Hip
Impingement (FAI), labral tears, dysplasia, gluteal tendon tears and arthritis. The hip is Dr. Lázaro's sub-specialty.
Sports medicine & shoulder restoration
Shoulder pain and shoulder injuries
Rotator cuff and labral tears, instability and dislocations, frozen shoulder and arthritis — with options from therapy to arthroscopic surgery.
Overview
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body. That range of motion lets you reach, throw and lift, but it also makes the shoulder prone to injury from sports, falls, repetitive motion and time.
Shoulder pain can affect your sleep, your work and simple tasks like combing your hair or reaching a high shelf. Pinpointing the exact cause makes it possible to choose the right treatment.
Common conditions we treat
Rotator cuff tears
The rotator cuff is a group of tendons that moves and stabilizes the shoulder. A tear can happen from a fall or from wear, causing pain and weakness when lifting the arm.
Labral tears (SLAP and Bankart)
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that deepens the shoulder socket. SLAP tears affect the top of the labrum; Bankart tears usually happen with a dislocation.
Shoulder instability and dislocation
The shoulder slips fully or partially out of its socket. After the first time, it can stay loose and slip out again with certain movements.
Impingement and bursitis
The tendons and bursa become irritated as they rub under the acromion. It causes pain when raising the arm overhead and when sleeping on that side.
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
The shoulder capsule becomes inflamed and stiff, severely limiting motion. It is more common in people with diabetes or thyroid conditions.
Acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries
Occur at the top of the shoulder, where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade, usually from a direct fall onto the shoulder.
Shoulder arthritis
Wear of the joint cartilage. It causes deep pain, stiffness and grinding, and can limit daily activities.
Symptoms that deserve an evaluation
- Pain when raising your arm overhead
- Pain at night, especially when lying on the shoulder
- Weakness when lifting or carrying objects
- A feeling that the shoulder slips or is loose
- Painful clicking or catching
- Stiffness and loss of motion, for example when combing your hair or putting on a shirt
- Pain at the top of the shoulder after a fall
Treatment options
Every plan is individual. Whenever appropriate, we start with the least invasive treatment and only recommend surgery when it can truly help you.
Step 1 · Non-operative
Non-operative treatment
Many shoulder problems improve with therapy and inflammation control.
- Physical therapyTo restore motion and strengthen the rotator cuff and shoulder blade.
- Medication and activity modificationTo ease pain while the shoulder heals.
- Image-guided injectionsTo reduce inflammation and pain; in selected cases, biologic options such as PRP.
- Sling or immobilizationFor a short time after certain injuries.
Step 2 · Joint preservation
Shoulder preservation surgery
Aims to repair injured structures and restore stability and strength.
- Shoulder arthroscopyMinimally invasive, camera-guided surgery to diagnose and treat injuries inside the shoulder.
- Rotator cuff repairThe tendon is reattached to the bone to restore strength and function.
- Shoulder stabilizationArthroscopic repair of the labrum and capsule (for example, Bankart repair) to prevent further dislocations.
- SLAP and biceps proceduresDepending on the type of injury, your age and your activity level.
- AC joint repair or reconstructionFor severe injuries or those that remain symptomatic.
When to see an orthopedic specialist
- Your shoulder pain has lasted more than a few weeks
- You cannot lift your arm or feel marked weakness after a fall
- Your shoulder dislocated, even if it went back in on its own
- Pain keeps you from sleeping
- You are gradually losing motion
- You have arthritis and want to know your options
Frequently asked questions
Do all rotator cuff tears need surgery?
No. Many partial or wear-related tears improve with physical therapy and other non-operative treatments. Surgery is considered for acute tears from an injury, tears that keep causing pain or weakness, and depending on your age and activity level.
My shoulder dislocated once. What should I do?
It is important to be evaluated, even if the shoulder went back into place. A dislocation can injure the labrum, bone or rotator cuff, and young, active people have a higher risk of it happening again.
What is frozen shoulder and how is it treated?
It is a condition in which the shoulder capsule becomes inflamed and stiff. It is usually treated with physical therapy, pain control and sometimes injections. For cases that do not improve, there are surgical options to release the stiffness.
Why does my shoulder hurt more at night?
Lying down can increase pressure on inflamed tendons and bursa. Night pain is common with rotator cuff problems and deserves an evaluation if it persists.
This content is educational and does not replace a medical evaluation. Every case is different: diagnosis and treatment are determined during your visit.
Other areas we treat
Ready to move without pain again?
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