Shoulder Treatments in Missoula, Montana

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help lift and rotate your arm and keep the shoulder joint stable. Rotator cuff injuries happen when one or more of these muscles or tendons become torn, strained, or irritated. These injuries can occur from repetitive overhead motions, falls, heavy lifting, or normal deterioration as you age. Treatment depends on the severity of the injury and may include rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or rotator cuff repair surgery.

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, causes extreme stiffness and limits shoulder motion. It happens when the tissue around the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, making it painful to raise the arm. This condition often develops slowly and may be linked to previous injuries, diabetes, or prolonged immobilization of the arm. Physical therapy exercises and activity modification are common treatments. For some patients, corticosteroid injections or surgery may help improve motion and reduce stiffness.

Shoulder impingement syndrome happens when the top outer edge of the shoulder blade irritates the rotator cuff tendons and bursa (fluid-filled sacs) around the shoulder joint. Common causes include repetitive overhead motions, bone spurs in the shoulder blade, or age-related wear and tear. Shoulder impingement syndrome often leads to pain and weakness in the shoulder, as well as difficulty raising or lowering the arm.

Conservative measures like rest, applying heat and ice, and using anti-inflammatory medications can help alleviate symptoms. In some cases, a minimally invasive procedure like subacromial decompression may be used to create more space in the joint and improve shoulder function.

Shoulder arthritis causes the cartilage in the shoulder joint to wear down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased shoulder function. It often affects older adults but can also result from previous shoulder injuries. Symptoms can make it hard to move the arm, reach behind your back, or sleep comfortably.

Treatment options include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injections. For more advanced cases, shoulder replacement surgery may be recommended to restore movement and relieve shoulder pain.

Falls, sports accidents, or sudden trauma can cause shoulder dislocations or fractures. A dislocation happens when the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder joint, while a fracture involves a break in one of the bones. Both injuries can lead to severe shoulder pain, swelling, and an inability to move the arm.

An X-ray of the shoulder joint can reveal the exact location of the injury, which is important when determining the proper treatment plan. Treatment may include bracing or casting, activity modification, and physical therapy to help restore the shoulder’s range of motion and prevent future dislocations. Severe injuries may require surgery to repair tendons, bones, or surrounding tissue.

The labrum is a ring of cartilage that helps keep the shoulder joint stable. Injuries to the labrum, such as SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior) tears, are common in athletes and people who perform repetitive overhead movements. These injuries can lead to clicking and catching sensations or pain when moving the shoulder.

We use imaging tests like CT scans, X-rays, or MRIs to confirm the injury and create a treatment plan. In addition to physical therapy and activity modification, steroid injections and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections can help relieve pain. Surgery may be needed if the injury is severe or does not respond to non-surgical treatments.