Shoulder Specialist

What is causing my shoulder pain?

A variety of injuries and diseases may lead to pain in your shoulder. Some of the most common shoulder problems Dr. Lewis treats include:

Shoulder instability

Your shoulder is the most mobile joint in your body, allowing your arms to move and rotate in different directions. This increased range of motion can sometimes lead to instability, otherwise known as a dislocated shoulder.

Once your shoulder dislocates, it’s more vulnerable to future dislocations. When your shoulder loosens and slips out repeatedly, it’s called shoulder instability.

Rotator cuff tears

Rotator cuff tears can occur acutely or from overuse.  They may be partially torn or fully torn.  They are associated with bursitis and can cause debilitating symptoms and even weakness that interferes with your quality of life.

Long head of biceps tendon tears

The biceps, as the name implies, has two locations where it attaches.  One of those locations is inside the shoulder joint and this attachement, long head of the biceps, frequently becomes degenerative and torn and associated with other shoulder issues such as a labral tear and even a rotator cuff tear.

Bursitis

Bursitis involves inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that helps lubricate your joints. This inflammation typically causes pain and lessens mobility. In severe cases, it may lead to a so-called frozen shoulder.

Frozen shoulder

As the name suggests, this condition involves stiffness and pain in your shoulder, making it very difficult to move.

Arthritis

Arthritis is an extremely common and debilitating condition that causes inflammation in your joints. Shoulder arthritis causes pain and stiffness, restricting your ability to move the affected shoulder.

The best way to find out exactly what’s causing your shoulder pain is to book an appointment with Dr. Lewis.

How do non-surgical injections help shoulder injuries?

Dr. Lewis offers non-surgical injections as a treatment for a host of shoulder problems. Non-surgical injections have gained recent popularity as an effective treatment for:

• Arthritis
• Sports injuries
• Fractures
• Post-surgery pain
• Tendon and ligament injuries

Non-surgical injections jumpstart your natural healing process at the cellular level by using blood drawn from your own body.

How does an orthopaedic surgeon diagnose and treat shoulder pain? First, Dr. Lewis examines you to evaluate your symptoms and medical history. He may use imaging tests such as an X-ray.

Once he’s diagnosed the cause of your shoulder pain, he discusses the best treatment options available.

If your condition is minor, he may suggest taking medicines and doing physical therapy at home. If surgery is needed, Dr. Lewis uses the least invasive methods possible and may recommend non-surgical injections to enhance recovery.

If you have dull aches or sharp pains in your shoulder that won’t go away, call Coastal Shoulder Surgery & Sports Medicine today!!  Located in Tampa Bay, Largo, FL.