Five Reasons You Should See a Shoulder Specialist in Gramercy Park

Shoulder Pain from a Sports Injury? Know When to See a Specialist.

While shoulder injuries are caused by a variety of activities and incidents, many of them occur in the midst of excessive and repetitive exercise. Throwing athletes, swimmers, and tennis players are all vulnerable to developing a shoulder injury, especially if they apply incorrect form or overwork their bodies while playing their sports. If you are an athlete experiencing shoulder pain, seek a professional diagnosis from a shoulder specialist in Gramercy Park.

The Shoulder & Elbow and Sports Medicine specialists at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute want New York City residents to know that top-quality orthopaedic care is now available closer to home. Our physicians and surgeons aim to educate and treat all athletes with sports injuries. Learn more about different types of shoulder injuries and when to see a specialist for care.

Common Shoulder Injuries in Sports

The shoulder is comprised of several joints, muscles, and tendons that allow for a wide range of motion. This benefits pitchers, those who play racquet sports, and a host of other athletes who require the full mobility of their arms to play and workout. Still, the shoulder’s flexibility makes it all the more susceptible to getting injured in some way. Here are some common shoulder injuries we see in our athletes:

• Instability
  The stability of the shoulder—that is, the security of the humeral head (ball) in the glenoid (socket)—can get rocked during an acute traumatic incident, multiple “microtraumas,” or consistent overuse. Instability can lead to a shoulder dislocation.

• Impingement
  The space between the acromion (part of the shoulder blade) and the rotator cuff narrows when you raise your arm; this compresses the tendons located in that space. If severe and ongoing, shoulder impingement may result in a rotator cuff tear.

• Rotator cuff tear
  A tear to one or multiple rotator cuff tendons can occur from either an acute injury (perhaps from falling onto an outstretched arm) or degeneration (either from age or repetitive stress on the area, such as from exercise).

• Arthritis
  Generally speaking, arthritis results from joint cartilage wearing away or becoming damaged, or from joint lining inflammation. Five main types of arthritis commonly impact the shoulder: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post traumatic arthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, and avascular necrosis.

• Fracture
  The shoulder consists of three bones: the scapula, clavicle, and humerus. The clavicle and proximal humerus are more commonly fractured than the scapula, which is protected by the chest muscles.

Five Reasons to Seek Treatment for Your Sports Shoulder Injury

1. You cannot use your arm or shoulder without feeling pain.
   Pain is the body’s way of alerting you that something is not right. Listen to your body’s signal and see a specialist if you have severe shoulder pain.

2. You have lost some range of motion.
   If your shoulder is no longer as flexible as it once was, then you may need the expert advice of an orthopaedic doctor or physical therapist.

3. Your symptoms have worsened despite the application of conservative treatments.
   If you are an athlete, you probably know the basics for treating an injury: rest, ice, compression, elevation (R.I.C.E.) If these methods are not enough to relieve your symptoms, or if your condition has worsened despite these methods, seek the advanced care of a medical professional.

4. You notice swelling, discoloration, or deformity.
   Even if you do not have pain, be aware of other unusual symptoms; these are most likely a sign of an underlying condition and could lead to pain if untreated.

5. Your persistent symptoms are causing you destress.
   You may be able to live through the symptoms, but if your condition is taking a toll on your mental health and overall wellbeing, you are in need of treatment.

Choose a Rothman Orthopaedic Institute Shoulder Specialist in Gramercy Park

The numbers don’t lie; our Shoulder & Elbow and Sports Medicine specialists diagnose and treat approximately 80,000 sports injury cases per year. With this combined level of experience, in addition to each doctor’s extensive educational background and prestigious reputation, we are confident in our practice’s ability to provide the best orthopaedic care possible.

To make an appointment with a shoulder specialist in Gramercy Park, or for more information about sports shoulder injuries, please visit us here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999.