Our shoulder doctors at Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine are recognized experts in providing evaluation and treatment for shoulder injuries and conditions.

Shoulder doctors often work with patients who have been in auto accidents or have fallen. In these situations, the shoulder pain that develops is almost always related to that injury and not a preexisting condition. Because of this, once their shoulder heals, the pain typically goes away as long as the patient follows the recommendations their shoulder doctor has prescribed. Athletes are also common patients of shoulder doctors and typically suffer from overuse injuries, like a rotator cuff tear or tendon injury. People with chronic conditions, such as arthritis, are treated by shoulder doctors as well.

Shoulder doctors are experts who understand both the medicine behind shoulder issues as well as the disruptions they can cause in daily life. For instance, when a patient has shoulder pain, even simple tasks can be excruciating, such as taking out the trash or emptying the dishwasher. Shoulder injuries can often be treated with nonsurgical methods, like injections. However, there are some cases where conservative treatments do not provide proper relief and surgery is needed, like a shoulder replacement or arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Shoulder doctors help people experiencing shoulder pain for a wide variety of reasons and help them find ways to reduce their pain and improve their shoulder condition so they can lead an even better quality of life.

When It's Time to See a Shoulder Doctor

Being aware of certain symptoms is important because if a shoulder issue can be diagnosed and treated early on, it will help to avoid further shoulder damage and pain in the future. Sharing this information with your doctor allows them to provide you with the best shoulder care. If any of the following symptoms sound familiar, you may have damaged your shoulder joint or the surrounding tissues:

  • Arm or hand weakness
  • Bump or swelling at the top of the shoulder
  • Decreased range of motion after a medical procedure
  • Grinding or popping sounds in the shoulder joint
  • Pain that travels down to your elbow
  • Pain that's worse at night
  • Pain when trying to lift your arms above your head
  • Swelling and/or tenderness
  • Tingling and/or numbness

These symptoms often correspond to a more serious shoulder condition, such as:

  • A fractured collarbone (clavicle)
  • A fractured shoulder blade (scapula)
  • Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)
  • Bursitis
  • Dislocation
  • Impingement
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Shoulder separation
  • Shoulder tendonitis
  • Tendon or cartilage injuries or tears
  • Torn rotator cuff

Our orthopedic doctors understand that shoulder pain can have a major effect on your lifestyle and keep you from performing routine, everyday activities. To schedule an appointment with one of our shoulder doctors, please call (740) 788-9220 or request an appointment online

Our shoulder specialists also understand that some injuries occurs when least expected, which is why we are proud to offer our Orthopedic Urgent Care to treat patients who are suffering from acute orthopedic injuries and conditions. Walk-ins are welcome, and no appointment is necessary.

Keeping You Active at Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine

Finding a doctor who can expertly diagnose and treat your shoulder pain is one of the most important decisions you will make regarding your care.

Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons at Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine, Edward L. Westerheide, M.D., Brad L. Bernacki, M.D., Alex Tancevski, M.D., and Benjamin W. Burkett, M.D., are specialty-trained in diagnosing and treating a variety of shoulder injuries and conditions. Our doctors always strive to find a conservative treatment option for you first before recommending surgery. However, if shoulder surgery is the best option, our surgeons have extensive experience in performing surgical shoulder procedures, such as shoulder replacement, arthroscopic shoulder surgery, rotator cuff repair, SLAP repair surgery, stabilization surgery, or reverse total shoulder replacement. Our surgeons are dedicated to providing compassionate, expert orthopedic care to get you moving and keep you active. 

Taking a team approach, our shoulder surgeons work closely with our specialty-trained therapy team. Our physical therapists provide expert rehabilitation services and will tailor a treatment plan to your individual needs in order to restore function and get you back to the life you love.

To schedule an appointment with one of our shoulder surgeons at our office in Granville, please request an appointment online or call (740) 788-9220.