Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain interferes with many important shoulder structures and reduces your quality of life. The SOAR Spine and Orthopedics team possesses years of musculoskeletal knowledge to target shoulder problems and treat the underlying cause of the pain. SOAR continues to pioneer regenerative techniques and individualized exercise programs combined with traditional clinical treatments. Call the office in Santa Clara or Redwood City, California, today to schedule an appointment or make one online through the website’s booking tool.

What is shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain can include discomfort in any combination of shoulder structures. Many muscles, joints, and bones aid in the shoulder’s function, and pain results when these parts are compromised.

Shoulder pain hinders your quality, reducing your range of motion and ability to perform daily tasks. Seek care from SOAR Spine and Orthopedics specialists if you’re experiencing shoulder pain.

What causes shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain can result from an assortment of injuries and conditions. The more common ailments that cause shoulder pain include:

Joint dislocation

A ball-in-socket joint holds the shoulder together and provides the wide range of motion necessary for the activities of daily living (ADLs). Shoulder dislocation is among the most common shoulder injuries and occurs when a great force separates the ball from the socket.

Rotator cuff injury

The rotator cuff is a series of front and back shoulder muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Injury and tear risks increase when these structures are overworked. Accidental trauma from high-impact activities can also result in a rotator cuff injury.

Fractures

A common injury to the shoulder is damaged shoulder bones. Bone fractures cause pain and impair shoulder function. Fractures commonly happen during high-impact activities, like sports and some jobs.

How do doctors diagnose shoulder pain?

The SOAR Spine and Orthopedics team does several diagnostic tests to find the source of your pain. Typically, the doctors start with a thorough physical exam. This helps determine the range of motion and the pain’s severity and location. Standard tests to diagnose shoulder pain include, first and foremost, a detailed history and physical exam performed by the physician. To proceed, your provider may enlist the help of ultrasound imaging, often used to diagnose tendon and ligament injuries, X-rays for evaluation of fractures and arthritis, and MRIs to evaluate precise details of the shoulder anatomy. Your diagnosis may also need an electromyography (EMG) to monitor nerve and muscle function. 

The team at SOAR often requires several tests to paint a full picture of your musculoskeletal problem. 

What are common shoulder pain treatments?

How your shoulder pain is treated will depend on your unique symptoms. Treatment choice also considers your medical history, treatment tolerances, and preferences.

At SOAR Spine and Orthopedics, the team prefers rehabilitative techniques, like stabilization training, to promote your shoulder’s function.

Call the office today or schedule through the online booking tool to learn more about treatment for shoulder pain.