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Shoulder Injuries

Orthopedic Surgery & Joint Replacement located in Walnut Creek, Sacramento and San Francisco, CA

Shoulder injuries are one of the most common musculoskeletal problems, affecting 18-26% of adults. At Joint Preservation Institute, with offices in Sacramento, Walnut Creek, and the Lower Nob Hill neighborhood in San Francisco, California, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Amir Jamali, MD, offers complete care for shoulder injuries, including corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, and surgery when needed. Call the nearest office today to schedule treatment for a shoulder injury, or book your appointment online. 

What are some of the most common shoulder injuries?

At the Joint Preservation Institute, Dr. Jamali diagnoses and treats various shoulder injuries, including:

  • Rotator cuff tears
  • Shoulder instability
  • Shoulder impingement
  • Shoulder stiffness
  • Frozen shoulder

Dr. Jamali also treats shoulder arthritis, a group of musculoskeletal conditions that cause swelling, pain, and mobility problems.

What are the symptoms of shoulder injuries?

Shoulder injury symptoms include:

  • Difficulty moving your shoulder
  • Muscle spasms
  • Numbness and tingling
  • Shoulder pain
  • Shoulder or arm weakness

As the injury worsens, you might have difficulty lifting your arm above your head or performing routine activities, like combing your hair and brushing your teeth.

When should I see an orthopedic surgeon about a shoulder injury?

Make an appointment at the Joint Preservation Institute if you have shoulder pain for longer than a week and it doesn’t improve with rest, ice, and activity changes, particularly if your symptoms occur immediately after an injury, like a fall or car accident. 

How does an orthopedic surgeon diagnose shoulder injuries?

Dr. Jamali asks about your symptoms, including when the pain started, what it feels like, and if it extends into other areas like your arm or upper back. He examines your shoulder, checking for redness, bruising, and swelling, and assesses your arm’s range of motion, muscle strength, and reflexes.

Dr. Jamali gently presses on your shoulder and shoulder blade to identify sensitive areas. He also asks you to lift your arm and complete several easy exercises.

Dr. Jamali orders diagnostic imaging, like X-rays or an MRI, to look closer at your shoulder and the surrounding tissues if he suspects an underlying problem, such as arthritis or a dislocated joint.

How does an orthopedic surgeon treat shoulder injuries?

Dr. Jamali treats shoulder pain using a conservative, minimally invasive approach. He might suggest:

  • Taking anti-inflammatory pain medication
  • Shoulder-strengthening exercises
  • Physical therapy
  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Wearing a sling or a brace

If your symptoms continue or worsen, you might be a candidate for shoulder replacement surgery. During a shoulder replacement procedure, Dr. Jamali removes the damaged or diseased portions of your shoulder joint and replaces them with artificial prosthetics.

Call the nearest Joint Preservation Institute office today to schedule treatment for shoulder injuries, or book your appointment online.