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Shoulder Pain Specialist

Restoration Orthopedics

Orthopedic Surgeons & Sports Medicine located in Naples, FL

Shoulder pain is the third most common reason patients seek orthopedic care. If you develop shoulder pain, the key to restoring full strength is to get medical care at the first sign of a problem. Philip Regala, MD, in Naples, Florida, treats most shoulder problems without surgery, but if surgical repair is needed, he has extensive experience performing minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery. If you have questions about shoulder pain or you’d like to schedule an appointment, call the office or book an appointment online.

Shoulder Pain Q & A

What causes shoulder pain?

Your shoulder is a complex joint that includes three bones: the scapula (shoulder blade), clavicle (collarbone), and humerus (upper arm bone).

The shoulder also has three joints, but the primary joint is the ball and socket joint formed between the rounded part of your upper arm and an indentation in the scapula.

This joint, the glenohumeral joint, allows your arm to move through its full range of motion. A group of four muscles called the rotator cuff holds the arm in the glenohumeral joint.

Shoulder pain is frequently caused by:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Shoulder dislocation
  • Rotator cuff injuries
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Shoulder impingement
  • Tendonitis and bursitis
  • Shoulder fractures

Your risk of shoulder pain increases if you engage in activities that require repeated overhead motions, such as pitching, swimming, and tennis.

What symptoms develop in addition to pain?

You may experience sudden and intense pain if you suffer an injury or dislocation. Shoulder pain can also develop gradually, as small tears from repeated movements get progressively worse. In both cases, continuing to use your shoulder can aggravate the underlying problem.

The conditions that cause shoulder pain typical lead to additional symptoms such as:

  • Inflammation and swelling
  • Limited arm movement
  • Weak upper arms
  • Swelling
  • Joint stiffness
  • Bruising

How do orthopedic specialists treat shoulder pain?

Dr. Regala treats most shoulder conditions without surgery. After a thorough exam and diagnostic imaging, if needed, he explains your treatment options and helps you make the best decision to restore normal shoulder function.

The first line of treatment for shoulder pain includes rest, ice, heat, modifying your activities, and physical therapy. Physical therapy focuses on stretching exercises to relieve pain, improve range of motion, and restore normal movement.

If your pain doesn’t improve, Dr. Regala may recommend a steroid injection to reduce inflammation or a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection. PRP delivers growth factors to the damaged tissues, which trigger the healing response, recruit stem cells to the area, and help regulate inflammation.

When your shoulder pain is caused by a dislocation, torn ligaments, or a displaced fracture, you may need surgery. Dr. Regala specializes in minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery that causes less postoperative pain and promotes a quicker recovery.

Don’t suffer with shoulder pain or limited arm movement, call Philip Regala, MD, or schedule an appointment online.