Shoulder Injuries
What you need to know
Shoulder injuries are relatively common, especially in athletes who play sports that involve throwing or frequent shoulder rotation, or in elderly adults who have weaker shoulder muscles. Repetitive or intense shoulder movement can put the rotator cuff muscles under duress, which can lead to injury and require treatment or replacement! At Westchase Orthopedics & Rehabilitation, we have experience treating shoulder injuries and conditions of all types.
Acromioclavicular Joint (ACJ) Injuries
ACJ injuries, also referred to as “shoulder separations”, are common, accounting for more than 40% of shoulder injuries. These types of injuries can occur after sporting events, falls, accidents, or any other direct impact. Your acromioclavicular joint is located where your collarbone and your shoulder blade meet; if you are experiencing pain, swelling, or bruising and tenderness at the top of your shoulder, or if you are experiencing limited motion in your shoulder, you may have torn or strained the ligaments in your acromioclavicular joint. Treatment options include physical therapy or surgery, depending on the severity of your injury. We can help you understand your options, create a treatment plan, and transition you back to activity!
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Your shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, allowing your arm to move in many directions. There are four tendons that attach muscles from the shoulder blade to the upper arm bone and allow it to stabilize and move, or rotate – this group of tendons is called the rotator cuff. Because they move within a tight space, the rotator cuff is easily injured by repetitive reaching, sudden overhead arm movements (like hitting a tennis ball or pulling to start a lawn mower), and pushing off with your arms when rising from a chair. If you are experiencing pain during movement, weakness in your arm or shoulder, and aching pain at night, your rotator cuff may be inflamed or torn. Treatment options include injections, physical therapy, or surgery, depending on the severity of your injury. We can help you understand all of your options and help you find the solution to your pain!
Labral Tears
The labrum is rubbery tissue, or fibrocartilage, that is connected to the rim of the shoulder socket. Its main function is to keep the ball of the shoulder joint in place. A tear in this cartilage can result from injury like a fall or accident, or occur naturally as a result of aging. Symptoms of a labral tear (which is also called a SLAP tear, “superior labral tear from anterior to posterior”) include deep, aching shoulder pain, popping, clicking, and grinding in your shoulder, or shoulder weakness. Labral tears can be difficult to diagnose, but we can help you determine if the cause of your pain really is a labral tear and then help you treat it with physical therapy or surgery!
Thrower’s Shoulder
Overhead athletes subject their shoulders to repetitive torque, compression, and stress (think of the arm speed of a pitcher or how hard tennis players serve). The rotator cuff, bicep, humeral head, and other soft tissue structures within the shoulder joint can become unstable as a result. Multiple types of injuries can then occur, which can lead to intense pain or reduced function. Physical therapy can help you regain your full range of motion; if rehabilitation doesn’t work, surgery may be necessary. Our doctors can put together a well-structured rehabilitation program and work with your coaches to return your shoulder to optimal performance!
Bicep Injuries
The bicep is a muscle in the front of your upper arm that helps you bend and twist your elbow and forearm. It is attached to your shoulder socket, your shoulder blade, and your forearms by separate tendons; if any of these are weakened, inflamed, or torn due to impact or overuse, you may experience a pop or tearing sensation, warmth around the bicep, bruising/pain/aching, arm weakness, or difficulty moving your arm or shoulder. You may also notice a bulge in your upper arm or a gap in front of your elbow, because the bicep is not being held in place the way it should be. Either rest, physical therapy, or torn bicep surgery may be the necessary treatment for your bicep injury – we can help diagnose the severity of your bicep injury and recommend the best option for treatment!
Bursitis
Bursae are the small sacs that are filled with fluid and cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles that make up your shoulder joint. When your shoulder experiences repetitive motion, or if you have inflammatory arthritis that puts pressure on the bursae, the bursae can become inflamed – this condition is known as bursitis. If you have bursitis, your shoulder might feel stiff or hurt more when you press on it. It also may appear swollen and red. Treatment typically includes rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or range of motion exercises (or all three). We can help relieve your shoulder pain caused by bursitis!
Fractures
There are three bones in your shoulder that have the potential to be broken; your scapula (shoulder blade), your clavicle (collarbone), and your humerus (upper arm bone). If any of these bones fracture due to a fall, a sports impact, or a car accident, you may experience intense shoulder pain, swelling, tenderness, weakness, a bump over the injury, or difficulty moving your shoulder or arm. Most shoulder fractures do not require surgery; immobilization and medications are typically effective. We can help properly diagnose your fracture and recommend the best treatment plan!
Patrick J. Horan, MD, MBA, FACS
Patrick J. Horan is an orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist with two decades of experience. He is board-certified in orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine. After receiving his undergraduate degree from Duke University in Durham, N.C., Dr. Horan earned his medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. Residency and Internship were both completed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. He also received an MBA from Auburn University in Auburn, Ala.
Dr. Horan served 10 years on active duty in the US Army as an orthopaedic surgeon before entering into private practice. Dr. Horan is the founder of the Westchase Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation and the official surgeon of the Tampa Bay Rowdies. He maintains professional memberships with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Sports Medicine and the Arthroscopy Association of North America.
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Dr. Patrick Horan and the other orthopedic surgeons and specialists at Westchase Orthopedics & Rehabilitation have served hundreds of patients in the Tampa Bay area. Our patients choose us because we are able to offer them viable solutions to their pain. We offer hope to patients who have been athletes for years and suddenly find themselves faced with the possibility of never playing again, to elderly patients who want to maintain their independence and do things like drive and grocery shop alone, to parents who aren’t sure what is wrong with their children’s knees or elbows and want answers. Unlike in many other practices, you are not treated like just a number; we take the time to listen to your concerns and symptoms, accurately diagnose the source of the problem, and walk you through what will happen during the course of treatment. Get in touch with our office today to schedule an appointment!
