Shoulder injuries can significantly impact your day-to-day life, from engaging in sports to simply lifting groceries. As one of the largest and most complex joints in the body, the shoulder offers incredible flexibility but is also prone to injuries. Whether caused by physical activity or repetitive daily motions, addressing these injuries requires expertise and a range of treatment options designed to meet individual needs.
At Syracuse Area Health – Strasburger Orthopedics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating shoulder injuries with advanced, minimally invasive approaches. Led by Dr. Scott Strasburger, a seasoned orthopedic surgeon with more than 20 years of specialized shoulder treatment experience, we prioritize not only alleviating discomfort but also restoring function for our patients.
Learn more about the common causes of shoulder injuries and the innovative treatment options available.
Why Shoulder Injuries are Common
The shoulder’s complex structure is a marvel of human anatomy. Comprising the ball-and-socket joint, a network of tendons, and ligaments, as well as the rotator cuff and surrounding muscles, this joint allows for exceptional mobility. However, this same mobility makes the shoulder vulnerable to overuse, trauma, and aging-related wear and tear.
Common Causes of Shoulder Injuries:
- Repetitive Motion: Sports like tennis or lifting weights can overuse the shoulder, leading to inflammation or strain.
- Trauma: Falls, accidents, or high-impact activities like football can cause fractures or dislocations.
- Degeneration: Conditions like arthritis or tendonitis often develop with age, making shoulders susceptible to chronic discomfort and stiffness.
Common Shoulder Injuries
We see and treat a wide variety of shoulder injuries, each requiring a personalized approach. Here are some of the most common shoulder conditions we address:
1. Rotator Cuff Tears
The rotator cuff comprises four muscles that keep the shoulder stable and control movement. Tears can occur due to repetitive overhead movement, heavy lifting, or even natural wear over time. Symptoms often include pain, reduced strength, and limited range of motion.
2. Shoulder Dislocation
The shoulder is one of the most commonly dislocated joints. A dislocation happens when the ball of the humerus (upper arm) pops out of the shoulder socket, often causing severe discomfort and requiring medical intervention.
3. Shoulder Impingement
This condition occurs when the tendons or bursa in the shoulder are pinched during movement, leading to inflammation, discomfort, and sometimes limited movement. Impingement is often linked to sports or repetitive tasks that require overhead motions.
4. Frozen Shoulder
Also known as adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder involves stiffness and pain that gradually worsens over time. This condition is more common for individuals between the ages of 40-60, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes.
5. Bursitis or Tendonitis
These inflammatory conditions can result from overuse or injury, often triggering swelling and pain around the joint.
6. Clavicle Fracture (Broken Collarbone)
A clavicle fracture is a common sports-related injury but can also result from falls or sudden impacts. This injury often requires stabilization followed by therapy to restore mobility.
Treatment Options for Shoulder Injuries
We aim to provide treatments tailored to your specific condition. Dr. Strasburger focuses on the most minimally invasive and regenerative approaches whenever possible.
1. Non-Surgical Treatments
Non-invasive care is often the first line of defense in managing shoulder injuries, especially for mild to moderate conditions.
- Rest and Physical Therapy: Guided exercises are foundational for strengthening the shoulder and improving mobility.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory medications may be used to reduce swelling and relieve discomfort.
- PRP Therapy: For chronic conditions like tendonitis or bursitis, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections may help aid natural healing by directing growth factors to the injury site.
- Iovera° Cold Therapy: FDA-approved iovera° cold therapy may be recommended for patients experiencing persistent pain. This non-opioid nerve block may help provide relief by temporarily “freezing” pain signals.
2. Arthroscopy
If non-surgical methods fail to relieve symptoms, conditions may be treated through minimally invasive techniques such as arthroscopy. This advanced surgical method involves using a tiny camera and specialized tools to repair torn ligaments, remove damaged tissue, or correct misalignments through small incisions.
3. Shoulder Replacement Surgery
In cases of severe arthritis or irreparable damage, total shoulder replacement—commonly referred to as total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA)—or a partial shoulder replacement may be the most effective solution. Dr. Strasburger employs advanced tools to provide precision-oriented care, which may help patients regain mobility with reduced recovery time.
Take Charge of Your Shoulder Health
Don’t allow persistent shoulder pain or limited mobility to interfere with your life. Whether you’re an athlete, an avid do-it-yourselfer, or simply dealing with age-related challenges, treatment options are available that can help you feel like yourself again.
With locations in Lincoln, Syracuse, and Nebraska City, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, from diagnosis to recovery. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Scott Strasburger today and discover how minimally invasive, expert care can help make all the difference.
