Shoulder Care at Southern Oregon Orthopedics

The shoulder is your body’s most flexible joint, as well as one of the most complex. The board-certified orthopedic surgeons at Southern Oregon Orthopedics in Medford and Grants Pass, Oregon, perform surgical and nonsurgical treatments for a wide range of shoulder problems. If you’re looking for a shoulder expert in southern Oregon, call one of the offices or book an appointment online today.

What are some common shoulder problems?

Shoulder pain is common, affecting about 7.5 million people each year. The experts at Southern Oregon Orthopedics treat all types of shoulder problems, including:

Rotator cuff tears
Shoulder dislocations
Shoulder labrum tears
Shoulder instability
Biceps tendon ruptures
Shoulder impingements
Sprains, strains, and fractures

Arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis, can also affect the shoulder.

What are the symptoms of a shoulder problem?

Shoulder pain is the most prevalent indicator of an underlying problem in the joint. Shoulder pain can come on suddenly and intensely, like after a fall or sports injury, or it may start off mild and worsen over time.

Other symptoms of a shoulder injury include:

Stiffness
Reduced range of motion
Arm weakness
Shoulder pain that worsens with certain movements
Feeling like your shoulder might pop out of the socket

If you experience any of these symptoms, call Southern Oregon Orthopedics for an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment. Early detection is a critical part of preventing serious shoulder injuries.

How is shoulder pain diagnosed?

First, your Southern Oregon Orthopedics provider asks about your symptoms and medical history. They perform a physical exam and may do diagnostic imaging tests, like an on-site X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.

These tests help your doctor confirm a diagnosis and develop an individualized treatment plan.

How are shoulder problems treated?

The team at Southern Oregon Orthopedics takes the most conservative approach to treatment possible. Often, they begin treating shoulder pain with physical therapy, including stretching and strengthening exercises you perform at home. They may also prescribe medication to reduce pain and inflammation.

If your condition is severe, or if pain and symptoms persist despite treatment, surgery may be necessary. Their surgeons perform a variety of shoulder procedures, including minimally invasive shoulder arthroscopy and shoulder joint replacement. They also offer on-site presurgical and postsurgical rehabilitation to ensure the best possible outcome.

Shoulder replacement surgery

Your shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint that forms where the round head of your upper arm bone (humerus) fits into a shallow groove (glenoid) in your shoulder blade. Shoulder replacement, also known as shoulder arthroplasty, involves removing damaged parts of this joint and replacing them with artificial components.

As with other types of joint replacement, the goal is to relieve pain and improve mobility so you can resume normal activities. Presurgical and postsurgical rehabilitation help prepare you for the procedure and facilitate a healthy, speedy recovery.