Shoulder pain may arise as the result of shoulder injury or damage to the soft tissues of the shoulder. Shoulder injuries can occur from a single traumatic event or through overuse or underuse of the shoulder. Regardless of the cause, shoulder pain, weakness and occasional instability of the shoulder joint can cause discomfort. Shoulder pain related to shoulder injuries may occur over the entire shoulder region, not just localized at the joint. Shoulder problems often result in pain radiating up the neck, through the upper back, as well as down the arm. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, you can experience tremendous shoulder
pain relief.
Arthritis can be a cause of shoulder pain. Osteoarthritis is the most common type and is often caused by the breakdown of cartilage that occurs years after shoulder injury, or it may be due to cartilage breakdown due to "wear and tear." Two other types of arthritis are inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and rotator cuff arthropathy. Rotator cuff arthropathy is the result of a long-standing rotator cuff tear that is no longer reparable that eventually leads to severe arthritis and loss of use of the affected shoulder and arm.
There have been many advances in treating shoulder pain and shoulder injuries in recent years. Because many injuries are sports injuries, our doctors are well versed in the latest surgery techniques, including shoulder arthroscopy, which dramatically reduces recovery and rehab time and can get you back in action quickly. Treatment may also include physical therapy to aid recovery and provide instruction on how to prevent a recurrence of a shoulder injury.
