Most people don’t realize how bad shoulder pain really is until they try to function without using their shoulder and arm. If you’re in that frustrating position, Urgent Orthopaedic Care shoulder pain specialist Vlad Gendelman, MD, QME, AME, FAAOS, can offer effective solutions. Call either of the two offices in the Echo Park and North Hollywood areas of Los Angeles, California, or book your appointment with the online scheduling tool today.

Shoulder Pain Q & A

What causes shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain can start in either the soft tissues, like your tendons and ligaments, or the hard tissues, like the bones in your shoulder joint. Some of the most common conditions and disorders that cause shoulder pain are:

• Arthritis
• Fractures, clavicle (collarbone), scapula (shoulder blade), or humerus (upper arm)
• Rotator cuff tears
• Dislocations
• Pinched nerves
• Tendinitis
• Bursitis
• Cartilage tears (labral tears)
• Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) 
• Shoulder instability

Most causes of shoulder pain develop gradually, through either wear-and-tear or natural age-related tissue degeneration. However, many people hurt their shoulder suddenly, as a result of a sports injury, auto accident, or workplace injury.

When should I see a doctor about shoulder pain?

If you experience any traumatic injury followed by shoulder pain, call Urgent Orthopaedic Care immediately. If you have shoulder pain but aren’t sure how it started, it still warrants attention sooner rather than later.

When you find yourself using just one arm, wincing when you reach up, cradling your arm, or sleeping poorly because of your shoulder pain, it’s causing major negative changes in your life. 

Never ignore or try to live with this type of pain, as waiting to seek treatment can allow the damaged tissue to become aggravated and possibly lead to permanent shoulder damage. 

What is the best treatment for shoulder pain?

At Urgent Orthopaedic Care, Dr. Gendelman evaluates your shoulder pain carefully to make an accurate diagnosis. The specific diagnosis plays a major part in the treatment approach, but generally, he starts with conservative care to help you avoid surgery if possible. 

Conservative treatments for shoulder pain include a stabilizing shoulder sling, physical rehabilitation, medication, and steroid injections. 

Urgent Orthopaedic Care also offers Multiwave Locked System (MLS®) laser therapy, which uses cutting-edge laser technology to relieve swelling, inflammation, and pain without incisions or injections. 

MLS laser therapy also stimulates rapid healing of ligaments, tendons, and muscles, so it can be ideal for issues like rotator cuff tears. 

If nonsurgical treatments don’t greatly reduce your shoulder pain, Dr. Gendelman can help you explore surgical options. 

He has extensive experience in both minimally invasive shoulder arthroscopy and traditional (open) surgery but only recommends surgery if it’s best for your specific needs and goals. 

If you have shoulder pain, there are solutions to dramatically improve your quality of life. Book your appointment at Urgent Orthopaedic Care online or call the office nearest you today.