Shoulder
The shoulder joint is capable of a wider range of motion than any other joint in the body. It’s also susceptible to a wide range of injuries and conditions.
OPA offers comprehensive treatment options for every shoulder condition from simple sprains and tendonitis to complex rotator cuff injuries and osteoarthritic conditions requiring total replacement.
What is Shoulder Pain?
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint that consists of several interconnected parts. The acromioclavicular (AC) joint connects the upper part of the shoulder blade to the collarbone, or clavicle. The glenohumeral joint connects the shoulder socket, or glenoid, which extends from the shoulder blade, to the arm bone, or humerus. The shoulders flexibility can make it prone to injury.
Common Causes:
- Shoulder sprain
- Tendon inflammation (bursitis or tendinitis) or tendon tear
- Instability
- Arthritis
- Fracture (broken bone)
Common Treatments:
Nonsurgical treatment options are commonly used to treat shoulder pain. A treatment plan usually consists of multiple treatment options:
RICE Method
Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation decreases swelling, inflammation, and pain
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
Activity Modification
Reduces or stops symptom causing activities
Mild shoulder pain often responds well to home treatments, if the pain persists, it is best to follow up with an Orthopedic Physicians Alaska (OPA)team of shoulder specialists.
An Orthopedic Physicians Alaska (OPA) Shoulder Specialists will conduct the following to obtain the proper diagnosis to start immediate treatment for a quicker recovery:
- Obtain a medical history to check for risk factors
- Perform a physical examination to check for symptoms and test shoulder strength and flexibility
- Order and analyze x-rays (to rule out a fracture) or MRI
At OPA, our Board Certified and Fellowship Trained Orthopedic Surgeons are experts in diagnosing and treating shoulder pain.
If you are experiencing shoulder pain and would like a treatment solution you should contact OPA to schedule an appointment at any of our convenient locations in Anchorage and Eagle River.
Common Shoulder Conditions
Common Conditions Treated
- Dislocation
- Subluxation
- Torn Rotator Cuff
- Torn Labrum (a Cuff of Cartilage)
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
- Impingement
- Fractures
Common Shoulder Procedures
- Shoulder Arthroscopy
- Shoulder Reconstruction
- Ortho Fracture Repair incl. Extremities
- Rotator Cuff Repair
- Total Shoulder Replacement
- Trauma and Fracture Care
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Your Health Starts Here
Flexible appointments and walk-in clinics.
Or call — 907 562 2277