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Shoulder Pain

Expert Shoulder Pain Treatment in Houston & Pearland | Dr. Burke Orthopedics


Personalized Shoulder Care for Lasting Relief and Mobility

Your shoulders are the foundation for nearly every upper body movement—from lifting, reaching, and carrying to athletic performance and work activities. When shoulder pain strikes, it can make even the simplest motions painful or impossible. At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide personalized, evidence-based shoulder treatment designed to restore comfort, strength, and range of motion.

Dr. Robert L. Burke, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, specializes in diagnosing and treating shoulder injuries using advanced imaging, minimally invasive techniques, and comprehensive rehabilitation plans for patients across Houston, Pearland, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas.

  • Revolutionary Cartilage Restoration
  • Long-Lasting Results
  • Minimally Invasive Procedure

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

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1. Rotator Cuff Tears

Rotator cuff tears are one of the most common causes of shoulder pain. The rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles that stabilize the shoulder joint and allow arm movement. Tears can result from overuse, trauma, or gradual wear over time.

    Symptoms:


    • Pain or weakness when lifting or rotating the arm
    • Discomfort that worsens with overhead activity or at night
    • A dull ache deep in the shoulder or difficulty raising the arm


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke will perform a physical exam and imaging to assess tear severity. Conservative options like rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and structured physical therapy are usually tried first to improve mobility and strength.


Surgical Options:


  • If the tear is large or chronic, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair may be recommended to reattach the torn tendon and restore joint stability.


Recovery Timeline:


  • Non-surgical cases often recover within 6–8 weeks. After surgery, full recovery can take 4–6 months with guided rehabilitation.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

2. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder occurs when the connective tissue around the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, restricting movement. It often follows an injury, surgery, or prolonged immobility and can progress through stages of pain and stiffness.

    Symptoms:


    • Gradual loss of motion and increasing pain
    • Stiffness that worsens over weeks or months
    • Difficulty performing tasks like reaching overhead or behind the back


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Early treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and maintaining mobility through physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and occasionally corticosteroid injections.


Surgical Options:


  • If motion remains severely limited, arthroscopic capsular release or gentle manipulation under anesthesia may be performed to restore flexibility.


Recovery Timeline:


  • Non-surgical therapy may restore motion in 6–12 weeks. Surgical recovery can take 3–6 months, with physical therapy essential for lasting improvement.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

3. Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder impingement happens when the tendons of the rotator cuff become compressed between shoulder bones, causing inflammation and pain during overhead activity.

    Symptoms:


    • Sharp or aching pain when lifting the arm
    • Weakness or stiffness with overhead motions
    • Discomfort when reaching behind the back


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Treatment focuses on restoring mechanics through posture correction, physical therapy, and targeted strengthening to create more space for tendons to move freely.


Surgical Options:


  • If conservative treatment fails, arthroscopic subacromial decompression can remove bone spurs and relieve tendon pressure.


Recovery Timeline:


  • Non-surgical improvement may occur within 4–6 weeks. Post-surgery recovery usually takes 3–6 months with physical therapy.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

4. Shoulder Dislocation

A dislocated shoulder occurs when the ball of the upper arm bone (humerus) slips out of the shoulder socket. This is a common sports injury and can also occur after trauma or falls.

    Symptoms:


    • Intense shoulder pain and visible deformity
    • Swelling, bruising, or inability to move the arm
    • Numbness or weakness in the arm


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke performs a closed reduction, gently realigning the joint. Once repositioned, the shoulder is immobilized and followed by a structured therapy plan to restore stability.


Surgical Options:


  • If the joint becomes unstable or dislocates repeatedly, shoulder stabilization surgery may be necessary to repair torn ligaments and prevent recurrence.


Recovery Timeline:


  • Non-surgical: 4–6 weeks. Surgical recovery: 3–6 months, with therapy essential to rebuild strength and prevent future dislocations.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

5. Shoulder Arthritis (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis)

Arthritis in the shoulder results in cartilage breakdown or inflammation, leading to pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis develops over time, while rheumatoid arthritis involves immune system activity that damages joint tissues.

    Symptoms:


    • Chronic pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint
    • Swelling and tenderness after periods of rest
    • Reduced ability to lift or rotate the arm


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Conservative care includes anti-inflammatory medications, activity modification, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injections for temporary pain relief.


Surgical Options:


  • In advanced stages, shoulder replacement surgery or joint resurfacing may be recommended to restore smoother movement and reduce pain.


Recovery Timeline:


  • Non-surgical management may bring improvement in a few weeks. After replacement surgery, full recovery typically takes 3–6 months.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

6. Labral Tears

The shoulder’s labrum is a ring of cartilage that stabilizes the joint. Tears can occur from trauma (such as falling on an outstretched arm) or repetitive overhead use, leading to instability and pain.

    Symptoms:


    • Deep, aching pain in the shoulder joint
    • Clicking, catching, or popping sensation during movement
    • Weakness or instability in the shoulder


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Mild tears are managed with rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and targeted physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles and stabilize the joint.


Surgical Options:


  • For persistent or severe cases, arthroscopic labral repair is performed to reattach or trim the damaged cartilage.


Recovery Timeline:


  • Non-surgical: 4–6 weeks. Surgical: 3–6 months, with therapy focusing on restoring shoulder strength and range of motion.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

Comprehensive Shoulder Diagnostics and Prevention

    Advanced Imaging and Testing


    • Dr. Burke uses X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasound to pinpoint the exact source of pain, ensuring accurate diagnosis and the most effective treatment path.


    Injury Prevention and Mobility Tips


    • Warm up and stretch before physical activity or repetitive motion
    • Strengthen shoulder stabilizer muscles to support the joint
    • Maintain good posture and ergonomics at work
    • Avoid repetitive overhead motions without rest or conditioning


    When to Seek Care Immediately


    • Severe pain following a fall or sudden impact
    • Visible deformity, swelling, or inability to move the arm
    • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

Why Patients Across Houston & Pearland Trust Dr. Burke Orthopedics

  • Board-certified orthopedic surgeon with decades of experience in shoulder care
  • Comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation under one roof
  • Evidence-based, patient-first approach with proven outcomes
  • Trusted by patients throughout Houston, Pearland, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

Get Same-Day Diagnosis and
Treatment for Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain shouldn’t stop you from living or working comfortably. At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we offer same-day appointments to evaluate and treat shoulder pain quickly and effectively. Whether you’re recovering from a rotator cuff tear, dislocation, or arthritis, Dr. Burke and his team are committed to helping you restore strength and mobility safely.

(713) 436-3488

Disclaimer:


The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Do not disregard or delay seeking professional care based on information you have read here. Click For The Full Declaimer

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • How do I know if my shoulder pain requires medical attention?
    If your shoulder pain lasts for more than a few days, limits your ability to move your arm, or is accompanied by swelling, bruising, or weakness, it’s time to see Dr. Burke. These could be signs of a serious condition that requires treatment.
  • Can shoulder conditions heal without surgery?
    Many shoulder conditions, such as tendonitis, impingement, and minor tears, can heal with non-surgical treatments like rest, physical therapy, and medications. Dr. Burke will evaluate your condition and recommend the best treatment plan for you.
  • How long does it take to recover from shoulder surgery?
    Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery. Most patients recover from shoulder surgery within 3-6 months, with physical therapy playing a critical role in regaining strength and mobility.
  • What are the risks of delaying treatment for shoulder pain?
    Delaying treatment for shoulder pain can lead to worsening symptoms, joint damage, and decreased mobility. Early diagnosis and treatment with Dr. Burke can help prevent long-term issues and improve your quality of life.
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"At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, our focus is on you. With personalized care, advanced orthopedic treatments, and a commitment to getting you back to what you love, we’re here to support your journey to better health and mobility."