Understanding Shoulder Conditions
The shoulder is formed by the humerus, scapula, and clavicle, supported by the rotator cuff muscles, labrum, and a network of ligaments. Because it is the most mobile joint in the body, it is also one of the most vulnerable to injury, from sports-related labral tears and rotator cuff damage to degenerative arthritis and frozen shoulder. At Precision Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, our fellowship-trained shoulder specialists serve patients across Maryland and the DC Metro Area, offering the full spectrum of care from injections and physical therapy to arthroscopic repair and total shoulder replacement.
Symptoms, Conditions & Treatment
Some common symptoms of shoulder injuries include pain when lifting the arm overhead or behind the back, weakness when pushing or pulling, and night pain that disturbs sleep. Other symptoms to watch for include:
- Pain when lifting the arm overhead or behind the back
- Weakness when pushing, pulling, or lifting
- Night pain that disturbs sleep
- Shoulder stiffness or loss of range of motion
- Clicking or catching sensation with movement
- Feeling of shoulder instability or giving way
Some common conditions of shoulder injuries include rotator cuff tears, labral tears, and frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis). Other conditions include:
- Rotator cuff tears
- Labral tears (SLAP tears)
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Shoulder impingement
- Shoulder arthritis
- Shoulder instability and dislocation
- AC joint injury
- Biceps tendon pathology
Some common treatment options for shoulder injuries include rest and activity modification, physical therapy, and corticosteroid or PRP injections. Surgical options include:
- Rest and activity modification
- Physical therapy
- Corticosteroid or PRP injections
- Rotator cuff repair
- Labral repair (Bankart or SLAP)
- Total shoulder replacement
- Reverse total shoulder replacement
- Biceps tenodesis or tenotomy
Frequently Asked Questions
- Rotator Cuff Repair: Sling for 4 to 6 weeks; physical therapy for 6 to 12 months; full strength at 6 to 12 months.
- Shoulder Replacement: Sling for 2 to 4 weeks; driving at 4 to 6 weeks; full recovery at 3 to 6 months.
- Bankart Labral Repair: Sling for 3 to 4 weeks; return to sports at 6 to 12 months.
- Frozen Shoulder Treatment: Gradual improvement over 6 to 12 months with therapy and possible injection.
Our Shoulder Team
Our Clinics Where We Treat Shoulder Conditions