Shoulder Injuries Specialists

What are Shoulder Injuries?

A shoulder injury is a common musculoskeletal problem that usually occurs as a result of physical or athletic activity. Particularly those that involve repetitive or excessive overhead motions like swimming, weight lifting, pitching, or playing tennis. 

Shoulder injuries can also occur as a result of everyday activities such as hanging curtains, washing walls, gardening, or landscaping. Most shoulder injuries respond to conservative treatments like rest, ice, and over-the-counter painkillers, but if the problem persists or gets worse, it’s important to seek professional medical help. 

What are Some Common Types of Shoulder Injuries?

At MidJersey Orthopaedics, the team diagnoses and treats a wide range of shoulder injuries, including:

• Shoulder Instability: If your shoulder joint moves or extends outside its normal range of motion, you might experience shoulder instability. This condition can result in subluxations (partially out of joint) or dislocations (completely out of joint). If you have shoulder instability, you might also experience pain when you lift or raise your arm into certain positions.
• Shoulder Impingement: If your shoulder muscles regularly rub against the top of your shoulder blade, you might experience shoulder impingement. Impingement usually occurs as a result of performing repetitive overhead motions. Inflammation caused by shoulder impingement requires appropriate care, because, without proper management, it may lead to a more serious condition such as a rotator cuff tear. 
• Rotator Cuff Tears: Your rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that support your shoulder in its socket. These are essential to allow you to lift your arm and reach overhead. Rotator cuff injuries require prompt attention; without adequate management, you run the risk of permanent damage or significant loss of function.

How are Shoulder Injuries Diagnosed?

The physicians at MidJersey Orthopaedics will perform the following to make a diagnosis:

• A detailed history
• A comprehensive physical examination
• Usually, x-rays will be performed in the office
• Frequently, an MRI will be ordered. That can be done in our office, but it might require a separate visit due to insurance pre-certification
• Sometimes definitive diagnosis requires diagnostic arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure that uses an arthroscope, a thin tube with a high-definition camera on the end, to observe the joint and tissues in your shoulder 

How are Shoulder Injuries Treated?

Based on the diagnosis, a comprehensive treatment plan will be formulated for your shoulder injury. This may include:

• Activity modification - reducing the frequency, duration, or intensity of participation
• Exercise programs
• Physical therapy
• Braces
• Ice or heat treatments
• Low-level Laser Treatments (LLLT)
• Medications
• Injections
  • Steroid
  • Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
• Surgery
  • Minimally invasive, including arthroscopic
  • Traditional Open Surgery, including Total Shoulder Replacement

If a shoulder injury is affecting your quality of life, make an appointment at MidJersey Orthopaedics today by calling the office or clicking the online scheduling tool. Allow us to help you Live Life Better.