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St. Francis Sports Medicine Newsletter | October 2012  
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October 2012

Greetings!

 

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body. The muscles and joints of the shoulder allow it to move through a wide range of motions, making it unstable and easily subject to injury and dislocation. Injuries are frequently caused by athletic activities that involve repetitive motion, but they also can occur during everyday activities. Read on to learn treatment options to make your shoulder pain a thing of the past.

Shoulder Pain: What Are My Options?

 

If you lived in the Upstate during the past several years, you've no doubt heard the name CJ Spiller. The All American Clemson Tiger turned Buffalo Bills' receiver is known for his explosive runs and incredible speed. But on September 23, even Spiller couldn't outrun a sports injury.

 

A separated shoulder like his is an injury usually caused by trauma (like getting hit by a 250-pound linebacker), but there are many other shoulder injuries that happen over time and can cause just as much pain. Whether diagnosed as a rotator cuff tear, a shoulder impingement or a SLAP tear (superior labral tear) the result is the same - pain and loss of mobility. Pain that interferes with enjoying your hobbies, doing your job, or even getting a good night's sleep. Loss of mobility that keeps you from picking up your grandkids or doing any task overhead. When the pain and loss of mobility interferes with your quality of life, it's time to see a sports medicine physician.

 

Treatment for Shoulder Pain

Treatment for shoulder injuries varies greatly due to the type and severity of the injury. The most conservative would be a short course of physical therapy to increase mobility, strengthen the shoulder and improve mechanics. The next step could be a cortisone injection to relieve pain. If symptoms persist, surgery can be the answer.

 

Dr. Tom Baumgarten of Piedmont Orthopaedic Associates discusses the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder injuries:

 


 

Shoulder Surgery at the Speed of Life

The good news is these types of surgeries are almost always done arthroscopically with only three or four tiny incisions. This minimally-invasive approach means a shorter recovery time and less pain following surgery. After surgery, physical therapy can get you back full motion and strength.

 

See an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery performed by Dr. Alan Posta, Jr. of Carolina Orthopaedic Center:

 

 

 

If shoulder pain is holding you back from the things you enjoy, make an appointment with a Bon Secours Medical Group orthopedic surgeon