News & Events

Is Shoulder Replacement Surgery Right for You?

Chronic shoulder pain can make even the simplest daily tasks—like reaching into a cabinet or getting dressed—feel frustrating and exhausting. When conservative treatments such as physical therapy, injections, or medications no longer provide relief, shoulder replacement surgery may be the next step toward lasting pain relief and restored function. Dr. Samuel Koo specializes in advanced

woman sitting on the bed and holding painful shoulder with another hand.

Shoulder Impingement: When Everyday Arm Movements Become Painful

Your shoulder is one of the most complex and frequently used joints in the body. From reaching overhead to getting dressed or lifting objects, nearly every arm movement depends on healthy shoulder mechanics. When pain begins to limit these simple actions, shoulder impingement may be the underlying cause. Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons of

young asian man have shoulder pain after running and exercising

Labral Tears: A Hidden Cause of Shoulder Pain and Instability

The shoulder’s wide range of motion makes it vulnerable to injury, particularly to the labrum—the ring of cartilage that helps stabilize the shoulder joint. A labral tear can result from trauma, repetitive overhead movements, or gradual wear and tear, and is a common cause of ongoing shoulder pain and instability. Signs of a Labral Tear

Understanding Frozen Shoulder: What to Know About Adhesive Capsulitis

If you’ve noticed your shoulder becoming gradually stiffer, more painful, and harder to move — especially when reaching overhead, turning your arm outward, or reaching behind your back — you could be experiencing a condition commonly known as frozen shoulder. Frozen shoulder is a broad term used to describe loss of motion in the shoulder.

Man in the gym with injured shoulder.

What’s the Difference Between a Partial and Full Rotator Cuff Tear?

Shoulder pain can quickly go from an occasional nuisance to a constant obstacle in your daily routine. Whether it begins suddenly after an injury or builds over time, rotator cuff problems are a common cause. Once you’ve met with a specialist like Dr. Samuel Koo, one of the first things you may learn is whether

Man touching shoulder after exercising

Shoulder Arthritis: Treatment Options From Conservative Care to Surgery

Shoulder arthritis can significantly impact daily activities, making even simple movements painful and challenging. Fortunately, a range of treatment options is available, from conservative care to surgical interventions, to help relieve pain and restore function. Whether you’re experiencing mild discomfort or severe joint damage, understanding your options is the first step toward relief!

7 Tips For Avoiding Shoulder Injuries In The Pool

Many athletes jump in the pool to rehab after an injury. However, swimming can cause shoulder injuries and in fact is the most common injury in swimming. Having a proper swim stroke is critical to prevent shoulder injuries. Swim smart: orthopedic tips for avoiding shoulder injuries in the pool from shoulder specialist Samuel Koo, MD,

A baseball in motion with pitcher in background.

Treatment For Shoulder Injuries Due To Sports

As the weather warms up, professional baseball players are back on the diamond, tennis players are competing on the courts, swimmers jump in the pool, and let’s not forget all the weekend warriors who will be giving it their all. No matter your level of expertise, those who participate in overhead sports are likely to

What Can I Do to Prevent Shoulder Injuries?

Most of us don’t think much about our shoulders. That is until one of them begins to hurt. We also don’t think about the fact that our every move affects this very complex shoulder joint. You can injure your shoulder playing all types of sports, but you can also cause a painful result from reaching

How Painful Is a Shoulder Replacement?

Most people who decide to have any joint replaced do it to reduce their pain and regain mobility. Otherwise, you would just live with it and try to relieve the symptoms. Sometimes there can be lasting pain after a joint replacement surgery. How painful is a shoulder replacement?