We use our shoulders for more than we may even realize. Everything from lifting items over our heads to pushing a vacuum involves the activation of the joints, muscles and soft tissue in and around the shoulders. Unfortunately, because shoulders are so often used, they are also prone to injury and damage. While most injuries and shoulder disorders can be addressed through simple, non-surgical treatment options, it’s also important to know when to consider turning to our shoulder specialist Dr. Martusiewicz for surgery.
Common Shoulder Problems
The most common shoulder injuries and issues we see here at our practice include,
- Bursitis
- Rotator cuff tears and injuries
- Torn labrum
- Tendinitis
- Shoulder instability
- Fractured collarbone
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Whether you require shoulder surgery or not will depend on several factors including the cause and severity of your shoulder problems, as well as how much it impacts your day-to-day activities. When you come into our office for an orthopedic evaluation, Dr. Martusiewicz will go through your extensive medical history and ask questions about past injuries or surgeries, as well as the symptoms you are experiencing. A physical examination will also allow us to be able to assess your symptoms and any dysfunction or instability you may have.
From there, we will determine whether or not imaging tests such as an X-ray or CT scan may be necessary. Once we’ve provided you with a diagnosis then we can discuss your treatment options. In many cases, nonsurgical treatment options will provide you with the relief you need; however, sometimes surgery is necessary.
Here at our practice, we specialize in arthroscopic and minimally invasive surgical treatment options to address a wide range of shoulder problems including rotator cuff and labrum tears. Arthroscopic shoulder surgery reduces your risk for post-surgical side effects and speeds up the recovery process, compared to open or traditional surgery.
It may be time to consider shoulder surgery if you are experiencing
- Chronic and severe pain
- Advanced joint damage or deterioration
- Loss of range of motion or limited mobility
- Trouble raising your arm or lifting objects
- Difficulty with everyday tasks and activities
- Weakness and instability in your shoulder
- A decreased quality of life
If you are dealing with chronic shoulder pain, instability or other
issues that aren’t responding to non-surgical treatment options,
then it might be time to sit down with our shoulder specialist at his
Royal Oak or Taylor, MI, practice.
To schedule an evaluation, call us
at (248) 551-9100 or (313) 887-6000.