Shoulder pain

Because of its complex structure, wide range of motion, and frequent use, the shoulder is especially vulnerable to injuries and pain. The rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons key to stabilizing the shoulder joint, can be easily strained or torn from repetitive overhead activities, heavy lifting, or sudden impacts. When nerves in the shoulder area are compressed, pinched, or damaged, then significant pain, numbness, or weakness in the shoulder and arm may result. As once-simple tasks become challenging, the effects on work and daily life can take a heavy toll both physically and emotionally.

Our orthopaedic shoulder specialists aim to lighten the load with a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to diagnosis and treatment. Our multidisciplinary team includes orthopaedic and microvascular surgeons, sports and vascular medicine specialists, rheumatologists, infectious disease experts, pain management and physical medicine and rehabilitation providers, outpatient therapists, radiologists, and many other skilled professionals, all working together to ensure that each patient receives care tailored to their needs.

Penn Medicine’s team of shoulder specialists is focused on providing the best course of action for your shoulder condition. Many shoulder conditions are misdiagnosed, but we use advanced imaging technology and diagnostic techniques to pinpoint the cause of your pain and offer a treatment plan that is right for you—the one that relieves pain, restores function, and, most importantly, specifically addresses your needs and goals. Our orthopaedic experts are highly respected for their clinical practice and research, and highly sought after by patients. We often see patients for second opinions and revision surgeries.

Your options for treating shoulder pain

Our experienced shoulder specialists treat all shoulder conditions, including the most challenging ones. Complex shoulder conditions require providers with the knowledge, training, and technology to provide the latest nonsurgical and surgical treatments. Choosing Penn Medicine for your shoulder care gives you access to specialists at the forefront of orthopaedic medicine who work collaboratively to diagnose your problem, guide you through your options, and implement the best approach.

Nonsurgical interventions for the shoulder: Nonsurgical treatment may include some combination of physical therapy, cortisone injections and other anti-inflammatory medications, regenerative therapies like platelet-rich plasma injections, and effective pain management protocols.

Surgical shoulder treatments: We are highly experienced in common and complex revision surgery techniques of the shoulder, including total shoulder replacement and advanced arthroscopic techniques.

We offer an advanced pain management protocol that provides extended pain relief while reducing the use of opioids by combining physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, anti-inflammatory medication, and behavioral and cognitive therapy. This allows some patients to begin physical therapy almost immediately after surgery, which can help them more quickly build upon the progress made through surgery.