When to search for a shoulder specialist
When you're experiencing pain in your shoulders, it's important to search for a shoulder specialist who will be able to help diagnose the cause and suggest an appropriate course of treatment. An experienced physician or health care provider can also perform diagnostic imaging tests which might provide helpful clues about how best to treat your injury or disorder. Here are some situations that you might consider when seeking shoulder pain treatment in Provo:
YOU EXPERIENCE PAIN OR DIFFICULTY USING YOUR SHOULDER
The joint that connects your shoulder to your upper arm is called the glenohumeral joint. Pain or difficulty moving your shoulder may be a symptom of an injury to this joint. If you experience pain or difficulty using your shoulder, visit a physician who has expertise in this condition as soon as possible. He will likely perform a variety of tests and procedures to help determine what's causing your pain and make appropriate recommendations about treatment options for you.
YOU'VE HAD AN INJURY OR SURGERY
Shoulders tend to be susceptible to injury for two reasons: the shoulder is a ball and socket joint that allows for a great deal of mobility; and because the shoulder is such an intricate joint, there are many small bones and tissues in the area which makes it more vulnerable to injury than other joints such as your elbow or knee. Shoulder injuries often require a lot of time and attention to heal, so it's important to see a shoulder specialist as soon as possible to prevent further damage or loss of function.
YOU HAVE A CONDITION THAT AFFECTS YOUR SHOULDER
Although the shoulder joint can tolerate quite a lot of motion, it is very sensitive to injury because the tendons and ligaments which hold the joints together are delicate structures that flex and extend hundreds of movements every minute. A small trauma or infection can easily lead to significant damage or loss of function, so it's important to see an experienced physician as soon as possible if you experience pain or numbness in your shoulders.
YOU'VE NOTICED A CHANGE IN YOUR SHOULDER'S MOBILITY
A shoulder dislocation (where the shoulder joint separates or shifts out of place) is one of the most common shoulder injuries, occurring on average every 2-3 years among children and almost every year among adults. Although not life-threatening, dislocation can be very painful and can potentially lead to significant damage or loss of function if it is not treated properly. Adolescents and children are often more susceptible to shoulder dislocation due to their tendency to shrug their shoulders when moving their arms, leading to potential "whiplash".
YOU'VE SUFFERED FROM REPEATED INJURY
Any repetitive overhead movement, such as throwing or batting, can put you at risk for repetitive injury. Repeated injury can cause inflammation and damage to the muscle and tendons that support the shoulder, leading to symptoms such as pain and stiffness.
YOU'VE NOTICED A CHANGE IN YOUR SHOULDER'S MOBILITY
If you experience pain or stiffness in your shoulders, it's important to see a doctor if you notice any changes to your range of motion, strength, or ability to move your arms (particularly overhead) and shoulders. These changes may be signs of a possible injury that could result in further damage or loss of function if left untreated.
Shoulder injuries are common, despite the shoulder joint being a relatively stable structure. However, shoulder injuries are rarely life-threatening if you see an experienced physician as soon as possible.
Address: 524 W 300 N, Suite 203, Provo, UT, 84601
Phone: (385) 766-1987
