Shoulder discomfort and injuries are common, impacting daily activities and overall quality of life. When shoulder pain persists or significantly limits movement, it often signals a need for specialized medical attention. Understanding the type of medical professional equipped to address these complex issues can help individuals seek appropriate care.
Naming the Shoulder Expert
The primary medical professional specializing in shoulder issues is an orthopedic surgeon. These surgeons focus on the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Many pursue additional, specialized training in shoulder and elbow conditions through a one to two-year fellowship, providing deeper expertise.
Becoming an orthopedic surgeon involves an extensive educational journey. It begins with a four-year undergraduate degree, followed by four years of medical school (MD or DO). Aspiring orthopedic surgeons then complete a rigorous five to six-year orthopedic surgery residency, gaining experience in musculoskeletal conditions, often followed by a subspecialty fellowship in shoulder and elbow surgery.
Conditions Treated by Shoulder Specialists
Shoulder specialists diagnose and treat a wide array of conditions affecting the shoulder joint. Common issues include rotator cuff tears, which involve damage to the muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. Impingement syndrome occurs when rotator cuff tendons become irritated or compressed as they pass through a narrow space.
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is characterized by stiffness and significant pain, severely restricting range of motion due to thickening and tightening of the joint capsule. Shoulder arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, results from the wearing down of cartilage that cushions the bones, leading to pain and reduced mobility. Specialists also manage shoulder dislocations, where the upper arm bone comes out of its socket, and various fractures around the shoulder. Labral tears, injuries to the cartilage rim around the shoulder socket, are also treated by these experts.
When to Seek Specialized Shoulder Care
Individuals should consult a shoulder specialist if they experience persistent pain that does not improve with rest, ice, or over-the-counter medications. Pain continuing for more than a few days or worsening over time suggests an underlying issue. Limited range of motion, such as difficulty lifting the arm overhead or performing daily tasks like dressing, is another indicator for specialized care.
Weakness in the arm or shoulder, instability where the joint feels loose or prone to “popping out,” or noticeable swelling and bruising around the shoulder joint are also signs. Pain that interferes with sleep or daily activities, or the presence of clicking or popping sounds with movement, warrants assessment. Often, the first step involves a referral from a general practitioner, who can determine if specialized care is necessary.