Shoulder Pain: When to See an Orthopedic Surgeon

Not all shoulder pain needs surgery. Learn when to see your doctor vs a shoulder specialist, and what warning signs mean you shouldn't wait.

Common Causes

Rotator cuff tendinitis, rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder, labral tears, impingement, AC joint arthritis, biceps tendinitis, shoulder arthritis, and dislocations.

Try This First

Rest from overhead activities, ice 20 min 3-4x daily, OTC anti-inflammatories, gentle stretching. Give it 2-4 weeks.

See a Surgeon If

Acute injury with inability to move shoulder, significant weakness, shoulder gives way, night pain waking you, no improvement after 4-6 weeks, persistent swelling, visible deformity, numbness/tingling.

What Happens at a Consultation

History, physical exam with provocation tests, X-rays, possible MRI order, diagnosis and treatment plan. Most conditions start with non-surgical treatment. Expect 20-30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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