Shoulder Pain Specialist

Shoulder Pain Q & A

What is Shoulder Pain?

The shoulder consists of several joints that connect muscles and tendons, providing a wide range of motion. The flexibility and mobility of the shoulder make it susceptible to problems and instability, often resulting in shoulder pain.

Shoulder pain can be constant or occur only when you move your shoulder in a certain way.

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

The most common causes of shoulder pain include:

• Instability: A feeling of looseness or dislocation of the shoulder joint.

• Arthritis: Inflammation of the shoulder joint, often seen in osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

• Tendon Bursitis, Tendonitis, or Tear: Inflammation or tears of the tendons and soft tissues around the shoulder.

• Broken Bone: Fractures can result from trauma or injury.

Other, less common causes of shoulder pain may include nerve-related issues, tumors, or infections.

How is Shoulder Pain Diagnosed?

The experienced team at Brooklyn Pain Doctors conducts a thorough examination to diagnose the cause of your shoulder pain and develop a customized treatment plan.

The process begins with your doctor asking about the onset of your shoulder pain, its duration, and whether this is a recurring issue. Next, a comprehensive physical examination is performed to check for swelling, tenderness, muscle weakness, or physical abnormalities. The doctor will also assess your shoulder's range of motion and strength.

To pinpoint the cause of your shoulder pain, your doctor may recommend the following tests:

• X-rays, with and without dye injections

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

• Ultrasound

• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

• Electromyogram (EMG)

In some cases, arthroscopy may be performed. This surgical procedure uses a fiber-optic camera to examine soft tissue injuries that might not be visible on physical exams or X-rays.

How is Shoulder Pain Treated?

Once the cause of your shoulder pain is identified, a personalized treatment plan will be developed. Common treatments include:

• Reduced or Modified Activities: It's important to avoid engaging in new physical activities that could strain your shoulder while it heals. You may also need to temporarily reduce physical activity. Physical therapy may be prescribed to strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve flexibility.

• Medication: Anti-inflammatory medications can help manage pain and swelling. If over-the-counter medications are not effective, your doctor may prescribe stronger medication or suggest shoulder injections or steroid treatments to reduce inflammation and pain.

• Surgery: In rare cases, surgical intervention may be required. Shoulder dislocations or rotator cuff tears that don’t respond to physical therapy may need surgery. Common procedures include arthroscopy to remove scar tissue and repair torn tissues, or shoulder replacement surgery.

If at-home treatments haven’t resolved your shoulder pain, call Brooklyn Pain Doctors today or book an appointment online. Let our team help you get back to a pain-free life with the right diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your needs.