Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can strike at any time, making it difficult to brush your teeth, comb your hair, or reach objects. At Kentucky Joint Specialists, located in Louisville, Kentucky, knee and shoulder expert Jennifer Blackburn, APRN, FNP-C, and the team offer comprehensive care for shoulder pain. Their patented treatment protocol boasts a 90% efficacy rate and provides lasting relief. Call Kentucky Joint Specialists today to receive treatment for shoulder pain or make your appointment online.

What is shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain is discomfort, stiffness, or aching that affects your shoulder joints or surrounding tissues (like the rotator cuff). Almost everyone experiences shoulder pain occasionally, but if your symptoms last for more than a few days or affect your routine, it’s crucial to seek treatment.

At Kentucky Joint Specialists, the team offers minimally invasive treatments for shoulder pain that reduce swelling and encourage mobility.

What causes shoulder pain?

The Kentucky Joint Specialists team treats shoulder pain caused by various things, including:

• Arthritis
• Torn cartilage
• Torn rotator cuff
• Swollen bursa sacs (bursitis)
• Bone spurs
• Frozen shoulder
• Dislocated shoulder

Some people have shoulder pain because of general wear-and-tear. For example, athletes who play throwing sports like baseball are particularly susceptible to shoulder pain.

When should I see a joint specialist about shoulder pain?

Make an appointment at Kentucky Joint Specialists if you have shoulder pain that continues for more than a week, even after at-home treatments. That’s particularly true if the pain occurs alongside other symptoms, like fever, difficulty moving your shoulder, or joint swelling.

How is shoulder pain diagnosed?

Your Kentucky Joint Specialists provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including if the pain keeps you awake at night and if it’s sharp or dull. They examine your shoulder, looking for redness or swelling and gently press on your shoulder joint to identify sensitive areas.

Your provider orders X-rays, CT scans, or an MRI to get a closer look at your shoulder joint and rotator cuff. After making a diagnosis, they develop a personalized treatment plan.

How is shoulder pain treated?

The Kentucky Joint Specialists team treats shoulder pain using minimally invasive and conservative measures. They may recommend:

• Physical therapy
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
• Bracing
• Stretches and strengthening exercises

If these treatments don’t provide relief, your provider may prescribe joint injections. Kentucky Joint Specialists uses fluoroscopic guidance when administering injections to ensure the medication is precisely delivered to your joints. 

Is there any way to prevent shoulder pain?

You can reduce your risk of shoulder pain by eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly. Kentucky Joint Specialists can teach you stretches and strengthening exercises to build muscle and support your rotator cuff tendons.

Call Kentucky Joint Specialists today to receive treatment for shoulder pain, or make an appointment online.