Man grimacing with shoulder pain
February 04, 2025February 4, 2025
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Shoulder Surgery Clinic | Dr. Joshua Thomas

Your Shoulder Pain Isn’t Normal

Ongoing pain in the shoulder joint can severely affect your daily activities around the home and at work. You may feel a sharp pain when reaching for copy paper on a high shelf, holding a baby in front of you, or tying your shoes. It’s also more prevalent in individuals over 50 who may also have arthritis and wear and tear injuries caused by aging.

Rotator cuff injuries can range from partial tears to complete ruptures, each with its own level of severity. Surgery may be recommended depending on factors such as the size and location of the tear, as well as your symptoms and functional limitations.

Not all rotator cuff conditions lead to shoulder replacement. Non-surgical interventions (listed below) may be an option, as well as minimally invasive surgery to repair the tear. However, a shoulder replacement may be necessary if it’s a severe tear or the joint is damaged.

What is a rotor cuff?

The rotator cuff is a complex system of bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage that hold the shoulder’s ball and socket joint in place while allowing for a wide range of movement. Rotator cuff injuries occur when parts of this system are damaged.

What are the causes of rotator cuff pain?

Pain in the rotator cuff is often caused by repetitive motion or a forceful injury, such as a fall or an accident. Other sources of pain include osteoarthritis, a wear and tear injury that damages cartilage; rheumatoid arthritis, in which inflammation damages the cartilage; and osteonecrosis, when the bone is deprived of blood and collapses. Fortunately, our shoulder surgery clinic can help.

How do I know if I have a rotator cuff injury?

  • Dull ache or sudden, severe pain in the top of your shoulder or arm worsens when you move your arm above your head.
  • Limited range of motion, resulting in difficulty moving your arm fully.
  • Feeling weakness when you try to lift, reach, or move your arm.
  • A clicking, grating, popping, or crackling sound when you move your arm.
  • Pain at night that prevents you from sleeping on your injured side.

What are non-surgical treatments for rotator cuff injuries?

Surgeons report that more than half of patients can heal or significantly improve with non-surgical care. These approaches focus on reducing pain, restoring mobility, and supporting the body’s recovery process. They often include:

  • Rest and activity modification
  • Physical or occupational therapy
  • Pain medication
  • Icing
  • Stretching
  • Steroid injection

When it’s Time for Surgery

Surgery is only recommended after all non-surgical interventions have been exhausted. Below are options for various levels of surgical procedures.

Rotator cuff repair at our Shoulder Surgery Clinic can be performed using several approaches. The most common method, arthroscopic repair, involves small incisions and a miniature camera (arthroscope) so the surgeon can visualize and repair the torn tendon. Open repair requires a larger incision, allowing direct access to the affected tendon. Mini-open repair merges aspects of both arthroscopic and open techniques.
illustration of total shoulder replacement and reverse shoulder replacement

Shoulder replacement surgery is not one-size-fits-all; in fact, the type of shoulder replacement will depend on the specifics of your injury or the condition of the joint. Typically, these options include anatomic, partial, or reverse shoulder replacements. Here’s what to expect:

The anatomic procedure replaces the damaged shoulder joint with artificial parts that mimic the natural shape of the shoulder.

In a partial shoulder replacement, only the ball at the top of the upper arm bone is replaced while the shoulder’s natural socket remains.

Reverse shoulder replacement surgery is used when arthritis has damaged the joint. The procedure reverses the position of the ball and socket implants.

Recovery from Surgery

How long after shoulder surgery will it take before you can return to the office, resume normal activities, or play sports? The recovery time from surgery varies on several factors: the procedure performed, the severity of your case, and your age. Plan on 2 to 3 weeks to return to light office work, 4 to 6 months for most normal activity, and 6 to 12 months for complete recovery.

Recovery also hinges on effective rehabilitation. After the procedure, you’ll have a customized occupational or physical therapy program that addresses your specific condition.

Relieve Shoulder Pain and Reclaim Your Life

Shoulder replacement surgery helps restore mobility, relieve pain, and get you back to activities you enjoy. Weakness, stiffness, and pain in your shoulder joint aren’t normal. The symptoms will only worsen over time if left untreated, so don’t allow a rotator cuff tear to interfere with your lifestyle. Relief is possible!

At Glacial Ridge Health System, Dr. Joshua Thomas provides expert orthopedic care. Dr. Thomas, an orthopedic surgeon who completed a rigorous shoulder fellowship at Johns Hopkins University, has performed more than 600 shoulder surgeries. “Fellowship training gives you an extra scope of practice, and it makes you an expert in the field,” says Dr. Thomas.

Relief is within reach – don’t wait. Request an appointment with Dr. Thomas at Glacial Ridge Health System.