surgery (for repeated dislocations)
During physical therapy sessions, you will learn specific exercises and stretches to target the affected area. The therapist will show you techniques for improved body mechanics and posture. Your therapist may also use manual therapies such as massage to help with pain and improve mobility.
Also, your treatment plan may include ice or heat therapy, ultrasound or electrical stimulation (TENS) to manage your pain further. Stay in touch with your healthcare team–your shoulder doctor in particular–so your care plan may be adjusted as needed.
With proper care and management with your board-certified orthopedic specialist, you can find relief from shoulder pain. Wouldn’t you like to get back to doing the things you like?
Shoulder Doctor Near Me in Baltimore
At Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder, our highly qualified and experienced orthopedic doctors utilize the latest shoulder pain treatment techniques to get that joint fully functional and pain-free. We offer everything, from innovative nonsurgical treatment approaches to surgical treatment methods, such as total shoulder replacement. Moreover, we provide on-site medical imaging procedures as part of our commitment to deliver comprehensive, seamless, attentive, and prompt care.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, call us today at (410) 296-6232 or use our appointment request form.
We have five state-of-the-art locations to serve you, including a fully equipped surgical center in Lutherville, MD. We look forward to serving you!
