Shoulder pain can limit your ability to perform everyday tasks, from reaching overhead to lifting objects or even sleeping comfortably. Whether you’re an athlete, an active individual, or experiencing pain from wear and tear, Burlingame Orthopedics is here to help.
Our board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating shoulder pain with personalized, state-of-the-art care. We offer both non-surgical and surgical treatments designed to relieve pain, restore function, and get you back to your routine as quickly as possible.
With in-office X-rays and same-day or next-day appointment availability, expert care is within reach. We offer shoulder pain treatment at our orthopedic and sports medicine clinic in Burlingame, CA. For inquiries, call (650) 692-1475 or request an appointment online.
Understanding Shoulder Anatomy
The shoulder joint is one of the most complex and mobile joints in the body, providing a wide range of motion necessary for daily activities.
It consists of three main bones:
- upper arm bone (humerus)
- shoulder blade (scapula)
- collarbone (clavicle)
These bones are held together by soft tissues, including the rotator cuff tendon, ligaments, and the labrum, which lines the shoulder socket for added stability.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can stem from a variety of causes, ranging from acute injuries to degenerative conditions. Some of the most common include:
Injuries
- Fractures: A break in the shoulder bones (humerus, clavicle, or scapula) caused by direct trauma.
- Shoulder dislocation: Occurs when the shoulder joint is forced out of place, leading to intense pain and instability.
- Shoulder separation: Involves damage to the ligaments connecting the collarbone and shoulder blade.
- Rotator cuff injuries: Strains or rotator cuff tears that affect mobility and range of motion.
- Labral tears (SLAP tears): Injuries to the cartilage lining the shoulder socket, affecting joint stability.
Degenerative Conditions
- Osteoarthritis: Wear-and-tear damage to the cartilage within the shoulder joint, causing stiffness and joint pain.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune condition that leads to inflammation and deterioration of connective tissues.
Other Causes
- Frozen shoulder: A condition that restricts movement due to inflammation and adhesions within the joint.
- Shoulder impingement: When the rotator cuff tendon rubs against the shoulder blade, causing inflammation.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the soft tissues from overuse or repetitive movements.
- Bursitis: Swelling of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the shoulder muscles.
- Bone spurs: Excess bony growths that can contribute to shoulder instability and severe pain.
Most cases of mild shoulder pain can be treated with non-surgical treatment options, but some severe conditions may require shoulder surgery.
When to See an Orthopedic Specialist
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s time to seek professional care:
- Persistent shoulder pain despite rest and home treatments.
- Swelling, redness, or warmth around the shoulder joint.
- Stiffness or difficulty fully extending or rotating the shoulder.
- Clicking, popping, or locking sensations in the shoulder.
- Shoulder instability or feeling like the joint might “give out.”
Read 5 Signs Your Shoulder Needs Orthopedic Treatment for more information.
How We Diagnose Shoulder Pain
At Burlingame Orthopedics, we use a comprehensive approach to diagnosing shoulder pain, ensuring accurate treatment:
- Physical examination: Assessing movement, stability, and swelling.
- In-office X-rays: Immediate imaging to check for fractures and joint damage.
- Advanced imaging (MRI, CT Scan): When needed, we use advanced imaging to evaluate soft tissue injuries.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Shoulder Pain
Many shoulder specialists recommend conservative treatments before considering surgery. Non-surgical treatments for shoulder pain include:
- Physical therapy: A physical therapist can design a customized shoulder exercise program to strengthen the shoulder muscles, improve flexibility, and restore function. Therapy focuses on improving range of motion and reducing shoulder instability.
- Medications: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and joint pain. In some cases, prescription medications may be necessary.
- Steroid Injections: A steroid injection can provide temporary relief for intense pain caused by shoulder impingement, bursitis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Orthobiologics and viscosupplementation: We offer PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections and hyaluronic acid injections in the office to promote healing and provide pain relief. Our physicians remain at the forefront of their specialties, providing numerous treatment options tailored to your specific needs.
Surgical Treatments for Shoulder Pain
If non-surgical treatment options fail to provide relief, surgery may be necessary. At Burlingame Orthopedics, our experienced surgeons perform advanced procedures to restore shoulder joint function and alleviate pain.
Shoulder Arthroscopy
A minimally invasive procedure that allows surgeons to diagnose and treat shoulder conditions using a small camera inserted into the shoulder socket. This procedure can address rotator cuff injuries, labral tears, and shoulder impingement. To learn more about this procedure, read Diagnostic Shoulder Arthroscopy: What To Expect.
Rotator Cuff Tear Repair
The rotator cuff tendon is essential for shoulder stability. If torn, it may require surgical repair to restore strength and mobility. Surgery involves stitching the torn tendon back to the shoulder bone. To learn more about rotator cuff injuries, read How Long Does Rotator Cuff Pain Last?
Biceps Tendon Surgery
The biceps tendon connects the upper arm bone to the shoulder socket. If torn, it may require a tenotomy (severing the tendon) or tenodesis (reattaching it to another area of the joint).
SLAP Repair
A SLAP tear affects the labrum, the cartilage that cushions the shoulder joint. SLAP repair involves securing the torn labrum back to the shoulder socket to restore stability and reduce shoulder pain.
Subacromial Decompression
This procedure treats shoulder impingement, where the rotator cuff tendon rubs against the shoulder blade. Subacromial decompression increases space between the tendon and the acromion, reducing shoulder pain and inflammation.
Comparison of Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Treatments
| Treatment Type | Non-Surgical Treatments | Surgical Treatments |
| Best For | Mild to moderate shoulder pain, inflammation, soft tissue injuries | Severe pain, structural damage, torn ligaments, and failed non-surgical treatments |
| Treatment Methods | Physical therapy, NSAIDs, steroid injections, PRP injections, viscosupplementation | Shoulder arthroscopy, rotator cuff repair, biceps tendon surgery, SLAP repair, subacromial decompression |
| Recovery Time | Days to weeks, depending on severity | Several weeks to months, depending on procedure |
| Effectiveness | Often successful for reducing pain and improving mobility | Necessary for cases where non-surgical options do not provide relief |
| Risks | Minimal risks, mostly side effects from medications or injections | Risks associated with surgery, including infection and recovery challenges |
| Cost Considerations | Generally lower cost, often covered by insurance | Higher cost, but may be covered depending on insurance plan |
Why Choose Burlingame Orthopedics?
- Expert Team: Fellowship-trained orthopedic specialists with decades of experience.
- Comprehensive Care: Non-surgical and surgical options to suit your needs.
- Convenient Access: Same-day and next-day appointments available.
- On-Site Imaging: Immediate X-rays for fast diagnosis and treatment planning.
At Burlingame Orthopedics, you’ll receive care from a team of highly skilled, board-certified orthopedic surgeons dedicated to providing personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. Our providers include:
Our team works collaboratively to ensure every patient receives the highest standard of care, whether through non-surgical treatments or advanced surgical options.
Schedule Your Appointment
Don’t let shoulder pain limit your life. Contact Burlingame Orthopedics today to schedule an evaluation with one of our expert orthopedic surgeons.
To book an appointment at our orthopedic and sports medicine clinic in Burlingame, CA, call (650) 692-1475 or request an appointment online.
Conveniently Located for Easy Access
- Across the street from Mills Peninsula Hospital
- Private parking lot for hassle-free visits
- Easily accessible by Caltrain and local bus routes
FAQs About Shoulder Pain
Why might I need surgery for shoulder pain?
You might need surgery for shoulder pain if you suffer a serious injury to the bones and soft tissues or the joint breaks down beyond repair. Most shoulder pain develops from causes like:
– Fractured bones
– Joint dislocation
– Labral tear
– Bursitis
– Tendinitis
– Rotator cuff tears
– Shoulder impingement
– Chronic shoulder instability
– Arthritis
Most causes of shoulder pain respond well to conservative treatments like rest, physical therapy, and medication. Some require injectable treatments, including steroid injections, viscosupplementation (hyaluronic acid injections), or orthobiologics.
When would I need joint replacement surgery for shoulder pain?
You might require shoulder replacement surgery if you have severe arthritis and the joint isn’t replaceable.
Shoulder replacement involves cutting away the damaged section of the ball end of your upper arm bone and the socket (glenoid). For certain conditions like severe rotator cuff tears where arm movement is a problem, your provider can perform reverse total shoulder replacement, swapping the position of the new ball and socket.
