Dr. Szerlip has joined forces with Austin Orthopedic Institute
Located at: 11675 Jollyville Road Suite 207, Austin, TX 78759
and 1410 Blue Ridge Dr. Ste 100, Georgetown, TX 78626
Call 512-856-1000 to request an appointment.
Shoulder pain can make everyday activities such as reaching, lifting, or even sleeping uncomfortable. Finding the underlying cause can help determine the right approach to treatment.
If you are experiencing persistent or worsening shoulder pain, Benjamin W. Szerlip, DO, can evaluate your symptoms and help determine what may be causing them. Dr. Szerlip is a fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon serving patients in Austin and Georgetown, Texas. Schedule your appointment today.
“Great staff at reception area. Very pleasant and professional medical staff. Wait time was appropriate. I appreciate Dr. Szerlip’s approach. He answered all my concerns. I’ll continue to receive steroid injections as long as they’re helpful. Then will work to create a plan to maintain my shoulder function. So, no complaints.” — Gretchen H.
The shoulder is made up of three bones: the upper arm bone, the shoulder blade, and the collarbone. The upper arm bone fits into the shoulder blade to form the glenohumeral joint. The shoulder joint is supported by the surrounding muscles and tendons, which include the rotator cuff. These muscles also allow for movement through its range of motion.
You may feel pain if any one of the structures in the shoulder joint is damaged. Due to the shoulder’s ability to move in a large range, it is vulnerable to injury.
The most common causes of shoulder pain are injury, overuse, or arthritis.
A traumatic injury, such as a blow to the shoulder or falling on an outstretched hand, is an example of how shoulder pain can be caused. The force can cause a fracture, a dislocation, or tears in the muscles or tendons within the shoulder.
Overuse injuries can be caused by repetitive movements while playing sports or at work. This can cause inflammation and pain in the tendons or the bursa.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis to affect the shoulder. This is a degenerative condition that causes pain and inflammation.
Some of the most common shoulder problems include the following:
Some causes of shoulder pain may be treated with some home care measures. Others may require help from a specialist. You may benefit from seeing a shoulder specialist if you have the following symptoms.
Some symptoms of shoulder pain may require immediate care, especially if the symptoms begin after an injury. These symptoms may include the following:
Sudden shoulder pain along with pressure in your chest and shortness of breath may indicate a heart attack and warrants immediate attention.
Your doctor will begin by considering your medical history and the symptoms you are experiencing. They will also perform a physical exam to test your strength, range of motion, and assess your shoulder’s stability.
Imaging tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis. X-rays are used to detect fractures in the shoulder. MRI scans can be used to look for soft tissue damage. Once your doctor has a clear diagnosis, they can create a personalized treatment plan.
Most causes of shoulder pain respond well to non-surgical treatments. You may be able to treat shoulder pain yourself with rest, activity modification, and home treatments such as an ice pack or over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
If you’ve needed to go to a doctor for shoulder pain, they may suggest other non-surgical treatments before considering shoulder surgery. Conservative treatments they may suggest include the following:
Your doctor may recommend surgery when there is significant damage or when non-surgical treatments are no longer providing pain relief. For example, surgery may be recommended if there is severe damage to the rotator cuff or you have dislocated or fractured your shoulder.
Dr. Szerlip provides many minimally invasive procedures using arthroscopy. Arthroscopic surgical procedures for the shoulder include the following:
Dr. Szerlip can also provide many shoulder replacement procedures, including total shoulder replacement and reverse shoulder replacement. He can also provide fracture care if necessary, using internal or external fixation techniques.
Dr. Szerlip is a fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon with more than 15 years of experience. His specialized training allows him to evaluate a wide range of shoulder conditions, including sports-related injuries and problems affecting the rotator cuff, shoulder joint, and surrounding structures.
Dr. Szerlip takes the time to evaluate your condition and discuss appropriate treatment options based on your individual needs and goals. When surgery is necessary, his specialized experience allows him to address the underlying problem with an appropriate surgical approach.
Persistent shoulder pain can make everyday activities, including work and exercise, more difficult. If shoulder pain is affecting your quality of life, Dr. Benjamin W. Szerlip, a fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon, can evaluate your condition and discuss appropriate treatment options. Contact the office in Austin or Georgetown, Texas, to schedule an appointment.
Common causes of shoulder pain include rotator cuff tears, tendinitis, bursitis, and shoulder arthritis. As many causes of shoulder pain have overlapping symptoms, it is important to get a diagnosis with a shoulder specialist.
If you have persistent pain, weakness, swelling, or difficulty moving the arm, you may benefit from seeing a shoulder specialist.
Many shoulder conditions may initially be managed with conservative measures such as activity modification, physical therapy, medications, or injections, depending on the cause.
Surgery may be considered for structural problems such as severe rotator cuff tears, instability, fractures, or advanced arthritis.
A doctor or physical therapist can help you with strengthening and flexibility exercises to prevent shoulder pain from returning.
Dr. Szerlip has joined forces with Austin Orthopedic Institute
Located at: 11675 Jollyville Road Suite 207, Austin, TX 78759
and 1410 Blue Ridge Dr. Ste 100, Georgetown, TX 78626
Call 512-856-1000 to request an appointment.