Specialties

Shoulder 

Shoulder pain can limit your ability to reach, lift, or perform even simple daily tasks. At Precision Orthopedics, we diagnose and treat a wide range of shoulder injuries and conditions — from rotator cuff tears to arthritis — using advanced technology and a personalized care approach to help you heal and restore full function. 

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Specialty Rotator Cuff Tear

Your recovery resource

Learn more about shoulder pain, how the shoulder joint works, and what treatment options are available.   

What causes shoulder pain? 

The shoulder is one of the most mobile — and most vulnerable — joints in the body. Pain may result from overuse, acute injury, or age-related degeneration. Shoulder pain often increases with movement or overhead activities, and it can be accompanied by stiffness, weakness, or a feeling of catching or grinding.  

Common shoulder injuries include: 

  • Rotator cuff injuries: The most frequent cause of shoulder pain, especially in adults over 40. Can range from inflammation to partial or full tears. 
  • Shoulder impingement syndrome: Occurs when the rotator cuff tendons are compressed during shoulder movements. 
  • Frozen shoulder: Stiffness and pain that gradually worsen and limit motion, often post-injury or post-surgery. 
  • Arthritis: Leads to joint space narrowing, stiffness, and chronic pain. 
  • Labral tears: Often caused by trauma or repetitive motion, leading to instability or catching sensations. 
  • Dislocations and Fractures: Result from trauma or structural looseness, causing the joint to slip out of place. 
  • Shoulder bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa can cause pain and limited range of motion. 

How does the shoulder joint function?    

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint made up of three bones: the humerus (upper arm), scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle (collarbone). It is stabilized by a group of muscles and tendons known as the rotator cuff, as well as the labrum, ligaments, and surrounding muscles. 

Its wide range of motion makes it essential for everyday function — but also more susceptible to injury. When the soft tissue structures become inflamed, torn, or impinged, pain and mobility loss can result. 

How is shoulder pain treated?   

We offer a range of non-surgical and surgical treatments tailored to your diagnosis and lifestyle, including:  

  • Physical therapy to improve range of motion and strength 
  • Anti-inflammatory medications and corticosteroid injections 
  • Minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery 
  • Total shoulder replacement for severe arthritis 

Our team works closely with each patient to restore range of motion, reduce pain, and prevent re-injury — always prioritizing non-invasive options first.  

We also work with patients through the recovery and rehabilitation stage. Recovery timelines vary depending on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment. Non-surgical cases may improve within weeks of targeted therapy, while post-surgical recovery often spans several months. Our team will guide you through a comprehensive rehabilitation plan designed for long-term success. 

We recommend patients engage in preventative care. This may include the following depending on your unique needs: 

  • Strengthening exercises to support the shoulder joint 
  • Proper posture and ergonomics to avoid strain 

Stretching routines to maintain flexibility able to go home within 1 or 2 hours. Be sure to have someone with you to drive you home. 

Meet our physicians who specialize in shoulder care:

Rishi Bhatnagar, MD - Chief Strategy Officer headshotRishi Bhatnagar, MD – Chief Strategy Officer
Roy Carls, MD - Chief Medical Officer headshotRoy Carls, MD – Chief Medical Officer
Gregg Ferrero, MD headshotGregg Ferrero, MD
Andrew R. Jones, MD, PHD headshotAndrew R. Jones, MD, PHD
Todd Pierce, MD headshotTodd Pierce, MD
Kirsten Poehling-Monaghan, MD headshotKirsten Poehling-Monaghan, MD
Satheesh Ramineni, MD FAAOS headshotSatheesh Ramineni, MD FAAOS
Wayne Rozran, MD headshotWayne Rozran, MD
Matthew Thompson, MD headshotMatthew Thompson, MD

Our locations that offer shoulder support: 

Cumberland, MD
Charles Regional Surgical Center, MD
Gaithersburg, MD
La Plata, MD
Laurel, MD
Oxon Hill, MD
Waldorf, MD
White Oak, MD

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