Our Services / Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is a common problem, affecting between 18% and 26% of adults at any time. Most cases of shoulder pain get better with ice and rest, but if your symptoms persist, it could point to an underlying medical issue. At Mercer-Bucks Orthopaedics, the board-certified orthopaedic specialists provide complete care for shoulder pain. After an exam and diagnostic imaging, they can determine the cause of your symptoms and make treatment recommendations. To make an appointment in Hamilton, Lawrenceville, Princeton, and Marlton, New Jersey, or Langhorne, Pennsylvania, call the nearest office or book online today.

What is shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain is discomfort or aching that affects one or both of your shoulder joints. Your shoulders are very mobile. Each shoulder joint has three bones, surrounded by a group of tendons called the rotator cuff. 

Almost everyone experiences shoulder pain, but if your symptoms last for more than a week or they keep you from activities you love, it’s important to contact the experts at Mercer-Bucks Orthopaedics (MBO).

What are some common causes of shoulder pain?

At MBO, the orthopaedic specialists treat various issues that cause shoulder pain, including:

• Arthritis
• Torn cartilage
• Torn rotator cuff
• Bursitis
• Tendonitis
• Frozen shoulder
• Dislocated shoulder
• Separated shoulder
• Shoulder instability
• Pinched nerve
• Spinal cord injury

MBO also treats shoulder pain caused by work- and sports-related injuries.

When should I visit an orthopaedic specialist about shoulder pain?

Make an appointment with the orthopaedic specialists at MBO if you experience shoulder pain that lasts for longer than a week. That’s especially true if the pain occurs alongside other symptoms like bruising, heat, or tenderness around the joint.

How is shoulder pain diagnosed?

To diagnose shoulder pain, your MBO provider reviews your medical records and asks a series of questions, including if the pain began suddenly, if it’s sharp or dull, and if it keeps you from getting restful sleep.  

Next, your provider conducts an exam. During the exam, they will evaluate for areas of tenderness or swelling. Then, they test your shoulder’s range of motion and joint stability. Often, the provider will order diagnostic imaging with X-rays.

How is shoulder pain treated?

Treatment of shoulder pain depends on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. 

The orthopaedic specialists at MBO typically recommend conservative, noninvasive treatments first, like taking anti-inflammatory medication, getting plenty of rest, or wearing a splint that immobilizes your shoulder. You might also benefit from physical or occupational therapy.

If your symptoms don’t respond to these treatments, your MBO provider might recommend surgery. There are several types of shoulder surgery, including arthroscopy for frozen shoulder, rotator cuff repair, and shoulder replacement.

Don’t let shoulder pain keep you sidelined. Request a consultation at Mercer-Bucks Orthopaedics by calling the nearest office or clicking the online booking feature today.