Shoulder Pain

What causes shoulder pain?

The shoulder is a highly mobile ball-and-socket joint that facilitates movement for upper body function. It includes the humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle (collarbone), supported by the rotator cuff (ligaments, muscles, and tendons). Many injuries and conditions can damage the joint, injure the rotator cuff, or shift the shoulder, including:

Rotator cuff tear

A rotator cuff tear occurs when the ligaments, muscles, and tendons supporting the shoulder joint are damaged, leading to pain and reduced mobility.

Shoulder instability

The shoulder can become unstable if it shifts or is dislocated, leading to pain.

Arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammatory disorder that can cause the joint to degrade, affecting the smooth movement of the ball and socket.

Tendonitis and tendon tear

Tendonitis and tendon tears cause the shoulder tendons to inflame or rupture, compromising its range of motion.

Labral tears

Labral tears, which affect the cartilage rim surrounding the shoulder socket, lead to pain and potential instability.

SLAP tears

SLAP tears injure the superior labrum, which can detach the biceps tendon and cause shoulder discomfort.

Adhesive capsulitis

Adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as frozen shoulder, restricts shoulder movement due to the thickening and tightening of the joint capsule.

Sports-related injuries

Many sports injuries can damage the shoulder joint, ligaments, or tendons, resulting in pain and functional impairment.

How is shoulder pain diagnosed?

Dr. Hamzavi uses many diagnostic tools to pinpoint your shoulder pain’s source. First, he conducts a thorough medical history review. Then, he performs a physical exam, assessing your shoulder’s range of motion, flexibility, and strength.

Finally, Dr. Hamzavi orders imaging scans, which may include X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scans.

What are the treatments for shoulder pain?

Dr. Hamzavi specializes in many minimally invasive procedures to relieve shoulder pain and restore function to the joint, including:

• Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair
• Arthroscopic and open stabilization 
• Arthroscopic remplissage
• Superior capsular reconstruction
• Tendon transfer

Hammer Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine also offers many regenerative techniques to accelerate healing and relieve pain, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, stem cells, bone marrow aspirate concentrate, and orthobiologics.

Call Hammer Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine today or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment.