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Shoulder Pain Specialist

aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics Brian K. Rich, MD Our Services Shoulder Pain
Brian K. Rich, MD - - Interventional Spine and Pain Management Physician

aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics

Brian K. Rich, MD

Interventional Spine and Pain Management Physician located in Wichita Falls, TX & Decatur, TX

Researchers estimate that shoulder pain affects 18-26% of the population at any given time. Early intervention and treatment can reduce the risk of potentially serious issues and improve your quality of life. At aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics, interventional spine and pain management physician Brian Rich, MD, offers minimally invasive treatments to relieve shoulder pain. To make an appointment at the practice in Decatur, Texas, or Lawton, Oklahoma, call the nearest office today or book online.

Shoulder Pain Q & A

What is shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain refers to any discomfort or stiffness that affects one (or both) of your shoulder joints. 

The shoulder is a ball and socket joint with three bones. It’s one of the most flexible joints in your body, thanks to the rotator cuff. This group of muscles and tendons allows you to perform various motions, including lifting your arm over your head, reaching, and throwing.

Anyone can experience shoulder pain, but it’s especially common in people 65 and older. That’s because the soft tissues that surround the shoulder often deteriorate with age.

What causes shoulder pain?

Common causes of shoulder pain include:

  • Rotator cuff tendonitis
  • Torn cartilage
  • Arthritis
  • Pinched nerve
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Dislocated shoulder
  • Repetitive use injury

You might also experience shoulder pain due to a sports-related injury, such as a blow to the shoulder.

How is shoulder pain diagnosed?

Dr. Rich diagnoses shoulder pain by reviewing your medical history and asking about your symptoms, including if it’s in one shoulder or both and if the pain is sharp or dull. Dr. Rich uses your responses to gauge the severity of the issue and the underlying cause.

Next, he gently presses on your shoulder joint to locate areas of swelling or warmth. Dr. Rich also has you do a series of easy stretches to assess your joint’s stability and range of motion. If necessary, he might also order diagnostic imaging, like X-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan.

How is shoulder pain treated?

Treatment of shoulder pain depends on several factors, including the cause and the severity of your symptoms. Whenever possible, Dr. Rich recommends conservative, minimally invasive measures of care. He might recommend:

  • Joint injections
  • Physical therapy
  • Wearing a shoulder sling to immobilize the joint
  • Icing your shoulder
  • Rest
  • Activity modification

If your symptoms fail to improve or they worsen, Dr. Rich might recommend surgical intervention. Surgery can repair or replace your shoulder joint and restore your range of motion.

How can I prevent shoulder pain?

The easiest way to reduce the risk of shoulder pain is to strengthen and stretch your shoulder muscles. If you have a history of shoulder issues, it’s also a good idea to ice your affected joint for at least 15 minutes a day.

To receive treatment for shoulder pain, make an appointment at aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics by calling the nearest office today or scheduling online.

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