What Do Shoulder Surgeons Do?
Shoulder surgeons are specialists trained to diagnose and treat injuries and disorders affecting the shoulder joint. This includes conditions like rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder, and dislocations. Using both non-surgical and surgical techniques, they aim to reduce pain, restore strength, and improve range of motion.
At AICA Orthopedics, our shoulder surgeons work closely with a multidisciplinary team of physical therapists, neurologists, and pain management specialists to develop individualized treatment plans. This approach ensures that every patient receives the highest standard of care.
Signs You May Need to See a Shoulder Surgeon
Persistent shoulder pain can limit your activities and impact your daily life. It may be time to consult a shoulder surgeon if you experience:
- Chronic pain that doesn’t improve with rest or medication.
- Limited range of motion or stiffness in your shoulder.
- Weakness that affects your ability to lift or carry objects.
- Pain that disrupts sleep, especially when lying on the affected side.
- Swelling, redness, or warmth around the joint.
Early intervention can prevent further damage and lead to better outcomes.
Common Shoulder Conditions Treated by Our Surgeons
Our experienced shoulder surgeons treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Rotator Cuff Tears: Injuries to the tendons and muscles that stabilize the shoulder, often caused by overuse or trauma.
- Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): A condition causing stiffness and pain, limiting your shoulder’s range of motion.
- Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: When shoulder blade tendons rub against the bone, leading to pain and inflammation.
- Arthritis: Degenerative or inflammatory conditions that cause joint pain and stiffness.
- Shoulder Dislocations: When the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket, requiring realignment and treatment to prevent recurrence.
Each condition is treated with a patient-centered approach, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options Before Surgery
At AICA Orthopedics, we prioritize non-surgical treatments to manage shoulder pain whenever possible. These options include:
- Physical Therapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises to improve mobility and reduce pain. Physical therapy also helps prevent future injuries by building muscle support around the joint.
- Pain Management: Techniques like corticosteroid injections or anti-inflammatory medications to alleviate swelling and discomfort.
- Cold Laser Therapy: A non-invasive approach that reduces inflammation, promotes healing, and helps manage chronic pain conditions.
- Chiropractic Care: Adjustments and manual therapy to address misalignments that may contribute to shoulder pain.
- Physiotherapy: A holistic approach combining manual therapy, ultrasound, and patient education to treat and prevent shoulder conditions.
These non-invasive solutions often provide significant relief, delaying or avoiding the need for surgery.
Types of Shoulder Surgeries We Offer
When surgery is necessary, our shoulder surgeons provide advanced surgical options tailored to your condition, including:
- Rotator Cuff Repair: Reattaching torn tendons or repairing damaged tissue to restore shoulder function.
- Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Replacing the damaged parts of the shoulder joint with artificial components to alleviate pain and improve mobility.
- Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure using a small camera to diagnose and treat conditions like impingement syndrome or cartilage tears.
- Shoulder Stabilization Surgery: Repairing ligaments and tendons to address recurring dislocations and improve joint stability.
- Labrum Repair: Fixing torn cartilage in the shoulder joint to restore normal movement and reduce pain.
Our team ensures that you understand your options and works with you to determine the best surgical plan for your needs.