Shoulder Conditions We Treat

The shoulder, the body’s most moveable joint, consists of various joints, muscles, and tendons. Shoulder problems can have a variety of causes and treatments. Some shoulder pain resolves with conservative treatment such as icing, over-the-counter pain relievers, and rest, while other sources of shoulder discomfort require surgery to repair.

Is shoulder pain slowing you down and preventing you from doing things you love, like golfing, tennis or surfing? Hoag Orthopedic Institute (HOI)’s board-certified shoulder surgeons are fellowship-trained to treat shoulder pain and shoulder injuries with the utmost care and expertise. Our shoulder doctors will diagnose your shoulder condition and determine the correct treatment to relieve your shoulder pain and get you back to you.

Shoulder Pain Causes

There are several main causes of shoulder pain:

Arthritis: The wear-and-tear of osteoarthritis is perhaps the primary shoulder pain cause.
Bursitis (often associated with rotator cuff tendinitis)
Degenerative conditions: Pain in one area of the body may travel via nerves to the shoulder
Fracture: When a shoulder condition results from a broken bone, the cause is generally clear. A fractured shoulder is accompanied not only by pain but also by bruising and swelling. Young people with shoulder pain from a fracture are usually involved in a motor vehicle accident or suffer a sports injury. For older clients, falls are a major cause of shoulder pain.
Injury: Shoulder injury may result in tendon tears, either partial or complete. Once any of the muscles or tendons around the shoulder are impaired, dislocations may occur frequently. The more often these dislocations occur, the greater the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis in the shoulder.
Infections and tumors: Although less common, either of these conditions can cause shoulder pain.

Common Shoulder Problems and Conditions

Frozen shoulders are among the most common shoulder problems. This shoulder condition occurs when all of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments stiffen or freeze, making any movement painful.

Other most common shoulder problems and conditions are related to arthritis or damage to the rotator cuff, the muscles and tendons that permit range of motion. At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, our experts are extensively trained at treating a wide range of shoulder conditions using the latest in technology and minimally invasive treatments whenever possible, including:

AC Joint Separation
Bicep Tendonitis
Broken Collarbone / Collarbone Injuries
Clavicle Fracture
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Dislocated Shoulder
Distal Biceps / Triceps Ruptured
Frozen Shoulder / Adhesive Capsulitis
Labral Tears of the shoulder / Bankart Lesion
Osteochondral Defect (OCD)
Osteoporosis
Rotator Cuff Tear / Rotator Cuff Injury
Separated Shoulder
Shoulder Arthritis / Osteoarthritis
Shoulder Bursitis
Shoulder Calcific Tendonitis
Shoulder Fracture
Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder Sports Injuries
Shoulder Tendinitis
SLAP Lesion Tear
Suprascapular Neuropathy / Entrapment
Throwing Injuries

Shoulder Pain Diagnosis

A shoulder pain diagnosis starts with the doctor taking a medical history and a physical examination to observe your shoulder’s range of motion. The doctor will want to understand when the shoulder pain started and if it has happened before. They may ask you about specific activities that could be the potential source of your shoulder discomfort.

Additional diagnostic procedures may include:

X-rays: An X-ray can reveal fractures, dislocations, and arthritis.
MRI: Produces detailed images of bodily structures and organs.
CT Scan: Computer tomographic images produce more detail than X-rays.
EMG: Evaluates muscle and nerve function.
Ultrasound: This procedure may detail rotator cuff injuries.

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Shoulder Care - Dislocated Shoulder

When To See a Doctor for Shoulder Pain

If shoulder pain is affecting your daily life and conservative treatment has not worked, seek help from our dedicated shoulder surgeons at Hoag Orthopedic Institute to help get you back to you.

Keep in mind that extreme shoulder pain and immobility can indicate a more serious condition. If your shoulder pain is accompanied by difficulty breathing, or chest tightness, or the result of a fall, call 911 immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

At your first visit, you’ll meet with a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic shoulder specialist who will take time to understand the symptoms you have, as well as your concerns and goals. Your appointment will begin with a thorough review of your medical history and any relevant imaging or test results you have. Your shoulder doctor will perform a focused physical exam to assess your joint stability, range of motion, and areas of pain or weakness.
If additional information is needed, tests such as X-rays, an ultrasound, or an MRI can be arranged on-site. You’ll then discuss the most likely causes of your symptoms and consider both non-surgical and surgical treatment options. Before you leave, your shoulder specialist will outline a personalized plan for the next steps, so you are informed and feel supported and confident in your care.
To schedule your consultation with an experienced shoulder doctor at Hoag Orthopedic Institute, call (949) 890-0464 or complete our secure online request form. We’ll connect you with the orthopedic shoulder specialist best suited to your needs and help arrange any imaging or records in advance, so you can quickly access the latest diagnostic tools and treatment options.
Our award-winning team of orthopedic shoulder doctors offers a full spectrum of treatments to address everything from minor strains to complex joint damage. Our non-surgical care may include targeted physical therapy to restore strength and mobility, bracing for added stability, and image-guided injections to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
When surgery is your most effective option, our shoulder surgeons perform procedures such as arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, labral repair, fracture fixation, and total or reverse shoulder replacement. Many of these surgeries incorporate advanced robotic-assisted technology, allowing for precise implant positioning, secure joint reconstruction, and improved functional outcomes.
We tailor your treatment plan to your specific condition and goals, helping you heal, regain strength, and return to the activities that matter most to you.
At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, our team of board-certified, fellowship-trained shoulder doctors and orthopedic shoulder surgeons brings world-class expertise to diagnosing and treating your injury or condition. Our shoulder specialists use advanced treatment options, ranging from conservative therapies to highly complex shoulder surgery performed with minimally invasive and robotic-assisted techniques, including reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Using robotic technology, our shoulder surgeons perform highly accurate implant placement and stable joint reconstruction, while better protecting surrounding tissue, improving function, and promoting a smoother recovery.
Whether you’re suffering from a sports injury, degenerative arthritis, or a complex rotator cuff tear, we personalize your care to your specific needs and goals. Our orthopedic shoulder specialists apply leading-edge techniques with one clear purpose—to help you move comfortably again and return to the activities you enjoy.

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