Shoulder Injuries

OasisMD Lifestyle Healthcare

Orthopedic Sports Medicine Surgeons, Plastic, Microvascular, & Hand Surgeons, and Surgical Oncology located in San Diego, CA, Temecula, CA, & Encinitas, CA

Your shoulder is the most complex and mobile joint in the human body, which is why shoulder injuries are common. If you experience signs or symptoms of a shoulder injury, board-certified orthopedic specialists David Chao, MD, and Matthew Gargulinski, DO, can help. At OasisMD in Encinitas, San Diego, and Temecula, California, the team uses the most advanced technologies and treatments to get you on the road to recovery quickly. Schedule an appointment with OasisMD by phone or online today.

Shoulder Injuries Q & A

What are shoulder injuries?

Your shoulder is susceptible to injury because of the large number of anatomical structures that make up the joint to allow significant range of motion. Numerous ligaments, tendons, and cartilage are part of your shoulder. Examples of shoulder joint injuries include:

Instability
Impingement
Rotator cuff tears
Sprains and strains
Separations
Bursitis
Dislocations
Tendonitis
Frozen shoulder
Fractures

You might experience a shoulder injury from arthritis, a sports injury, heavy lifting, or a fall.

What are the symptoms of shoulder injuries?

If you experience a shoulder injury, you might notice the following signs and symptoms:

Dull aching pain
Sharp pain
Pain when you move your shoulder
Not being able to lift your arm above your head
Soreness
Stiffness
Decreased range of motion
Swelling
Redness
Crunching or popping sounds

Sometimes shoulder injuries heal on their own over time, but in other cases medical intervention is the best way to fully restore joint structure and function.

How are shoulder injuries diagnosed?

To diagnose a shoulder injury, Dr. Chao or Dr. Gargulinski reviews your symptoms and medical history and examines your shoulder. The team uses X-rays, MRIs, or other advanced imaging techniques to confirm a diagnosis and determine the severity of your injury.

What is the treatment for shoulder injuries?

Your orthopedic provider might recommend one or more of the following treatments for a shoulder injury:

RICE therapy

Sometimes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) allows your shoulder joint to heal without further treatment.

Medications/injections

Medications and/or injections help reduce pain and inflammation associated with shoulder injuries. Your doctor lets you know which medications are right for you.

PRP treatment

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a regenerative medicine treatment that uses platelets from your blood to facilitate your body’s natural healing ability. Your doctor takes a sample of your blood, spins it in a centrifuge to isolate platelets, and injects PRP into injured areas.

Regenerative medicine

Dr. Chao or Dr. Gargulinski use stem cells to treat your injury without surgery or medication. They inject regenerative cells into the affected area to simulate new cell growth and healing.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy helps accelerate your recovery. A physical therapist helps you strengthen muscles surrounding your shoulder joint to ease pain and improve range of motion.

Surgical options

If conservative options haven’t worked, your orthopedic specialist might suggest surgical options to help you make a full recovery. They may recommend surgical debridement or joint repair using arthroscopy, or shoulder joint replacement in the case of a severe injury.

Don’t let a shoulder injury, chronic pain, and limited range of motion prevent you from staying active and living life to its fullest. Schedule an appointment at OasisMD by phone or online today.

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