Shoulder Pain

What are the common causes of shoulder pain?

Your shoulders have an extraordinary range of motion, and you use them far more than you realize. As a result, they’re vulnerable to a variety of degenerative conditions, repetitive motion injuries, and acute injuries. 

For example, some of the common causes of shoulder pain include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Bone spurs
• Tendinitis
• Bursitis
• Rotator cuff tears
• Labrum tears
• Frozen shoulder
• Impingement
• Dislocation
• Fractures 

Your risk of shoulder pain increases with age as your connective tissue becomes dry and less flexible. Additionally, if you have a career or hobby that requires repetitive movements, you have a higher chance of experiencing shoulder pain.

When should I talk to a doctor about shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain ranges in severity and can be debilitating. Most minor injuries heal on their own with a few days of rest and at-home care. If your shoulder pain persists or gets worse, contact Dr. Prager for help.

You should contact Dr. Prager right away if you sustain an acute shoulder injury. Additionally, severe swelling, bruising, or not being able to lift your arm to the front or side are other signs that you need prompt medical attention. 

How do you diagnose the cause of shoulder pain?

At Orthopedic Center of Arlington, Dr. Prager provides thorough exams to evaluate your shoulder pain and diagnose the condition causing it. He carefully examines your shoulder, checking for inflammation, deformity, and mobility limitations. 

Dr. Prager uses diagnostic imaging studies like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to see the inside of your shoulder. He also uses arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure, to examine the interior of your joint in detail. 

How is shoulder pain treated?

Dr. Prager creates customized treatment plans to heal the underlying cause of your shoulder pain. When possible, he begins with conservative treatments, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), cortisone shots, slings, and therapeutic stretches and exercises. 

However, if your injury is more severe or doesn’t respond to noninvasive treatments, Dr. Prager is also an experienced shoulder surgeon. He uses minimally invasive techniques to repair your shoulder. If necessary, he can provide a shoulder replacement procedure. 

Physical therapy is a critical component of recovering from shoulder injuries and surgery. In addition to your physical therapy program, Dr. Prager might recommend platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to accelerate your healing process. 

If you have shoulder pain that interferes with your life, call Orthopedic Center of Arlington or make an appointment online today.