Shoulder Pain Denver
Understanding Shoulder Pain in Denver
Shoulder pain is a prevalent issue in Denver, often caused by problems within the shoulder joint such as rotator cuff tears, arthritis, or a pinched nerve. The shoulder is a complex ball and socket joint made up of three bones: the upper arm bone (humerus), the shoulder blade (scapula), and the clavicle. The rotator cuff muscles and tendons provide stability and allow for the shoulder’s extensive range of motion. Injuries to these soft tissues, tendons, or the rotator cuff can lead to significant pain and limited mobility.
Your shoulder is made up of many parts, allowing it to make a wide range of motions, but also making it more susceptible to injury. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain in Denver or the surrounding areas, there could be several reasons. At MD Pain, we focus on diagnosing and treating the underlying cause of your pain, as well as referring you to a physical therapist to improve your range of motion, strength, and flexibility.
For diagnosis and treatment of shoulder pain in the Denver area, contact us today at MD Pain at our office in Englewood, CO, to schedule an appointment for a consultation.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
Injury to the shoulder can result from repetitive motion, trauma, or age-related wear and tear. Rotator cuff tears, adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), and arthritis are some of the most common shoulder injuries. These injuries often lead to severe pain, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.
At MD Pain, we specialize in addressing these types of shoulder injuries. Our shoulder pain specialists are experienced in diagnosing and treating various conditions that affect the soft tissues, muscles, and tendons surrounding the shoulder.
If you’re experiencing pain in your shoulder, you’re probably wondering what’s causing it. Possible reasons for shoulder pain include the following:
- Bursitis
- Bone fracture
- Tendinitis
- Nerve impingement
- Arthritis
- Rotator cuff or labral tear
- Shoulder instability
Weakness in the shoulder structures (bursae, bones, tendons, cartilage, etc.), sports injuries, or degenerative conditions like arthritis can all affect how well your shoulder works and feels, leading to different types of pain and mobility issues.
Who might experience shoulder pain in Denver? Shoulder pain is particularly prevalent among young athletes who are still growing and more experienced athletes who spend years honing their skills by performing repetitive motions. Older people may also experience shoulder pain due to arthritis, workplace injuries, and other conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
Diagnosing Shoulder Pain
Proper diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Our specialists use imaging tests such as X-rays and conduct thorough physical examinations to assess the cause of your shoulder pain. During your visit, we review your medical history, test your range of motion, and check for issues like posterior capsule tightness or soft tissue damage.
Treatment Options for Shoulder Pain
Treatments for shoulder pain at MD Pain include a combination of anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and regenerative medicine. Physical therapy is particularly effective for injuries caused by repetitive motion or soft tissue injuries, helping to strengthen the surrounding muscles and restore mobility. For more severe cases, our shoulder pain specialists may recommend advanced treatments to repair damaged tissues and relieve pain.
The intensity and length of each depend largely on the cause of your condition. One of our specialists can develop a treatment plan to address the root cause of your pain, including the following:
- Referral to a physical therapist
- Cortisone shots
- Steroids
- Joint immobilization with a sling
- Local anesthesia injections
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Acupuncture
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy
- Shoulder surgery
One of the key things we strive for is reducing the likelihood of reinjury to your shoulder. Helping you increase your strength, flexibility, and range of motion is crucial for keeping your shoulder stable, which is why we believe in adopting a holistic approach. We also try to focus on non-surgical solutions before recommending surgery to help you find relief from your shoulder pain.
Contact Our Office at MD Pain in Englewood, CO
No matter the shoulder injury, MD Pain is dedicated to providing comprehensive care that helps you regain function and live pain-free.
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain in Denver or nearby areas, contact us at MD Pain in Englewood, CO. Our doctors are experienced anesthesiologists and pain management specialists. Call today at 303-750-8100 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with a pain specialist at our office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your shoulder pain may have any number of causes, and identifying yours helps your pain management specialist at Metro Denver Pain Management (MD Pain) develop your treatment plan.
Bursitis: Bursitis is a condition that arises from an excessive use of your shoulder, which irritates your bursae, small sacs that cushion your shoulder joint, leading to inflammation and pain. Bursitis is often accompanied by tendinitis.
Tendinitis: Tendinitis is the inflammation of your tendon. The condition can be acute or chronic, and it most often affects the rotator cuff or bicep tendons.
Impingement: Impingement occurs when your shoulder blade rubs on your rotator cuff tendons or bursa when you lift your arm, causing you pain and reducing your mobility.
Arthritis: Arthritis can affect any joint in your body, including your shoulder joint. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, developing as your joint cartilage wears away, leading to pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
Instability: Instability of your shoulder, also referred to as a dislocation, refers to your arm bone popping out of your shoulder socket.
Fractures and tendon tears can also cause shoulder pain.
Your pain specialist at Metro Denver Pain Management (MD Pain) conducts a thorough examination to help identify the cause of your shoulder pain. If needed, diagnostic tests may be ordered, such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans, to help determine the cause of your pain.
Treatment for your shoulder pain may depend on the cause. Your pain specialist will develop an individualized treatment plan that provides you with the most relief.
Treatment may include:
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Cortisone shots
- Numbing agent injections
- Acupuncture
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
Your pain specialist may also refer you to a physical therapist to provide exercises that improve your shoulder’s range of motion, flexibility, and strength.
If your pain specialist can’t relieve your symptoms with conservative treatments, you may be referred to a surgeon who can conduct an arthroscopy, which is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a surgical camera to view your shoulder from the inside, typically providing more information about the cause of your pain.