Shoulder Pain

Approximately 18-26% of Americans have shoulder pain today — and if you’re among them, you know it’s distressing effects on daily life all too well. At GoOrthopedic, with two offices in San Jose and Manteca, California, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Kalle Stidham provides comprehensive care for shoulder pain for patients of all backgrounds, from everyday people to professional athletes. To get expert help for your shoulder pain, call the nearest office or book an appointment online today.

What causes shoulder pain?

Your shoulder joint includes an intricate system of bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles that work together to create the most flexible joint in the body. But, the price you pay for such flexibility is an increased risk of injury and shoulder pain. 

Some of the most common reasons for shoulder pain are: 

• Rotator cuff tears
• Labral tears
• Tendonitis
• Osteoarthritis (OA)
• Bursitis
• Joint dislocation
• Fractures
• Impingement
• Instability
• Bone spurs
• Infections
• Tumors

Shoulder pain may occur due to a combination of these factors.

When do I need to seek help for shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain can vary with the injury and the person experiencing it. Whether your pain is sporadic or almost constant, you should reach out to GoOrthopedic for help if:

• You can’t play your sport without shoulder pain
• You can’t raise your arm, hold a bag, or make other routine movements comfortably
• Pain doesn’t go away with over-the-counter (OTC) medications and rest
• Pain disrupts your sleep or forces you to sleep in unusual positions
• Shoulder joint swells suddenly

You should be able to depend on your shoulder in a variety of ways every single day. If you’re unable to do that, your shoulder pain is disruptive and requires expert care. 

How is shoulder pain diagnosed?

GoOrthopedic performs diagnostic evaluations in the office. Along with a complete physical exam, your provider uses state-of-the-art digital X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize the bones and tissues inside your shoulder joint and diagnose your problem.

What is the most effective treatment for shoulder pain?

The most effective shoulder pain treatment is the one that’s tailored for you. GoOrthopedic streamlines recovery pathways to give you the most optimal, targeted treatment for your condition and goals. 

Many patients with shoulder pain experience a full recovery and return to routine activities with nonsurgical care like physical therapy, wearing a shoulder sling, and activity rest. Restorative cell therapy can accelerate healing and relieve pain if you have a soft tissue injury.

More traumatic shoulder issues, like full-thickness rotator cuff tears, chronic shoulder instability, and severe shoulder arthritis, often require minimally invasive surgery. 

Shoulder pain doesn’t have to be permanent. GoOrthopedic can help you get back to throwing a ball, doing push-ups, or dressing without pain, so call the office nearest you or book an appointment online today.