Trusted Shoulder Pain Specialists in the Greater Philadelphia
Our shoulder experts treat every type of shoulder damage, pain, and mobility problem.
The shoulder is more sensitive than most of us think. Its extraordinary range of motion and primary point of articulation for the entire arm put it at risk for a variety of injuries. These include arthritis, nerve damage, rotator cuff injuries, shoulder fractures, and dislocations.
The good news is that if you're struggling with shoulder pain, the Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center is here to provide the support and relief you deserve. Our team of dedicated professionals understands how debilitating shoulder issues can be, affecting not just your physical health but also your daily life and activities, and offers a full spectrum of treatment options customized to your unique needs.
Whether your condition requires advanced orthopedic surgery or conservative management strategies, our experienced shoulder pain specialists in Philadelphia are passionate about helping you regain mobility and reduce discomfort. Don't let pain dictate your life any longer; take the first step towards recovery and contact us today!
We Review Options Together to Make the Best Decision
Dealing with shoulder pain can be frustrating, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. At the Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center, we take the time to understand what you're going through, how it's affecting your life, and what you hope to achieve with treatment.
Instead of just handing you a list of options, we walk you through them — explaining the benefits, potential challenges, and what to expect along the way. Maybe physical therapy is the right first step, or perhaps a more advanced treatment like joint replacement will get you back to doing what you love sooner. For example, if you're a quarterback for a pro football team, you will have a different course of care than a 75-year-old grandmother struggling with rotator cuff problems. Whatever the case, our shoulder orthopedic specialists in Philadelphia are here to help you make the best choice for your body, your lifestyle, and your future.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
Shoulder joint pain often interferes with mobility, strength, and overall function, making everyday activities more difficult. If you’re wondering why your shoulder hurts, it’s important to understand that several conditions could contribute to the pain, each affecting the joints, muscles, and tendons in different ways. When you can pinpoint the source of discomfort, you can more easily determine the most effective treatment approach.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
The rotator cuff consists of four muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and facilitate movement. Injuries to this part of your arm can occur due to acute trauma, repetitive strain, or degenerative changes over time. The resulting tears, strains, and inflammation within the rotator cuff often cause pain, weakness, and a limited range of motion.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
A frozen shoulder develops when the connective tissues surrounding the joint become thickened and stiff, restricting movement. This condition progresses through stages, with increasing pain and reduced flexibility before eventual recovery. It commonly occurs following prolonged immobility, injury, or underlying medical conditions such as diabetes.
Tendinitis and Bursitis
Tendinitis involves inflammation of the tendons due to overuse or irritation, often affecting the rotator cuff or biceps tendon. Bursitis, a related condition, results from inflammation of the bursa — fluid-filled sacs that cushion the shoulder joint. Both conditions lead to pain, tenderness, and swelling, particularly with repetitive movements.
Arthritis and Joint Degeneration
Shoulder arthritis develops as cartilage within the joint gradually wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Osteoarthritis, caused by aging and wear-and-tear, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition, are the most common forms. As the condition progresses, even simple activities like reaching or lifting can become painful.
Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendons become compressed between the bones of the shoulder joint. This condition leads to pain during overhead movements, reaching, or lifting. Without proper treatment, impingement may progress into more severe rotator cuff damage.
Muscle Strains and Overuse Injuries
Repeated movements, heavy lifting, and sudden motions place significant strain on the muscles supporting the shoulder. Athletes, manual laborers, and individuals with physically demanding routines face a higher risk of these injuries. Over time, muscle fatigue, soreness, and discomfort with movement can develop, making everyday tasks more challenging.
Postural Imbalances and Nerve Compression
Poor posture and prolonged sitting place unnecessary stress on the shoulder joint, leading to muscle tension and discomfort. Nerve compression in the neck or upper back can also contribute to shoulder pain, causing numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates into the arm.
The Process Our Pain Management Specialists Take for Shoulder Conditions
In-Depth Evaluation
An accurate diagnosis lays the foundation for effective shoulder pain treatment. The evaluation process begins with a detailed consultation, where our shoulder pain specialists review your medical history and discuss symptoms to identify potential causes of discomfort. A physical examination follows, assessing a range of motion, strength, and movement patterns to pinpoint areas of dysfunction.
When necessary, advanced imaging tools such as X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasound scans provide a clearer view of the joint, tendons, and surrounding tissues. This thorough approach ensures that treatment plans address the root cause of pain, leading to more effective and lasting relief.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Personalized treatment plans are designed to relieve pain while addressing the specific cause of discomfort. Whether treating rotator cuff tears, soft tissue injuries, or joint inflammation, each plan focuses on restoring mobility, improving strength, and preventing further damage.
Comprehensive Shoulder Treatment in Philadelphia
Effective treatment for shoulder pain depends on the severity of the condition, underlying causes, and individual health goals. A combination of non-surgical approaches, advanced pain management techniques, and, in some cases, surgical intervention can restore function and relieve discomfort.
The physical and occupational therapists at the Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center specialize in diverse treatment techniques, ensuring a customized approach to shoulder care. Our shoulder orthopedic specialists in the Greater Philadelphia area prioritize pain relief, mobility enhancement, and functional recovery through personalized treatment plans designed to match each patient’s unique needs.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Non-invasive methods often provide long-term relief by improving mobility, reducing inflammation, and strengthening the shoulder joint. These treatments focus on restoring function while minimizing pain.
- Physical Therapy – Targeted exercises improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Therapists guide patients through controlled movements that enhance stability and reduce strain on the shoulder.
- Manual Therapy – Hands-on techniques such as joint mobilization, soft tissue massage, and myofascial release help reduce tension, improve circulation, and restore natural movement patterns.
- Cold and Heat Therapy – Cold therapy reduces swelling and numbs acute pain, while heat therapy promotes circulation, relaxes tight muscles, and aids in tissue repair.
- Corticosteroid Injections – For severe inflammation, corticosteroid injections provide targeted relief by reducing swelling and pain in the joint, allowing patients to engage in rehabilitative therapies more effectively.
- Electrotherapy and Ultrasound Therapy – Electrical stimulation and ultrasound waves enhance tissue healing, reduce pain signals, and improve blood flow to the affected area. These methods are often used in conjunction with physical therapy.
- Bracing and Postural Correction – Supportive braces help stabilize the shoulder, reducing strain on injured muscles and tendons. Additionally, postural correction techniques prevent imbalances that contribute to chronic pain.
Advanced Pain Management Options
For cases that do not respond to conventional treatments, advanced regenerative medicine techniques offer innovative solutions to promote healing and tissue repair.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy – A concentrated solution of the patient’s own platelets is injected into the injured area to stimulate natural healing, reduce inflammation, and accelerate tissue regeneration.
- Regenerative Medicine – Cutting-edge treatments using growth factors and stem cell therapy aim to repair damaged cartilage, ligaments, and tendons by encouraging the body’s natural healing processes.
Surgical Treatment (If Needed)
Surgery becomes necessary when conservative shoulder treatments fail to provide relief or when structural damage significantly limits function.
- Minimally Invasive Arthroscopy – This technique uses small incisions and specialized instruments to repair torn ligaments, remove inflamed tissue, or address structural abnormalities. Arthroscopy results in less post-operative pain and faster recovery times compared to traditional open surgery.
- Shoulder Replacement Surgery – Severe arthritis or irreparable joint damage may require partial or total shoulder replacement. This procedure restores function and reduces chronic pain by replacing damaged bone and cartilage with prosthetic components.
Severe Pain From a Shoulder Injury? Call the Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center!
Why let shoulder problems take away from your quality of life when you could receive holistic care from the Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center? We're masters in sports medicine, arthritis pain, and everything in between. Therefore, whatever the reason for your shoulder trouble may be, we can provide a solution. Contact us today to book an appointment and find out what your shoulder treatment plan will be.
Beyond shoulders, we also offer arm care, elbow care, physical therapy, and more at all of our locations.