Shoulder Pain

The shoulder is highly mobile and susceptible to a number of injuries and conditions. If you suffer from shoulder pain, it’s important to seek treatment. At Coastal Spine & Sports Medicine, PLLC, in Wilmington, North Carolina, Francis Pecoraro, MD, DAPMR, SAAPMR, helps patients determine the cause of their shoulder pain and the best ways to manage their condition. To speak with a doctor about your shoulder pain, call the office or schedule your appointment online today.

What causes shoulder pain?

There are a number of conditions commonly responsible for shoulder pain, including:

Rotator cuff injuries

Rotator cuff injuries are common shoulder injuries that affect the group of tendons and muscles that surround your shoulder. The rotator cuff allows you to move your arm in a circular motion and helps keep your shoulder in its socket. 

Over two million people experience a rotator cuff injury every year. Overuse and repeated overhead movements that can irritate, compress, and eventually tear the muscles and tendons in your shoulder typically cause rotator cuff injuries.  

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis refers to stiffness and pain in your joints caused by a loss of cartilage. Over time, the cartilage that cushions the bones in your shoulder can begin to wear down. Loss of this firm, slippery tissue impairs the movement of your joints and eventually causes the bones to painfully rub against each other. 

There are a number of conditions that increase your risk of osteoarthritis, including age, excess body weight, previous joint injuries, and repeated stress to your joints. 

Frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder refers to stiffness and limited range of motion in the shoulder. Frozen shoulder is typically caused by immobilization treatment (a brace or sling) for a shoulder injury. Prolonged periods of inactivity can cause the tissue in your shoulder to become thicker and tighter. 

In severe cases, frozen shoulder causes scar tissue to develop in your shoulder, resulting in a significantly limited range of motion.

How is shoulder pain diagnosed?

Treating your shoulder pain begins with an accurate diagnosis. Dr. Pecoraro starts with a physical exam, feeling for tenderness, swelling, and other abnormalities. 

You and Dr. Pecoraro discuss your symptoms and medical history to help determine the underlying cause of your condition. 

The next step is an imaging test. Dr. Pecoraro performs either an X-ray or an MRI to get a detailed view of the structures in your shoulder. Once you have a diagnosis, he uses your evaluation to develop a personalized treatment plan. 

How is shoulder pain treated?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your condition. Depending on your diagnosis, your shoulder pain treatment plan may include:

• Rest
• Heat and ice therapy
• Cortisone injections
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Radiofrequency Ablation
• Home exercise and/or stretching/strengthening program

Coastal Spine & Sports Medicine, PLLC, also offers physical therapy to offer the most effective, comprehensive care. To find out which treatment is right for your shoulder pain, call the office or request an appointment online today.