Shoulder Specialist in Gallatin, TN and Nashville, TN
There could be so many reasons for shoulder pain, but we are here to help and relieve you from those. Our orthopedic specialists Dr. Thomas Gautsch MD and his team are here to serve you. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations for you in Gallatin, TN and Nashville, TN.
Table of Contents:
What does a shoulder specialist do?
What are some common shoulder injuries?
When should you see a shoulder specialist?
What can you expect at a shoulder specialist visit?
Do I need a referral to see a shoulder specialist?
When you are experiencing shoulder pain, it can be very debilitating. Shoulder pain comes in many forms, from mild to severe and acute to chronic. Shoulder pain can be the result of sports injuries, arthritis, rotator cuff injuries, just to mention a few. A shoulder specialist, also called an orthopedic surgeon, can treat your shoulder pain so you can get back to a pain-free life.
A shoulder specialist can identify problems in the complexity of the shoulder. Shoulder injuries, strains, and overuse are common. As a result of these injuries, numerous cases are prone to developing shoulder pain.
Accordingly, there are several different types of pain. Shoulder bursitis is an excruciation that arises from the rotator cuff tendons. Another origin of the pain is the acromioclavicular (or AC) joint. Ultimately, any injury to cartilage from a shoulder disruption can also breed pain. Alternately, pain may also appear from the neck. Predominantly, a shoulder specialist can distinguish what causes the pain so that treatment can be directed to the source.
Common shoulder injuries that are treated by a shoulder specialist are:
Dislocated shoulder – A dislocated shoulder happens when your upper arm bone pops out of the cup-shaped socket that’s part of your shoulder blade. The shoulder is the body’s most movable joint, which makes it vulnerable to dislocation.
Separated shoulder – A shoulder separation is when the ligament between the shoulder blade and collarbone gets injured.
Torn rotator cuff – A rotator cuff tear is a rip in the group of four muscles and tendons that set your shoulder joint and allow you to lift and pivot your arms (your rotator cuff).
Frozen shoulder – The medical term for frozen shoulder is adhesive capsulitis, which is a condition affecting the ball and socket joint of the shoulder. Generally, it presents as a gradational onset of pain and stiffness of the shoulder extending to a loss of function. The chief area of the shoulder affected is the capsule – which surrounds the joint but is under the tendons and muscles that impact the joint.
Tendinitis – Tendonitis is when a tendon is inflamed. It can be to any tendon in the body. When a tendon is inflamed, it can effectuate swelling, pain, and discomfort. Although tendinitis can be caused by an unforeseen injury, the condition is much more likely to stem from the reiteration of a particular movement over time.
Bursitis – Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa. A bursa is a sealed, fluid-filled sac that works as a buffer to decrease friction between tissues of the body. The major bursae are located next to the tendons near the large joints, such as in the hips, knees, shoulders, and elbows.
Arthritis – Arthritis is the enlargement and tenderness of one or several joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and rigidity, which usually worsen with age. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the most common.
Bursitis – Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa. Bursae are enclosed sacs filled with fluid that works as a buffer to lessen irritation between tissues of the body. These are located next to the tendons near the large joints, such as in the hips, knees, shoulders, and elbows.
Contact your doctor for shoulder pain if: Pain is not subsiding, despite relaxing the shoulder and abstaining from the activities that caused the pain. Pain is consistent even if you’re not using your arm. There is arm weakness, numbness, or paralysis The type or intensity of pain changes, for example from an ache to sharp pain. Pain comes back when you resume activities, such as reaching up or lifting something heavy. There is new swelling or a bump near or on the shoulder.
While every orthopedic evaluation is a bit different, there are many commonly used tests that an orthopedic surgeon may consider in evaluating a patient’s condition. you can generally expect the following during your orthopedic visit:
– A thorough medical history
– A physical examination
– X-rays Additional tests, as needed
Our aim is to get you out of pain as soon as possible. It is strongly advised to get a referral from your family medical provider. However, you can always call the office to request an appointment to discuss your options. We serve patients from Gallatin TN, Nashville TN, LaGuardo TN, Cottontown TN, Castalian Springs TN, and Graball TN.
Additional Services You May Like
- Outpatient Knee Replacement Therapy
- Shoulder Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery
- Labral/Ligament Repairs
- Computer Navigated Knee Replacement Surgery
- Minimally-Invasive/ Arthroscopic Joint Surgery
- Onsite Physical Therapy Programs
- Shoulder Repair Treatments
- Knee Arthroscopic Surgery
- Biceps Tendon Surgery
- Shoulder Arthroscopy