SHOULDER & CLAVICLE SPECIALISTS

The shoulder specialists and physical therapists at New Mexico Orthopaedics can help you address your symptoms and create a treatment plan to minimize pain and long-term damage to the joints.

THE SHOULDER

Shoulder pain and injuries are among the most common orthopedic complaints we see.

Our shoulders are complex structures facilitating a wide range of motion and flexibility. The versatility of this joint makes it prone to a variety of injuries. Damage to the soft tissues that stabilize the shoulder and degenerative conditions can create pain, inflammation, and limitations to range of motion.

THE CLAVICLE

The clavicle is the bone that connects the breastplate (sternum) to the shoulder. The collarbone acts as a strut to connect the sternum to the shoulder blade. Because of the critical location of the clavicle, any severe force on the shoulder, such as falling directly onto the shoulder or falling on an outstretched arm, transfers force to the clavicle. As a result, the collarbone is one of the most commonly broken bones.

The most common cause of shoulder pain occurs when rotator cuff tendons become trapped under the bony area in the shoulder. The tendons become inflamed or damaged. This condition is called rotator cuff tendinitis or bursitis.

Shoulder pain may also be caused by:

  • Arthritis in the shoulder joint
  • Bone spurs in the shoulder area
  • Bursitis, is inflammation of a fluid-filled sac (bursa) that normally protects the joint and helps it move smoothly
  • Broken shoulder bone
  • Dislocation of the shoulder
  • Shoulder separation
  • Frozen shoulder, occurs when the muscles, tendons, and ligaments inside the shoulder become stiff, making movement difficult and painful
  • Overuse or injury of nearby tendons, such as the bicep muscles of the arms
  • Tears of the rotator cuff tendons
  • Poor shoulder posture and mechanics

Beginning with imaging, we will seek out the underlying cause of your shoulder pain and build a customized treatment plan to get your range of motion back in no time.

Treatment options may include:

  • Medication
  • Physical Therapy
  • Slings or Immobilization
  • Injections
  • Surgery
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what hurts - orthopedic and spine model

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