Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is a common musculoskeletal problem, affecting up to 70% of people at some time during their lives. Although uncomfortable, non-surgical treatments can provide lasting relief and restore joint mobility. At Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics LLC, which serves the Denver metropolitan area, sports medicine specialist Kevin O’Donnell, DO, and the rest of the staff provide high-quality care for shoulder pain. Call Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics LLC to schedule shoulder pain treatment, or book your appointment online today.

What is shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain is aching, stiffness, or general discomfort that affects one (or both) of your shoulders. A basic understanding of shoulder anatomy is crucial to understanding why shoulder pain occurs.

Each of your shoulders is a ball and socket joint with three bones. A layer of cartilage supports these bones and a group of tendons and muscles –– the rotator cuff –– holds your shoulder in place and provides a full range of motion.

The shoulder joints withstand daily wear-and-tear, but they aren’t invincible. Repetitive movements or trauma can damage the hard and soft tissues, affecting your mobility and quality of life. 

What causes shoulder pain?

Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics LLC often treats shoulder pain caused by:

• Arthritis 
• Torn cartilage
• Rotator cuff tears
• Bone spurs
• Tendinitis
• Bursitis
• Frozen shoulder
• Dislocated shoulder

Sometimes, shoulder pain is caused by sports and repetitive strain injuries (RSIs). For instance, if you play baseball and pitch, the repetitive motions involved in throwing the ball can irritate your shoulder’s muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

How is shoulder pain diagnosed?

Your specialist reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including whether the pain occurs in one or both shoulders, if the pain is sharp or dull, and if certain activities or movements make the pain worse or better. Answer their questions honestly, providing as much detail as possible. 

Next, they examine your shoulder joint and the surrounding skin, checking for redness and bruising. They gently press on your shoulder to identify sensitive areas and test your muscle strength and range of motion.

If a visual exam doesn’t provide enough information, you may need diagnostic imaging. X-rays, an ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) let your specialist view your shoulder’s bones, joints, and soft tissues.

How is shoulder pain treated?

Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics LLC takes an integrative, non-surgical approach to treating shoulder pain. Your care plan may include:

• Radial shockwave therapy (EPAT)
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
• Prolotherapy
• Joint injections
• Bone and fat stem cell treatment
• Physical therapy
• Immobilization with a sling
• Corticosteroid injections

Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics LLC monitors your symptoms at regular checkups, adjusting your care plan as needed. The goal is to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and restore your range of motion.

Call Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics LLC to schedule shoulder pain treatment, or book your appointment online today.