The shoulder is without question the most mobile joint in the human body.

With such mobility, it is also the least stable joint in the body. This natural “instability” allows this joint to be very easily injured compared to other joints.

The shoulder joint area is made up of three major bones:

• The clavicle also known as the collar bone.
• The scapula which is also known as the shoulder blade.
• The humerus also known as the “upper arm bone”

The main muscles that move and stabilize the shoulder joint are the rotator cuff muscles.

There are also fluid filled bursa (or fluid sacs) that help “lubricate” the joint so that it will move more freely.There are many parts of the shoulder joint that may become painful from overuse or injury.

Inflammation of the bursa or tendon are probably the most common sources of pain in the shoulder.

A tear in one of the rotator cuff muscles can also cause serious pain as well.

And just like in any other joint in the body, arthritis of the joint can become overwhelming problem.

Any of these situations can cause enough pain to make it more difficult to lift or move the arm.The first step to reducing pain is to first determine where the pain starts.

This is typically accomplished by your physician listening to how your pain started and recognizing what makes your pain worse as well as with thorough physical examination of your painful area.

X-rays, MRI, and special nerve and muscle testing may also be used to take a better look at your condition as well.

Once the main problem is identified, then a treament plan can be started to treat it at its source.Surgery is not always the answer.

Most surgeons would not want to operate on your shoulder if there is another way of treating your condition.

There are certain situations where surgery may ultimately be needed. However, you want to try all means of conservative treatment before undergoing an operation on your shoulder.

There are many types of minimally invasive shoulder injections that we offer that may be able to use to reduce the pain quickly.

Injections are typically used when the pain is so severe that it prevents you from working, performing any type of exercise, or if you cannot progress through the exercise program because of the pain.

Ultimately, it will take a little time, persistence, teamwork and dedication to your health to reduce or eliminate your pain.

Make an appointment today so we can help start you on your road to recovery.