Shoulder Specialists

What are common shoulder surgeries?

Common procedures include rotator cuff repair, shoulder arthroscopy, labral repair (Bankart or SLAP), total shoulder replacement, reverse shoulder replacement, and AC joint reconstruction. Most are performed arthroscopically with small incisions.

How long is shoulder surgery recovery?

Arthroscopic procedures typically require 3-6 months for full recovery. Rotator cuff repair: 4-6 months. Shoulder replacement: 6-12 months. You will be in a sling for 4-6 weeks for most procedures.

What is a reverse shoulder replacement?

A reverse shoulder replacement switches the normal ball-and-socket anatomy, placing the ball on the shoulder blade and the socket on the upper arm. This allows the deltoid muscle to power the arm when the rotator cuff is severely torn or missing.

How do I know if I tore my rotator cuff?

Common signs include pain when lifting your arm overhead, weakness when rotating the arm, night pain that disrupts sleep, and a catching sensation. An MRI confirms the tear. Not all tears require surgery - many respond to physical therapy.

Can a torn rotator cuff heal without surgery?

Partial tears and some small full-thickness tears can improve with physical therapy, especially in patients over 60 with low activity demands. Complete tears in active individuals under 60 typically benefit from surgical repair to prevent the tear from enlarging.

What causes frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) occurs when the shoulder capsule thickens and tightens. It is common in women aged 40-60, diabetics, and after periods of immobilization. Treatment includes PT, injections, and occasionally surgery. It typically resolves in 12-24 months.