Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is common in athletes who play sports that require repetitive overhead arm movements. Receiving proper care for shoulder pain may prevent damage to the shoulder joint. Nina Yaftali, DO, is a board-certified sports medicine physician at Primary Care Sports Medicine in Agoura Hills, California, who provides comprehensive care for shoulder pain. She focuses on reducing the discomfort and finding the root cause of the pain to prevent a recurrence. To get help for your shoulder pain, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

Who gets shoulder pain?

Anyone can develop shoulder pain. However, athletes who play sports that require repetitive arm movement — swimmers, tennis players, volleyball players, baseball players — are at risk of developing injuries that cause shoulder pain. 

You may think you can work through the pain, but continuing to play your sport may lead to more damage and a longer recovery. If you have shoulder pain, schedule a consultation at Primary Care Sports Medicine.

What types of sports injuries cause shoulder pain?

There are a number of sports injuries that cause shoulder pain. Common sports-related shoulder injuries include:

Bursitis

Bursitis is inflammation of the bursae, which are fluid-filled sacs that provide cushioning in between the bones and soft tissue of your shoulder. Inflammation occurs from repetitive use of the shoulder.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons. You may develop acute shoulder tendonitis from excessive ball throwing. 

Arthritis

Arthritis causes pain and inflammation in the shoulder joint. You may develop arthritis in the shoulder following an injury to the joint or from degenerative changes that occur over time.

Dislocation

You can dislocate your shoulder from a forceful blow to the body or a heavy fall onto the arm. Dislocation of the shoulder joint damages the tendons and ligaments that keep the joint in place, increasing your risk of recurrent dislocations. 

This shoulder injury may also cause a rotator cuff tear.

Fractures

Breaking any of the bones that make up your shoulder joint — humerus, scapula, clavicle — causes shoulder pain.

Sprains and strains

Sprains and strains are a common cause of shoulder pain in athletes.

What can I expect during a shoulder pain consultation?

You can expect a patient-centered exam when you see Dr. Yaftali at Primary Care Sports Medicine for a shoulder pain consultation. She asks detailed questions about your pain and your sporting activities.

Dr. Yaftali does a physical exam, paying close attention to the structure and movement of your shoulder. To confirm or rule out a diagnosis, she may do onsite X-rays or diagnostic ultrasound. 

What are my treatment options for shoulder pain?

Dr. Yaftali takes a holistic and conservative approach to care. Her goal is to stop your shoulder pain and find the root cause of your pain to prevent a recurrence. 

Treatment for your shoulder pain might include:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
• Activity modification
• At-home exercise program
• Physical therapy
• Bracing or casting
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections
• Ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections

If conservative care fails to improve your shoulder pain, Dr. Yaftali may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon to discuss surgical options.

Don’t ignore your shoulder pain; call Primary Care Sports Medicine or schedule an appointment online today.