Shoulder
Shoulder pain can affect daily activities and limit your ability to work, play and sleep.
Injuries are frequently caused by a single traumatic event or through overuse or underuse of the shoulder.
Regardless of the cause, pain, weakness and occasional instability of the shoulder joint can cause discomfort. In fact, pain related to shoulder injuries may occur over the entire shoulder region, not just localized at the joint. Shoulder problems often result in pain radiating up the neck, through the upper back, as well as down the arm. However, with the proper diagnosis and shoulder injury treatment from our orthopedic shoulder specialists, you can experience tremendous relief.
Injury to the bone, cartilage, and soft tissues of the shoulder, shoulder blade, and collarbone. The majority of disorders can be treated initially without surgery.
Common Shoulder Conditions We Treat
Rely on Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance when you need treatment for a shoulder problem. Our specialists diagnose and treat the full range of shoulder conditions and injuries, creating a personalized plan to relieve your pain and restore your strength and range of motion.
Other Shoulder Conditions
Shoulder Instability
Shoulder instability occurs when the structures that hold the shoulder joint in place become stretched, torn, or loose, allowing the ball of the joint to slip partially or completely out of the socket. It often follows a dislocation or develops over time from repetitive overhead activity, leading to a sense that the shoulder may give way. Treatment ranges from physical therapy and activity modification to arthroscopic repair for recurrent or severe instability.
AC Joint Separation
An acromioclavicular (AC) joint separation is an injury to the ligaments connecting the collarbone to the top of the shoulder blade, most often caused by a fall directly onto the shoulder. It typically causes pain, swelling, and a visible bump at the top of the shoulder, with severity ranging from a mild sprain to a complete tear. Most cases heal with rest, ice, and physical therapy, while more severe separations may require surgical reconstruction.
Little Leaguer's Shoulder
Little Leaguer’s shoulder is an overuse injury affecting the growth plate of the upper arm bone in young, skeletally immature athletes, most commonly from repetitive throwing. It usually causes pain and weakness in the shoulder during throwing or other overhead activity. Treatment centers on rest from throwing, a gradual return to activity, and addressing pitching mechanics to prevent recurrence.
Biologics
Biologic treatments use the body’s own healing properties — including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapy — to reduce inflammation and support tissue repair in the shoulder. These minimally invasive options may help with conditions such as rotator cuff injuries, tendonitis, and arthritis, either on their own or alongside traditional care. Our specialists will help determine whether biologic therapy is appropriate for your condition and goals.
Joint Restoration
Joint restoration focuses on preserving and repairing the shoulder’s natural structures rather than replacing the joint, helping active patients delay or avoid replacement surgery. These procedures may address damaged cartilage, tendons, or the labrum using advanced, minimally invasive techniques. Our specialists create an individualized plan aimed at relieving pain while protecting as much of your natural joint as possible.
Rotator Cuff Insufficiency
Rotator cuff insufficiency describes a rotator cuff that can no longer function properly, often due to large, chronic, or irreparable tears that leave the shoulder weak and painful. Over time this can limit the ability to lift or rotate the arm and may contribute to a specific form of arthritis. Treatment depends on the extent of the damage and may include physical therapy, tendon transfer, or reverse total shoulder replacement for advanced cases.
Shoulder Disorders by Category
Rotator Cuff
Tendonitis, tears, calcium deposits, chronic tears
Procedures: Injection, repair of tendons, excision of calcium deposits, superior capsular reconstruction
Physicians: Dr. Pennington, Dr. Neubauer, Dr. Pifel, Dr. Stone, Dr. Bamrah, Dr. McCarty, Dr. Afsari, Dr. Ross, Dr. Tracy
Dislocation/Instability
Labral tears, chronic instability
Procedures: Labral repair, tightening of joint
Physicians: Dr. Pennington, Dr. Neubauer, Dr. Pifel, Dr. Stone, Dr. Bamrah, Dr. McCarty, Dr. Afsari, Dr. Ross, Dr. Tracy
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis, chronic rotator cuff tear, rheumatoid arthritis, shoulder arthritis
Procedures: Injection, shoulder replacement, reverse shoulder replacement
Physicians: Dr. Pennington, Dr. Bamrah, Dr. Evanich, Dr. Afsari, Dr. Ross, Dr. Neubauer, Dr. Tracy
Cartilage Defects
Injury to the lining of the joint
Procedures: Injection, cartilage restoration, biologic replacement
Physicians: Dr. Pennington, Dr. Ross, Dr. Neubauer, Dr. Tracy
Schedule Your Shoulder Consultation Today
Please contact Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance at 414-384-6700 for more assistance or to set up an office consultation to be evaluated for new exciting treatment on the cutting edge of orthopedics and sports medicine.