Shoulder Pain | Houston, TX

shoulder pain, pain in the shoulder, pain in the shoulder Houston, houston shoulder painShoulder pain should never be ignored. In today’s society, the shoulder is used to perform many of our daily living tasks and is considered the most movable joint in your body. The shoulder is a complex joint consisting of the clavicle, scapula, and the humerus bones which require muscles, tendons and ligaments to stabilize them. If the shoulder is not working properly, it can cause great pain, distress and dysfunction.

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, in 2006 approximately 7.5 million people had complaints of shoulder pain that brought them into the doctor’s office, and of those complaints approximately 55% were due to issues with the rotator cuff (RTC). The shoulder is a ball and socket joint and the RTC helps stabilize and keep your humerus (upper arm bone) in the shoulder socket. The RTC is made up of four muscles which include the Supraspinatus, Subscapularis, Teres Minor and the Infraspinatus. These four muscles come together attaching the humerus to the scapula (shoulder blade) and assist in lifting and rotating your arm. The RTC can develop tendon irritation or chronic tendon disease (tendinosis) from poor healing with repetitive rotator cuff use. Additionally, the RTC can sustain a strain or tear after a sudden traumatic shoulder injury.

At Houston Spine and Sports Medicine, our physicians specialize in diagnosing, treating and developing a customized treatment plan to guide your shoulder recovery process. A comprehensive physical exam, as well as appropriate diagnostic testing, is integral in determining the origin and reason for your pain. Dr. Shaun Lehmann also has the ability to perform musculoskeletal ultrasound examination on your shoulder. We can perform a live ultrasound video of your shoulder that may find clues about what may be contributing to your pain.

Non-surgical Treatment for Shoulder Pain

Some injuries require surgery; today there are many nonsurgical shoulder pain treatments available that can be effective. We have some of the latest nonsurgical treatments and therapies available aimed at stimulating your natural healing processes. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Prolotherapy are examples of these types of treatments.

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, in 2006 approximately 7.5 million people had complaints of shoulder pain that brought them into the doctor’s office, and of those complaints approximately 55% were due to issues with the rotator cuff (RTC).

Common Diagnosis for Shoulder Pain:

  • Rotator Cuff Pain
  • Rotator Cuff Impingement
  • Rotator Cuff Tear
  • Frozen Shoulder
  • Shoulder Osteoarthritis
  • Acromioclavicular Joint Sprain
  • Labral Tear or Injury
  • Bicep Tendonitis
  • Supraspinatus Tendinopathy
  • Subscapularis Tendinopathy
  • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
  • Cervical Radiculopathy

Common Treatment Options for Shoulder Pain: