Shoulder Pain

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)

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

Once an official diagnosis is made, a customized treatment plan is prescribed. Treatment plans decrease symptoms as quickly as possible.

Common Treatments:

Nonsurgical treatment options are commonly used to treat shoulder pain. A treatment plan usually consists of multiple treatment options: