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You may not give much thought to your shoulder joint until you begin to feel discomfort during everyday activities, such as cleaning, reaching for items on a high shelf, or even just waving to a neighbor. Shoulder pain can arise from various causes, including Arthritis: In simple terms, arthritis is the inflammation of a joint. While there are various causes that lead to different types of arthritis, it is important to note that there is no cure. However, a range of treatment options is available to help you maintain an active lifestyle.
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Fractures: The shoulder is particularly vulnerable to fractures, specifically in the shoulder blade (scapula) and collarbone (clavicle), often resulting from high-speed car accidents. Dislocations, on the other hand, occur when the shoulder bones separate, frequently due to falls.
Labral Tear / SLAP Tear: The labrum is a robust, fibrous tissue that encircles the shoulder socket, providing stability to the shoulder joint. Labral tears typically happen during collisions, falls onto an outstretched arm, or through forceful pulling and rapid arm movements, especially when the arm is raised above shoulder height.
Joint Disorders, Including Ehlers-Danlos: Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is an inherited disorder that weakens connective tissues, including bones and cartilage. This condition can lead to "loose" joints that are more susceptible to sprains and dislocations.
Sprains and Strains: A sprain refers to an injury affecting the ligaments and fibrous connective tissue surrounding a joint, while a strain involves injuries to muscles or tendons.
Rotator Cuff Tears: The rotator cuff comprises four muscles that form tendons around the head of the upper arm bone (humerus). Most rotator cuff injuries result from gradual wear and tear over time, although they can also occur due to sudden accidents.
You've likely heard the saying, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." As the seasons shift, it's essential to consider how long you've been away from certain activities and the potential risks they may pose.
With the weather warming up in Maine, many beloved summer activities can lead to shoulder injuries if proper precautions aren't taken.
For instance, kayaking and paddle boarding involve repetitive arm and shoulder movements that can strain your shoulder joints. While swimming is generally low-impact for the knees and ankles, it significantly engages the muscles around the shoulders, particularly at competitive levels. Fishing, too, can contribute to shoulder discomfort.
If you're experiencing shoulder pain, stiffness, or swelling that hinders your ability to enjoy life or perform daily tasks, don't settle for living with it. At Orthopaedic Associates of Maine, our team of board-certified orthopedists specializes in both surgical and non-surgical shoulder treatments, providing you with exceptional care right here in Maine.
Shoulder Treatments Available from Orthopaedic Associates of Maine
At Orthopaedic Associates of Maine, our orthopedic surgeons prioritize non-invasive methods to enhance your range of motion and alleviate pain. This may involve pain management strategies such as anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone injections.
Physical and occupational therapy (PT and OT) play a crucial role in any shoulder treatment plan. These specialized exercises can be utilized independently or in conjunction with medications if surgery is not necessary.
You may also be prescribed PT and OT as part of your pre-surgical preparation to boost your strength and range of motion (known as prehab), or as part of your recovery process (rehab) following surgery. This multi-faceted approach, including PT, OT, and medications, is essential for addressing shoulder pain after surgery. Our extensive experience and research demonstrate that both prehab and rehab significantly contribute to successful surgical outcomes.
At Orthopaedic Associates of Maine, we also offer minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery, typically performed in an outpatient setting, allowing you to return home the same day for a more comfortable recovery. Our orthopedic surgeons conduct outpatient procedures across southern and western Maine, and we are proud to announce that our ambulatory surgery center has been recognized as the Best Orthopedic and Spine ASC in Maine by U.S. News and World Report.
If your shoulder condition necessitates it, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend a total joint replacement, particularly for degenerative or arthritic issues. Generally, joint replacement surgery is considered a "last resort" option.
What Is Shoulder Arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery that orthopedic surgeons use to diagnose and treat shoulder problems. During shoulder arthroscopy, your surgeon inserts a small camera, called an arthroscope, into your shoulder joint. The camera displays pictures on a video monitor, and your surgeon uses these images to guide surgical instruments.
Shoulder arthroscopy may be used for rotator cuff repair, surgery for impingement syndrome (when there is pinching or rubbing in the joint, such as with rotator cuff tendinitis), or surgery for shoulder instability.
Shoulder arthroscopy has become a very common treatment technique. OA of Maine surgeon Thomas F. Murray, Jr., MD, actually performed Maine's first arthroscopic rotator cuff repair 20 years ago, and has since performed over 2,000 procedures. But he is not the only highly trained and experienced orthpaedic surgeon at Spectrum.
Is There a Shoulder Pain Doctor Near Me?
Our full roster of orthopaedic physicians who can treat shoulder pain includes:
- Eric Hoffman, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a subspecialty certificate in orthopedic sports medicine.
- Christopher Lonegan, DO, is a board-certified sports medicine physician who specializes in the treatment of non-surgical sports-related and other musculoskeletal injuries.
- Thomas F. Murray, Jr., MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery
- Christopher Regnier, DO, is a board-certified sports medicine physician and osteopathic manipulative treatment.
- Bryce Wolf, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine and arthroplasty of the knee and shoulder.
All of these skilled physicians treat shoulder injuries, and they practice in communities across southern Maine: Portland, Brunswick, and Windham.
Remember: you don't have to just grin and bear it if you're experiencing shoulder pain that impacts your ability enjoy your life! Contact Orthopaedic Associates of Maine and let us become part of your team to better health.