Shoulder Pain

When you have pain and stiffness in your shoulders, it can seriously affect your ability to work, cook meals or do everyday tasks. Whether you're dealing with a hand injury, a dislocated shoulder or a torn ligament, let us help you find relief at Hilton Head Regional Healthcare.

Exceptional Orthopedic Care for Shoulder Pain in the Lowcountry

Shoulder pain can make even simple activities, such as playing catch, hanging your clothes in the closet or lifting your arms overhead, seem like an unbearable task.

You can count on us to provide quality and personalized orthopedic care while helping you explore surgical and nonsurgical treatment options specific to your needs and condition.

Our team of experienced orthopedic doctors is ready to help you minimize your shoulder pain and stiffness. At Hilton Head Regional Healthcare, we offer the following orthopedic care services and procedures:

Advanced diagnostic imaging to diagnose the problem
Conservative medical treatment or advanced surgical techniques, depending on your specific needs
Comprehensive rehabilitation program

Even though shoulder pain may go away with rest and pain medications, you should talk to your doctor to better understand your symptoms. Request a referral today at 833-383-3744 or fill out our referral request form, and we'll connect you to our extensive network of healthcare providers to get the comprehensive care you need for you and your family.

What Causes Pain on the Shoulder?

The upper arm bone (humerus), shoulder blade (scapula) and collarbone (clavicle) make up your shoulder. These three bones allow us to have a wide range of motion in the arm. Most shoulder problems fall into four major categories:

Tendon inflammation or tendon tear
Instability
Arthritis
Fracture

Tumors, infection and nerve-related problems are other much less common causes of shoulder pain. Below are some of the most conditions that cause shoulder pain:

Bursitis – occurs when there is an inflammation in the bursae (small, fluid-filled sacs) of the shoulder joints. The bursae serve as cushions between the bones and the overlying soft tissue. Excessive use of the shoulder can sometimes lead to inflammation and swelling of the bursae, making daily activities, such as combing your hair or getting dressed difficult.
Tendinitis – affects the tendon, a cord that connects muscle to bone, because of inflammation. Tendinitis may be acute or chronic. Excessive ball throwing, overhead activities and degenerative diseases like arthritis can lead to tendinitis.
Tendon Tears – a condition that refers to the partial or complete splitting and tearing of tendons from acute injury or changes in the tendons due to advancing age or wear and tear.
Impingement – a condition that occurs when the top of the shoulder blade (acromion) rubs or impinges on the rotator cuff tendons and bursa, which can lead to bursitis and tendinitis.
Instability – sudden injury or overuse can force the upper arm bone out of the shoulder socket, causing instability or shoulder dislocation, increasing a person's risk of developing arthritis in the joint.
Arthritis – there are many types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis that develops slowly and worsens over time. Its symptoms include swelling, pain and stiffness, typically beginning during middle age.
Fracture – a condition that refers to a break in the bone that can cause severe pain, swelling and bruising. Shoulder fractures are often the result of a fall among older patients and contact sports injury or vehicular accident among younger patients.

How Long Does Shoulder Surgery Take?

Most patients with shoulder pain benefit from simple treatment methods, including rest, physical therapy and medication. However, certain shoulder problems may respond better to surgical treatments, such as recurring dislocations and some rotator cuff tears. Surgery can involve arthroscopy or traditional open procedures for more extensive reconstructions or shoulder replacement.

Orthopedic surgeons perform arthroscopies to inspect, diagnose and treat problems inside the joint. Arthroscopies allow surgeons to remove scar tissue or repair torn tissue through tiny incisions resulting in less pain and shorter hospital stays for patients.

Most arthroscopic procedures typically take less than an hour but can take longer depending on your surgeon's findings and surgical requirements.

What Is the Fastest Way to Recover from Shoulder Surgery?

Complete recovery varies from person to person, depending on health conditions. Patients who have had minor repairs may be able to return to work or school within a few days after the procedure. However, recovery from more complicated procedures may take longer.

If you have had a more complicated surgical repair, your surgeon may recommend a rehabilitation plan to help you regain shoulder strength and motion. You must follow your surgeon's recommendations and make a strong effort at rehabilitation for your surgery to succeed.

Common Orthopedic Conditions Treated at Hilton Head Regional Healthcare:

Living with shoulder pain can hold you back from getting the most out of what life offers, but help is on the way. The experienced orthopedic doctors and compassionate staff at Hilton Head Regional Healthcare will help get you back on track to a more active lifestyle. When you come to us for help, we are ready to treat and manage various conditions that may cause shoulder and hand pain, such as:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Arthritis
Athletic and Sports Injuries
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Tendonitis
Trauma

Insurance and Payment Plan Options

We understand that making decisions about healthcare can be challenging, so we provide all the information you need upfront, including financial obligations. If you experience chronic shoulder or hand pain, it's time to begin your journey to better health.

The Hilton Head Regional Healthcare hospitals offer various insurance plans and flexible payment plan options to help make it possible for you to get the care you need when you need it the most. We offer payment plans for most treatments and procedures, including but not limited to knee, hip and back procedures.

Our dedicated staff is ready to address your questions and help you make financial arrangements. For questions about your coverage, contact your insurance provider directly or visit our patient financial resources page for your billing and insurance questions.

Find a Shoulder Pain Doctor in the Lowcountry

Mild shoulder pain is common and may improve with over-the-counter pain medication and lifestyle modifications. But sudden left shoulder pain can sometimes be a sign of a heart attack. The experienced orthopedic care team at Hilton Head Regional Healthcare is here to help you find the cause of your shoulder pain with compassionate service combined with advanced technology and procedures.

How are you feeling today? Let's help you feel better. Please call 833-383-3744 or find an orthopedic doctor here near your location. If it's an emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.