Five Signs You Need a Shoulder Surgeon in Lower Manhattan

Everyone Has Aches and Pains Sometimes, But Is This Something More?

Whether you suffered a sudden injury or a gradual development of symptoms over time, shoulder pain deserves serious attention. Your shoulder joint is particularly crucial to your ability to move and function. The primary purpose of the shoulder is to position the hand in space. The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint which allows a wide range of motion. However, the complexity of this joint also makes it prone to injury, and because of how much we use the shoulder, even small injuries and irritations can become serious if they are not treated.

If you have shoulder pain that is intense or persistent, then you may need to see a shoulder surgeon in Lower Manhattan. Surgery may not be the best course of treatment, but it is important to get the expert opinion of an orthopaedic specialist to determine how to proceed. If you are concerned that your injury needs more specialized attention, then here are five signs that you should visit a Lower Manhattan shoulder surgeon.

Do I Need to See a Shoulder Surgeon?

Not every ache and pain needs surgical treatment. Many shoulder injuries can be effectively addressed with conservative options. There is no way to know for sure if you will need surgery other than to receive an evaluation by a specialist, however, there are indicators that your injury is more serious and may benefit from surgical treatment.

1. Chronic Pain
   If you are suffering from long-term shoulder pain, that may be a sign that further action needs to be taken. No one should have to endure pain and discomfort day in and day out. While the doctors at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute always pursue non-surgical options first, patients who continues to exhibit long term shoulder pain related to conditions such as arthritis, rotator cuff tears, and others are good candidates for a shoulder surgery.

2. Severe or Worsening Pain
   If you are experiencing severe pain or your symptoms continue to get more intense over time, that is a sign that the injury is not healing properly and may even be getting worse. It is important to get treatment sooner rather than later to address your condition before it becomes more complex and difficult to treat.

3. Limited Mobility
   If your injury or condition is preventing you from performing your daily activities or keeping you from doing the things that you love, that may be an indicator that surgery would be beneficial. It is important to discuss with your physician what your normal and desired activity levels look like to assess whether a surgical procedure is necessary to attain that level of mobility.

4. Weakness
   If you are noticing that your arm is actually becoming weaker with time, then that is a sign that the injury is more serious and unlikely to heal without surgical intervention.

5. Insufficient Improvement
   If you have already undergone non-surgical treatments for your shoulder injury, such as the RICE method (rest, ice, compress, elevate) or physical therapy and have not seen adequate results, then surgery may be the next recommended step. Talk to your physician about whether you have exhausted all of your non-surgical options or schedule an appointment with an orthopaedic specialist for an expert opinion.

Where to Find the Best Shoulder Surgeon in Lower Manhattan

If you have been recommended for shoulder surgery or if you want to be evaluated to determine if shoulder surgery is the right choice for you, then your next step is to find a shoulder surgeon. Even if you do not know for certain if you will need surgery, a shoulder specialist will be able to give you the expert opinion you need to make the decision.

If you are looking for a shoulder surgeon in Lower Manhattan, then you will be glad to know that Rothman Orthopaedic Institute just opened in Gramercy Park. Our specialists will be able to provide you with highest level of expertise and quality care from the initial evaluation through the recovery process.

If you have further questions or would like to schedule an appointment with the best shoulder surgeons in NYC, please visit us here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999.