Shoulder Pain

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination to determine range-of-motion, location of pain and level of joint instability/stability, diagnostic procedures for your shoulder problems may include the following:

• X-Ray: Uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This procedure uses large magnets, radiofrequencies and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within your body. The MRI also creates images of your soft tissues such as ligaments, tendons and blood vessels. The MRI can often determine damage or disease in a surrounding ligament or muscle.
• Computed Tomography Scan (CT or CAT Scan): A diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce horizontal, or axial, images (often called slices) of your body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general X-rays.
• Electromyogram (EMG): A test to evaluate nerve and muscle function.
• Ultrasound: A diagnostic technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the internal muscles, tendons, ligaments and organs.
• Laboratory Tests: To determine if other problems may be the cause.
• Arthroscopy: A minimally-invasive diagnostic and treatment procedure used for conditions of a joint. This procedure uses a small, lighted, optic tube (arthroscope) that is inserted into the joint through a small incision in the joint. Images of the inside of the joint are projected onto a screen and are used to evaluate any degenerative and/or arthritic changes in the joint, to detect bone diseases and tumors and to determine the cause of bone pain and inflammation.

Specific treatment for your shoulder pain will be determined by your doctor based on the cause of the pain, your age, overall health, medical history, the extent of the disease and your tolerance for specific medications, procedures or therapies. Of course, your personal opinions and preferences will also be taken into consideration. Non-surgical treatments are usually the most appropriate, but if surgery is necessary, you’re in the best possible hands with the elite team of surgeons at INTEGRIS. The main goal is to fix the root cause of the pain – not simply mask it.

Non-surgical Treatment Options

• Medication
• Exercise Programs
• Physical Therapy
• Dry Needling
• Trigger Point Injections
• Botox Injections
• Work-Strengthening Programs
• Massage Therapy
• Interventional Pain Management

Pain Management Techniques

• Exercise Programs: To improve range of motion, increase muscle strength, improve flexibility and mobility and increase endurance.
• Assistive Devices: We’ll help find the right assistive devices that allow you to be more independent.
• Education and Counseling: For both the patient and family.
• Neurolytic Procedures
• Sympathetic Blocks
• Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation
• Cryoneurolysis
• Movement Retraining
• Stress Management
• Nutritional Counseling
• Ergonomic Assessments
• Work-Related Injury Prevention Programs
• Vocational Counseling
• Smoking Cessation Counseling