How An Orthopedic Doctor Can Help You Get Relief From Shoulder Pain & Where To Find One?

Shoulder pain is something most of us experience at some point—whether it’s from lifting heavy objects, playing sports, or simply poor posture. But when the pain becomes persistent or starts affecting your day-to-day life, it’s time to take action.  If you’ve been struggling with shoulder pain and can’t seem to find relief, it might be time to consult an orthopedic doctor.

In this blog, we’ll explore how an orthopedic doctor can help you manage shoulder pain, the treatments available, and how to find a specialist who’s right for you. If you’re ready to get back to living without shoulder pain, keep reading!

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain can stem from various conditions, and identifying the cause is key to finding the right treatment. Here are the most common causes of shoulder pain:

• Rotator Cuff Injuries
  The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. Injuries, such as tears or strains, can cause significant pain and limit movement.

• Arthritis
  Osteoarthritis (wear and tear) or rheumatoid arthritis (inflammatory) can affect the shoulder joint, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.

• Tendinitis
  Inflammation of the tendons, often due to overuse or repetitive movements, can lead to pain in the shoulder, particularly when lifting the arm.

• Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
  This condition causes stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, often limiting its range of motion. It typically develops gradually and can last for months.

• Bursitis
  Inflammation of the bursa (fluid-filled sacs that cushion the shoulder joint) can cause pain, especially when moving the shoulder.

• Shoulder Impingement
  This occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become irritated or inflamed as they rub against the bone, leading to pain during overhead movements.

Each of these conditions requires a specific treatment approach, and an orthopedic doctor can help diagnose and recommend the best course of action to relieve your pain and improve shoulder function.

When Should You Consult an Orthopedic Doctor for Shoulder Pain?

If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, it’s important to know when to seek professional help. Here are the signs that indicate it’s time to consult an orthopedic doctor:

• Persistent or Worsening Pain
• Limited Range of Motion
• Weakness in the Shoulder
• Pain That Affects Sleep
• Swelling or Redness
• Inability to Perform Daily Activities
• Pain After an Injury
• Radiating Pain

If any of these signs sound familiar, it’s a good idea to see an orthopedic doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Early intervention can help prevent further damage and provide relief from persistent shoulder pain.

How an Orthopedic Doctor Can Diagnose Shoulder Pain

An orthopedic doctor uses a variety of methods to determine the cause of your shoulder pain. Here’s how they typically diagnose the issue:

• Medical History
  The doctor will ask about your symptoms, when the pain started, any injuries, and your daily activities. Understanding your medical history helps them narrow down possible causes.

• Physical Examination
  The orthopedic specialist will perform a physical exam to check for tenderness, swelling, or deformities in your shoulder. They’ll also assess your range of motion and strength to see how much movement causes pain.

• X-rays
  X-rays are commonly used to check for bone-related issues like fractures, arthritis, or other joint problems that could be causing your shoulder pain.

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
  An MRI provides detailed images of soft tissues like muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It’s particularly useful for diagnosing issues like rotator cuff tears, tendinitis, or tears in the shoulder joint.

• CT Scans
  If more detailed imaging is required, a CT scan may be used to view both bones and soft tissues. It can help detect joint damage, fractures, or cartilage issues.

• Arthroscopy
  In some cases, the doctor may recommend arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure where a small camera is inserted into the shoulder joint to inspect it directly and make any necessary repairs.

• Ultrasound
  Ultrasound can be used to visualize the soft tissues of the shoulder in real-time, especially to detect tendon tears or fluid buildup.

Once the cause of the pain is identified, the orthopedic doctor will develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific condition, whether it involves physical therapy, medication, or surgery.

How an Orthopedic Doctor Helps in Shoulder Pain Relief

An orthopedic doctor can provide effective relief from shoulder pain through a range of treatments and therapies, tailored to your specific condition. Here’s how they can help, including both surgical and the non-surgical ways:

Non-Surgical Ways to Manage Shoulder Pain

If you’re dealing with shoulder pain but want to avoid surgery, there are plenty of non-invasive treatments that can help. Here are some effective options recommended by orthopedic doctors:

• Physical Therapy
  A physical therapist will guide you through specific exercises to restore movement, relieve tension, and prevent further damage to the joint.

• Strengthening Exercises
  Strengthening exercises target the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint, such as the rotator cuff and deltoids, to improve stability and reduce strain on the joint.

• Rest and Ice/Heat Therapy
  Resting the shoulder and applying ice packs (to reduce swelling) or heat pads (to relax muscles) can help alleviate pain and inflammation.

• Medications
  Over-the-counter pain relievers such as NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) can reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.

• Shoulder Braces or Supports
  Wearing a brace during activities or while resting can prevent further injury and give the shoulder time to heal.

• Lifestyle Changes
  Small adjustments to your daily routine, such as improving posture, lifting objects properly, and avoiding repetitive movements, can help manage shoulder pain.

Non-surgical treatments focus on alleviating pain, improving movement, and strengthening the shoulder to prevent long-term damage. Working with an orthopedic doctor can ensure you’re following the right plan tailored to your needs.

Surgical Treatments for Shoulder Pain

When non-surgical treatments aren’t enough to relieve shoulder pain, an orthopedic doctor may recommend surgery to restore function and alleviate discomfort. Here are the most common surgical options for shoulder pain:

• Arthroscopy (Minimally Invasive Surgery)

  • A minimally invasive procedure where a small camera (arthroscope) is inserted into the shoulder joint through small incisions.

  • How it helps: It allows the doctor to diagnose and treat shoulder issues such as tears, inflammation, or damaged tissue. The doctor may remove damaged tissue or repair torn ligaments or tendons.

• Rotator Cuff Repair

  • Surgery to repair torn rotator cuff tendons in the shoulder, which are essential for lifting and rotating the arm.

  • How it helps: It restores shoulder function and reduces pain caused by rotator cuff injuries, which are common sources of shoulder pain.

• Shoulder Replacement Surgery

  • In this procedure, the damaged parts of the shoulder joint (often from arthritis) are replaced with artificial components.

  • How it helps: Shoulder replacement provides long-term pain relief and improves mobility, especially for those with severe arthritis or joint damage.

• Shoulder Fusion (Arthrodesis)

  • This surgery involves fusing the bones of the shoulder joint together to eliminate motion and reduce pain, typically for patients with arthritis or severe joint damage.

  • How it helps: It helps relieve pain, though it may limit the shoulder’s movement.

• Biceps Tendon Surgery

  • Surgery to repair or reattach the biceps tendon, which can become torn or damaged due to injury or overuse.

  • How it helps: It restores normal biceps function and reduces pain caused by tendon damage.

Surgical treatments are typically recommended when the pain is severe, persistent, and significantly limits your daily activities. Recovery may require physical therapy, but surgery can provide long-term relief and improve quality of life. Always consult with an orthopedic doctor to explore the best treatment option for your condition.

Where to Find an Orthopedic Doctor for Shoulder Pain

Finding the right orthopedic specialist is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of shoulder pain.

If you prefer the convenience of an online consultation, MantraDoc offers a quick and easy way to connect with a highly qualified orthopedic doctor specializing in shoulder pain. With MantraDoc, you can:

• Consult from home: Book an appointment and receive expert advice via video call.

• Get personalized care: Our doctors assess your condition and provide tailored treatment plans.

• Save time: Skip the long waiting times and access professional care at your convenience.

👉 Click here to book your online consultation with an orthopedic specialist today!

Finding an orthopedic doctor for shoulder pain has never been easier. Whether you prefer an in-person visit or an online consultation, MantraDoc ensures that you get the best care for your shoulder health.