The shoulder is the body’s most mobile joint. At Advanced Sports Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee, Jim Johnson, MD, how the joint is vulnerable to injury and wear-and-tear. If you frequently experience shoulder pain, prompt treatment is essential to prevent damage to the joint or the tissues surrounding it. Call Advanced Sports Medicine or schedule an appointment online to learn more about shoulder pain.
The shoulder joint has a wide range of motion that allows for maximum mobility. Unfortunately, it’s also prone to pain, injury, and damage. At Advanced Sports Medicine, Dr. Johnson treats all causes of shoulder pain, including:
Osteoarthritis (OA) damages the cartilage around the shoulder joint, which can limit your arm’s range of motion. Over time, friction between the joints may cause chronic pain and stiffness.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes the lining inside your shoulder joint to swell. While RA tends to affect the smaller joints in your body, it can target the shoulder as the disease progresses.
The rotator cuff is a group of tissues that supports and stabilizes the shoulder joint. It consists of several muscles and tendons. When the rotator cuff becomes inflamed, it can restrict movement in the shoulder and cause chronic pain. Most rotator cuff damage is the result of sports injuries or accidents. However, hands-on occupations can also increase your risk of rotator cuff injuries.
The bursae are fluid-filled sacs that cushion your joints during movement. Wear-and-tear from repetitive movements, such as throwing or lifting heavy objects, can cause the bursae in your shoulder to inflame and limit your arm’s range of motion.
As a ball-and-socket joint, the shoulder is vulnerable to dislocation. Rotator cuff injuries that destabilize your joint increase your risk of dislocation.
Dr. Johnson performs a comprehensive physical exam to rule out underlying causes of shoulder pain, such as spine or neck injuries. Then, he tests your arm’s range of motion to pinpoint the source of your pain.
Finally, Dr. Johnson orders imaging tests, such as an X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scan, to view your shoulder’s internal structures.
Dr. Johnson is an experienced sports medicine specialist who often treats swimmers and other athletes with shoulder pain. He’s developed several customized recovery plans to relieve pain and improve range of motion in your shoulder. Your individualized treatment plan may include:
If you’re struggling with shoulder pain, call Advanced Sports Medicine today or schedule an appointment online.