When to See a Shoulder Specialist About Shoulder Pain
Taking care of your shoulders is important because they’re involved in nearly every move you make. But that means when you have shoulder pain, it affects everything you do. While pain that comes and goes might be a result of over-exercising or a minor strain, persistent, recurrent pain should be taken seriously.
Should I See a Shoulder Specialist – Or Deal With It On My Own?
Taking action when you notice shoulder pain will give you more options for treatment. Seek immediate medical attention if:
- You’re having intense pain
- Extreme swelling
- Inability to move your arm away from your body
- Shoulder pain is accompanied by difficulty breathing
Keep in mind that not all shoulder pain requires immediate medical attention. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Samuel Koo if your shoulder pain is accompanied by:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Tenderness and warmth around the joint
You may also want to know why you should see a shoulder specialist over any other doctor.
Treating Shoulder Pain in Seattle
The most common forms of treatment for shoulder pain include medication, physical therapy and, at times, surgery. However, if shoulder pain is caused by arthritis, many patients are able to find relief with two procedures:
Reverse Shoulder Replacement. During this procedure, the position of the ball and the socket in the shoulder joint are reversed. It’s especially helpful for people who have arthritis and a tear or other problem with their rotator cuff.
Resurfacing Shoulder Arthroplasty. The minimally invasive procedure a metal cap that’s similar to a thimble, is placed on the ball of the patient’s shoulder joint and the “cup” portion of the shoulder is resurfaced.
Call our office at (425) 823-4000 to schedule an appointment about your shoulder pain.