Shoulder problems are not just due to injury and overuse. Age, chronic inflammation, diet, genetics, and lifestyle can all contribute to the symptoms associated with shoulder problems. Chronic shoulder conditions, if they are not treated properly, can lead to chronic pain and dysfunction, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks. Fortunately, they are often treatable without surgery. And when surgery is necessary, it is frequently successful at reducing or eliminating pain and restoring function. At Beaumont, we have a dedicated orthopedic shoulder program with experts who treat all sorts of shoulder conditions, including those that affect the scapula, humerus, collar bone and joint.
To diagnose your shoulder problem, we will take a medical history, do a physical exam and likely run some tests. The tests may include x-rays, ultrasound, bone scans, biopsy and blood tests.
Some of the chronic shoulder conditions we treat are:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
- Instability (that can lead to repeated shoulder dislocations)
- Swimmer’s shoulder
- Adhesive capsulitis
- Acromioclavicular joint problems
- Brachial neuritis
- Parton’s-Turner Syndrome
- Nerve entrapment
- Rotator cuff disease
We also treat injuries and more acute conditions, such as:
- Dislocation
- Rotator cuff tear
- Rotator cuff rupture
- Frozen shoulder
- Shoulder breaks and fractures
Learn more about our shoulder program.
When should you see a doctor?
Many causes of shoulder pain can be managed at home with some self-care, but there are some signs you should see a doctor.
For shoulder joint pain, head to an emergency room if:
- There is sudden pain in your shoulder
- You notice shoulder deformity
- You can’t lift your arm away from your body
- You have intense swelling
- You felt a pop after a fall or injury
- You have other signs of a heart attack, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, or sweating
If your shoulder is bothering you or just doesn’t feel right, you don’t have to grin and bear it. Fortunately, nearly 90% of people with shoulder pain get relief without surgery. So don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your doctor even if you just have a nagging ache. It’s better to play it safe than to keep doing the things that might cause your shoulder condition to deteriorate. And with treatment, you could be feeling better fast.
Treatment options
Your orthopedic doctor will work with you to come up with a treatment plan that best addresses your condition and takes your concerns and lifestyle into account. Treatment options will vary depending on what type of shoulder condition you have and what stage it is in, the severity of your symptoms and how they are impacting your life, the long-term prognosis of surgical repair versus non-surgical options, your preference and tolerance for different treatments, your age, and other factors.
At your appointment, your doctor will ask for a medical history and will ask questions about your pain and related symptoms, like: when did it start, does anything make it better, does anything make it worse, etc. He or she will also do a physical exam, checking for strength and rotation, and may perform some other physical tests. In addition, you may have imaging tests, like x-ray, ultrasound, CT scan or MRI scan, and lab tests. The combination of medical history, physical exam, and tests will aid in a proper diagnosis so you can receive the best treatment for your condition or injury.
Treatment may include home-therapy (rest, ice, or heat), physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, corticosteroid injections, or surgery, among others.
Orthopedic experts trust us
Beaumont offers a regional referral center for patients requiring more complex surgery for failed total joints, which means orthopedic specialists across the region trust the experts at Beaumont to care for their patients. Several of our shoulder surgeons have special training in joint preservation procedures designed to prevent progression of arthritic or congenital disease in young adults.
Beaumont’s Sports and Orthopedic Injury Clinics offer specialized treatment on a walk-in basis and you'll be able to get everything from same-day exams and imaging to surgical referrals and expedited access to specialists.
When to visit the clinic, as opposed to a Beaumont emergency center
Connect with our orthopedic shoulder specialists
At Beaumont, our orthopedic surgeons are breaking new ground and pioneering treatments that improve the lives of patients dealing with shoulder pain and other orthopedic conditions. Whether you’re seeking help with an existing condition, you would like a diagnosis, or you are looking for help with recovery and rehabilitation, Beaumont joint pain doctors can help. Beaumont has orthopedic specialists who offer the treatments and services you need.
Call us at 800-633-7377 to make an appointment, or request an appointment online.