Shoulder Pain Specialist
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Weiss Orthopedics
Sonoma and Marin’s Premier Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine and Hand & Upper Extremity Specialist
Shoulder pain can be a complex problem that requires expert treatment from the team at Weiss Orthopedics in Novato in Northern Marin and Sonoma, California. Led by orthopaedist Noah Weiss, MD, the team utilizes advanced technology and more than two decades of experience to provide effective solutions to shoulder pain. Learn about treatment options for your pain by scheduling a consultation by phone today.
Shoulder Pain Q & A
What causes shoulder pain?
The shoulder has more range of motion than any other joint in the body. It’s actually 3 separate joints, controlled by 26 different muscles, so a lot can go wrong.
- Acromioclavicular (AC) joint arthritis
- AC joint sprain
- Rotator cuff tears
- Calcific tendinitis
- Glenohumeral joint arthritis
- Impingement syndrome
- Rotator cuff tendinitis
- Shoulder dislocation and instability
- SLAP tear
Most cases of shoulder pain cause mild to moderate discomfort along with stiffness in the shoulder. Damage to the ligaments and muscles of the shoulder tends to cause more instability and weakness in the area, which may limit your range of motion.
What are the signs of a shoulder injury?
Shoulder injuries present in a variety of ways and can cause symptoms like:
- Popping or clicking in the joint
- A locking or catching sensation
- Decreased range of motion or stiffness
- Swelling
- Change in the appearance of your shoulder, like unusual bulges
- Feeling like your shoulder is loose or might pop out
If you’ve been experiencing shoulder pain for more than two weeks or your pain is getting worse, schedule a visit at Weiss Orthopedics right away to get treatment.
How is shoulder pain diagnosed and treated?
To diagnose shoulder pain, the team begins with a thorough consultation and physical exam. During the consultation, Dr. Weiss asks about your symptoms, the location of your pain, and any movements or activities that make your pain worse. Then Dr. Weiss examines your shoulder, moving it in different ways to assess your flexibility, muscle strength, and joint movement.
Dr. Weiss may take X-rays if you have experienced any trauma, or if arthritis or a bone injury is suspected. In addition, diagnostic Ultrasound is often used to examine soft tissues not seen on x-rays, such as the rotator cuff and biceps tendons. An MR scan may be ordered if more diagnostic information is required. Based on these findings, Dr. Weiss will fully explain your diagnosis, and outline treatment options. Treatment for your shoulder pain can include:
- Rest and activity modification
- Physical therapy
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- Injections
Shoulder problems that cause significant disability and pain may respond best to surgical intervention. The team offers a variety of minimally invasive arthroscopic surgeries, which are less invasive and have faster recovery times than traditional open surgeries.