Shoulder Care That Eases Pain
Shoulder pain can make even simple movements, like lifting, reaching or carrying, feel difficult. At UChicago Medicine AdventHealth, our orthopedic team helps you find relief, restore strength and get back to the life you love, with advanced treatments, personalized care plans and whole-person support.
We’re here to help you find relief, restore strength and get back to living the life you love. With advanced treatments, personalized care plans and whole-person support, we’ll guide your healing so you can move forward with confidence.
Move Freely Without Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can affect how you move, work and live each day. At UChicago Medicine AdventHealth, we offer comprehensive shoulder care tailored to your needs, from physical therapy and nonsurgical treatments to advanced surgical procedures. Using advanced imaging, personalized treatment plans and the latest techniques, we're here to help you find relief, restore mobility and move forward with confidence.
- Diagnosing Shoulder Concerns
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From lifting and reaching to stretching and carrying, your shoulders support you throughout your day. But when injuries or conditions like biceps tendonitis or frozen shoulder develop, even simple movements can become uncomfortable.
At UChicago Medicine AdventHealth, our orthopedic team is here to help you find answers and move forward with confidence. We use advanced imaging technology to diagnose shoulder concerns quickly and accurately, including:
- CT scans
- MRIs
- X-rays
Once we understand the source of your pain, we’ll work with you to create a personalized care plan focused on restoring comfort, improving mobility and helping you get back to moving through life with more ease.
- Understanding the Causes of Shoulder Pain
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Injuries can happen in an instant — whether from a fall, a sports activity or the wear and tear of daily life. When they do, shoulder pain can quickly make everyday movements feel difficult. The good news is, you don’t have to live with it.
At UChicago Medicine AdventHealth, we’re here to help you heal and regain your strength. Our team will work with you to understand the cause of your pain and create a personalized plan to restore comfort, mobility and confidence, so you can get back to the activities that matter most.
Some of the more common shoulder injuries and conditions we treat include:
- Clavicle fractures (broken collarbone): breaks in the long bone that connects the shoulder blade to the breastbone and one of the most common types of shoulder fractures
- Frozen shoulder: stiffness and pain caused by thickening and tightening of the shoulder joint capsule, resulting in limited range of motion
- Proximal humerus fractures: breaks in the upper portion of the arm bone near the shoulder joint
- Rotator cuff tear: partial or complete tears of the tendons that help stabilize and move the shoulder joint
- Shoulder arthritis: damage to the shoulder joint that causes pain, stiffness and reduced mobility
- Shoulder blade fractures (scapula): less common injuries affecting the bone that connects the arm to the collarbone
- Shoulder fractures and dislocations: injuries involving broken bones or the joint moving out of place
- Shoulder impingement: irritation or compression of the rotator cuff tendons and surrounding tissues when moving the shoulder
- Shoulder separations (acromioclavicular joint injuries): stretching or tearing of the ligaments that stabilize the collarbone and shoulder blade
No matter your diagnosis, you can count on us to guide you forward with compassionate care focused on helping you move more comfortably and live more fully.
- Treating Shoulder Pain
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Sometimes, healing your shoulder may be as simple as rest and rehabilitation. Other times, more advanced care may be needed. Helping you understand your options and connecting you with the right specialists and personalized treatments is at the heart of what we do.
You’ll have a team working together to create a personalized care plan focused on healing your shoulder and restoring your movement. From physical therapists to orthopedic surgeons experienced in the latest minimally invasive techniques, we focus on finding the right approach for you.
Our range of shoulder treatments includes:
- Arthroscopic procedures
- Internal fixation procedures
- MAKO total shoulder
- Minimally invasive surgery
- Proximal humeral nail
- Reconstructive surgery
- Rest and physical therapy
- Rotator cuff surgery
- Shoulder replacement
We’re here to help you feel informed and confident in your care. Whenever possible, we recommend minimally invasive options to help reduce pain and support a smoother recovery.
Request an Appointment With a Shoulder Specialist
With support from our shoulder surgeons, sports medicine specialists and dedicated care teams, you can regain your strength and confidence and return to daily life with less pain and more comfort.
Award-Winning Care You Can Feel Confident In
Our teams work hard to provide evidence-based orthopedic care. And we’re honored that this work has earned accreditations and certifications from professional organizations, including Blue Distinction®+ from Blue Cross Blue Shield for hip replacement.
As a leader in joint replacement, we perform more than 3,500 surgical cases each year and are among the most experienced programs in the state. Our team of more than 50 board-certified orthopedic surgeons and providers brings new ideas and innovation to the department every day, including exciting technology like robotic-assisted surgery for hip replacements.
FAQs About Shoulder Injury
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Q:Question: When should I see a doctor for shoulder pain?
A:Answer:If your shoulder pain lasts more than a few days, keeps you from daily activities or worsens over time, it’s a good idea to get it checked. You should also seek care if you have limited movement, swelling or weakness.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerEarly evaluation can help prevent further injury and speed up your recovery.
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Q:Question: What conditions can cause shoulder pain?
A:Answer:Shoulder pain can be caused by a range of conditions, including rotator cuff injuries, tendonitis, arthritis, frozen shoulder and fractures. It may also result from overuse or repetitive strain.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerA proper diagnosis is key to finding the right treatment and relief.
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Q:Question: Will I need surgery for my shoulder condition?
A:Answer:Not always. Many shoulder conditions can be treated with nonsurgical options like physical therapy, medication or lifestyle changes.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerIf surgery is recommended, it’s often minimally invasive and designed to reduce recovery time and improve outcomes.
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Q:Question: How long does it take to recover from a shoulder injury?
A:Answer:Recovery time depends on the type and severity of your condition, as well as the treatment you receive.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerSome people improve in a few weeks with therapy, while others may need several months to fully heal. Your care team will guide you through each stage of recovery.
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Q:Question: What can I expect during my first appointment?
A:Answer:During your visit, your provider will ask about your symptoms, evaluate your range of motion and may order imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerThis helps identify the cause of your pain. From there, you’ll discuss treatment options together and create a care plan.
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Q:Question: How can I prevent future shoulder injuries?
A:Answer:Maintaining strength and flexibility in your shoulders is important for preventing future injuries.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerProper technique during activities, regular stretching and avoiding overuse can also help. Your care team can provide guidance tailored to your lifestyle and needs.
Start Your Path to Relief
Take the next step toward less pain and better movement. Request an appointment or call us to get started with orthopedic care that’s centered around you.