Nearly 7.5 million Americans visit every year to the doctor’s office for a shoulder problem, including injuries related to the shoulder and upper arm. Athletic activities, such as tennis, swimming, weightlifting and pitching, are a common cause of shoulder injuries.
Other activities involving repetitive, overhead motion as well as injuries caused during everyday activities may also result in shoulder injuries. Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler provide treatments for shoulder injuries to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, and surrounding communities.
Basic Injuries
Most injuries and problems related to the shoulder involve the tendons, muscles and ligaments, rather than the bones. Athletes are particularly vulnerable to shoulder problems because they go through repetitive, intensive training routines involving shoulder movement.
If an individual tends to ignore the pain and leave the shoulder injury untreated, it will only aggravate the condition and may lead to further issues. Some people may underestimate the extent of their shoulder injury if they get used to weakness in the arm, steady pain, or limited motion of the shoulder joint.
Shoulder problems are grouped into the following categories by orthopedic surgeons:
Instability
If one of the shoulder joints shifts or is forced out of its natural place, it can create shoulder instability. This may lead to dislocation of the one the shoulder joints. Patients with instability condition will feel pain when they attempt to raise their arm. They may also feel as if the shoulder is slipping out of place.
Impingement
Excessive rubbing of the shoulder muscles against the top portion of the shoulder blade may cause impingement. Problem of impingement may occur during activities that involve excessive overhead arm motion. Inflammation in the shoulder should be immediately treated to avoid more serious damage.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
A key component of the shoulder is the rotator cuff, and almost half of all shoulder injuries are related to the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff muscles help to lift the arm and reach overhead. If the rotator cuff is injured, the patient may sometimes fail to recover the full shoulder function required for athletic activities.
Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler are board certified orthopedic surgeons receiving patients from Las Vegas, Nevada, and nearby areas for shoulder injury treatments.
Treatments
Serious shoulder injuries may be prevented with early diagnosis and treatment. The surgeon will first prefer to apply non-surgical treatments, which will include shoulder exercises. The orthopedic surgeon may recommend a series of exercises designed to provide strength to the shoulder muscles.
Wall Push-ups
Stand facing a wall and place hands on the wall. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart. Perform slow push-ups five times twice a day.
Shoulder Press-ups
Sit upright in an armrest chair, with feet touching the floor. Make use of the arms to slow get up from the chair. Repeat five times twice a day.
To reduce the pain and swelling, the surgeon may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications. Surgery may have to be performed in severe cases that do not improve with physical therapy.
If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. call (702) 933-9393; Physical Therapy (702) 933-9394