Treating Common Shoulder Conditions & Injuries
Three bones meet at the shoulder joint — the scapula (shoulder blade), the humerus (upper arm bone), and the collarbone. The shoulder joint also consists of cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Shoulder conditions and injuries are the result of damage to any part of the shoulder.
Dignity Health offers unmatched orthopedic care for common shoulder conditions and injuries in the Bay Area at the following convenient locations.
- Dominican Hospital
- Saint Francis Memorial Hospital
- Sequoia Hospital
- St. Mary’s Medical Center
Our goal is to address your pain at the source — so you can get back to enjoying your life pain-free. To see an orthopedic specialist that’s right for you, use our online Find a Doctor tool.
Symptoms of Common Shoulder Conditions & Injuries
Pain is the primary symptom of most shoulder problems. Pain can range from sharp and severe to dull and achy. The specific location of pain within the shoulder can help your doctor diagnose the problem.
Along with pain, other signs and symptoms include:
- Feeling of looseness in the shoulder
- Inability to rotate or elevate your arm
- Stiffness
- Visible deformity
- Weakness
What Causes Shoulder Conditions & Injuries?
Shoulder problems are often the result of a disease or injury to the soft tissues. Overuse injuries due to repetitive motions is a common cause of soft tissue problems. Injury or damage to the bones of the shoulder, such as fractures, are typically the result of trauma.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the bones and cartilage that can flare up in the shoulder. Osteoarthritis of the shoulder is a degenerative disease that causes cartilage in the joint to break down over time.
Shoulder Injury Treatment at Dignity Health
Our experts treat all types of common shoulder conditions and injuries, including:
- Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Bursitis
- Dislocated shoulder joint
- Fracture
- Frozen shoulder
- Impingement syndrome
- Labral tears
- Rotator cuff tear
- Shoulder instability
Your treatment options will depend on the type of shoulder condition you have and its severity. However, in most cases, treatment starts with nonsurgical approaches, including:
- Anti-inflammatory medicines
- Corticosteroid injections
- Rest
- Strengthening exercises
Physical therapy can also be used to help increase mobility, restore movement, and strengthen the muscles that support your shoulder. Dignity Health offers complete orthopedic physical therapy at our four Bay Area locations.
If these less invasive treatments do not help you feel better, shoulder surgery may be necessary. Your Dignity Health doctor will explain all your options and help determine what’s best for you. Call (844) 387-6324 today for a doctor referral.
Dignity Health offers diagnosis and treatment services for a full range of shoulder problems in the Bay Area, including San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Redwood City.
