Shoulder pain affects millions of Americans each day and can result from a wide range of injuries and conditions, from overuse to traumatic damage. While shoulder problems can sometimes be complex, most are highly treatable with the right diagnosis and care. For faster answers, effective treatment, and lasting pain relief, it’s important to be evaluated by an experienced orthopedic shoulder specialist.

At OrthoSports Associates, we have a team of certified specialists who have already helped hundreds of patients in the Greater Birmingham Area and Central Alabama tackle their shoulder problems alleviating pain and regaining mobility. To learn more about your options, please schedule a personal consultation today.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Here are a few of the most common causes of shoulder pain:

Tendon problems (inflammation or tear) – this can happen due to a sudden injury or just overuse. A tendon is a connective tissue that connects muscles to your bones

Rotator Cuff Injuries – The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround your shoulder joint. They provide joint stability and allow for a wide range of motion. Injuries to the rotator cuff, such as tears or strains, can cause pain and limited mobility in the shoulder.

Biceps Tendons Tear at the Shoulder – A bicep tendon connects the bicep muscles to the shoulder and elbow. When you tear the bicep tendon, you may experience shoulder pain and lose some strength in the arm.
Instability (dislocation) – falls, sports injuries, and car accidents could cause the upper arm bone to pop out of the socket
Shoulder Dislocation/Separation – A dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone (humerus) comes out of the shoulder socket. Also the end of the collarbone can separate from its joint ( called the AC joint) and become unstable. This can result from trauma, sports injuries, or falls. The main symptoms of dislocation/ separation are severe pain and instability in the shoulder.
Fracture – broken bones in the shoulder are often the result of falls from heights or traffic accidents

An injury can cause broken bones around the shoulder. Clavicle, Proximal Humerus, Glenoid, Acromion and Scapula are all shoulder bones that can be injured. Sometimes surgery is necessary to repair the pieces and get the best healing.

Capsulitis/Frozen Shoulder- Inflammation of the joint capsule causing pain and stiffness. It is unknown what causes this problem but is very common and can be treated nonsurgically.
Arthritis – there are many types of arthritis but the most common is osteoarthritis, also called wear-and-tear arthritis This occurs when the cartilage within the joint starts breaking down. Usually nonsurgical management can help reduce pain and restore function and mobility but sometimes surgery is necessary.

The key to effective shoulder pain management is the correct diagnosis. Once a member of our Orthosports team identifies the underlying cause, they can suggest an effective course of treatment.

Shoulder Symptoms That Mean It Is Time to Be Seen

Shoulder pain looks different depending on the cause. Pain with limited movement can point to a rotator cuff injury. Pain along with weakness in the arm can mean a torn biceps tendon. Pain with stiffness can be frozen shoulder, and severe pain with a feeling that the shoulder is unstable can be a sign of a dislocation or separation. Even if your pain seems manageable, it could get worse over time, so finding the cause early is a good next step.

What to Expect at Your Shoulder Evaluation

Your visit starts with finding the cause of your pain, because the correct diagnosis is the key to effective shoulder care. A member of the OrthoSports team evaluates your shoulder, identifies the underlying cause, and then suggests a course of treatment.

Nonsurgical Treatment Comes First

OrthoSports starts with the most conservative care that fits your diagnosis. X-ray, bracing and therapy are all available through one practice, along with lifestyle change consultations, medication and non-invasive procedures. Frozen shoulder can be treated without surgery, and nonsurgical care can usually help reduce arthritis pain and restore function and mobility. If conservative methods do not work, our team may recommend shoulder surgery.

Shoulder Surgeries We Offer

While shoulder pain can be highly uncomfortable and even debilitating, the majority of its underlying causes have a conservative solution. From lifestyle change consultations and physical therapy to medication and non-invasive procedures, OrthoSports offers a wide variety of treatment possibilities.

If the conservative methods don’t work, our team may recommend shoulder surgery to alleviate your pain. Types of shoulder surgery that our board-certified surgeons can perform are:

Arthroscopic Rotator cuff repair surgery
Arthroscopic Capsule and Labral repairs (for dislocated shoulder)
Biceps and Subscapularis Tendon repair surgery
Acromioclavicular joint Repairs
Joint Replacement
And many others

Relief for Your Shoulder Pain in Alabama

Shoulder pain can reduce your quality of life and keep you from performing daily tasks. Even if the pain seems manageable right now, it could get worse over time. Seeking professional medical attention is key to getting back to your daily life.

A team of experienced orthopedists and board-certified orthopedic surgeons from OrthoSports can evaluate your shoulder problem, identify its cause, and design an effective course of treatment. If you need help with a shoulder issue in the Greater Birmingham area or Central Alabama, contact us to make an appointment today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder Care

Is a shoulder dislocation the same as a shoulder separation?

No. A dislocation happens when the upper arm bone (humerus) comes out of the shoulder socket. A separation happens when the end of the collarbone separates from its joint, called the AC joint, and becomes unstable. Both usually result from trauma, sports injuries or falls, and both cause severe pain and instability in the shoulder.

Can a torn rotator cuff be repaired?

Yes. OrthoSports starts with conservative care for most shoulder problems, such as physical therapy, medication and non-invasive procedures. If those methods do not work, our board-certified surgeons can perform arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery, one of several shoulder surgeries offered, to relieve pain and restore movement.

What causes frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, also called capsulitis, is inflammation of the shoulder joint capsule that causes pain and stiffness. Its exact cause is unknown, but it is very common, and it can be treated without surgery. An OrthoSports shoulder specialist can confirm the diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan.