Shoulder Pain Treatment in Mount Pleasant, SC
Shoulder pain can make everyday activities such as reaching overhead, lifting objects, exercising, or even sleeping uncomfortable. Whether your symptoms developed gradually from overuse or began after an injury, obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment. Blake Ohlson, M.D. provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for shoulder pain in Mount Pleasant, SC, ohelping patients identify the underlying cause and restore healthy shoulder function.
Serving patients throughout Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, and surrounding South Carolina communities, Dr. Ohlson offers personalized care for a wide range of shoulder conditions, from sports injuries and tendon disorders to arthritis and fractures. Treatment plans are customized to relieve pain, improve mobility, and help patients safely return to their daily activities.
What is Shoulder Pain?
Pain in the shoulder may suggest an injury, which is more common in athletes participating in sports such as swimming, tennis, pitching, and weightlifting. The injuries are caused due to the over usage or repetitive motion of the arms.
In addition to pain, shoulder injuries also cause stiffness, restricted movements, difficulty in performing routine activities and popping sensation.
What are the Most Common Causes of Shoulder Pain?
Some of the common shoulder injuries that cause pain and restrict the movement of the shoulders include:
Sprains and strains
A sprain is the stretching or tearing of ligaments (tissues that connect adjacent bones in a joint). It is a common injury and usually occurs when you fall or suddenly twist your shoulder. A strain is the stretching or tearing of muscle or tendon (tissues that connect muscle to bone). It is common during sports. Strains are usually caused by twisting or pulling of the tendons.
Dislocations
A shoulder dislocation is an injury that occurs when the end of the bone is forced out of its position. It is often caused by a fall or direct blow to the joint while playing a contact sport.
Tendinitis: It is an inflammation of a tendon, a tissue that connects muscles to bone. It occurs because of injury or overuse.
Bursitis
It is an inflammation of a fluid-filled sac called bursa that protects and cushions your joints. Bursitis can be caused by chronic overuse, injury, arthritis, gout or infection.
Rotator cuff injury
The rotator cuff consists of tendons and muscles that hold the bones of the shoulder joint together. Rotator cuff muscles allow you to move your arm up and down. Rotator cuff injuries often cause a decreased range of motion.
Fractures
A fracture is a break in the bone that commonly occurs because of injuries, such as a fall or a direct blow to the shoulder.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of shoulder arthritis, characterized by progressive wearing away of the cartilage of the joint.
What is the Treatment for Shoulder Pain?
Early treatment is necessary to prevent serious shoulder injuries. The immediate mode of treatment recommended for shoulder injuries is rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE).
Your doctor may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to help reduce the swelling and pain.
Your doctor may recommend certain exercises to prevent stiffness and improve range of motion and strength. Passive manipulation and massage therapy to improve blood circulation and healing are also administered. Other techniques such as acupuncture, TENS, and ultrasound therapy may additionally be recommended.
Why Choose Dr. Blake Ohlson for Shoulder Pain Treatment in Mount Pleasant, SC?
Shoulder pain can result from many different conditions, making an accurate diagnosis essential for successful treatment. Dr. Blake Ohlson combines orthopedic expertise with a patient-focused approach to identify the source of your symptoms and develop an individualized treatment plan that aligns with your lifestyle and goals.
Patients throughout Mount Pleasant, SC choose Dr. Ohlson because he offers:
- Fellowship-trained expertise in orthopedic shoulder conditions and sports injuries
- Comprehensive evaluation to accurately diagnose the cause of shoulder pain
- Advanced diagnostic imaging when needed for precise treatment planning
- Conservative treatment options designed to relieve pain and restore function whenever possible
- Expertise in minimally invasive arthroscopic shoulder surgery when surgery is appropriate
- Personalized rehabilitation programs focused on improving strength, mobility, and long-term shoulder health
- Convenient care for patients from Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, and nearby communities
Whether your shoulder pain is caused by a rotator cuff injury, arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, instability, or another condition, Dr. Ohlson works closely with you to provide effective, evidence-based care.
Shoulder Pain FAQs
What causes shoulder pain?
Shoulder pain may result from many conditions, including rotator cuff injuries, tendonitis, bursitis, arthritis, shoulder instability, fractures, sprains, strains, or overuse from sports and repetitive activities.
When should I see an orthopedic specialist for shoulder pain?
You should seek evaluation if shoulder pain lasts more than a few days, limits your movement, causes weakness, follows an injury, interferes with sleep, or does not improve with rest and home treatment.
How is shoulder pain diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination. Depending on your symptoms, X-rays, MRI, ultrasound, or other imaging studies may be recommended to identify the underlying cause.
Can shoulder pain improve without surgery?
Yes. Many shoulder conditions respond well to conservative treatments such as activity modification, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, injections, and guided rehabilitation exercises.
What is the RICE method?
RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. It is commonly recommended immediately after certain shoulder injuries to help reduce pain and swelling during the early stages of recovery.
When is shoulder surgery necessary?
Surgery may be considered when significant structural damage is present or when conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief. The recommendation depends on the specific diagnosis, symptom severity, activity level, and treatment goals.
Can sports cause chronic shoulder pain?
Yes. Repetitive overhead activities such as swimming, tennis, baseball, volleyball, and weightlifting can place repeated stress on the shoulder and increase the risk of tendon injuries, impingement, instability, and rotator cuff tears.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery depends on the underlying condition and treatment plan. Minor overuse injuries may improve within several weeks, while more significant injuries or surgical recovery may require several months of rehabilitation.
Schedule a Shoulder Pain Evaluation in Mount Pleasant, SC
If shoulder pain is affecting your work, exercise routine, sleep, or daily activities, early evaluation can help identify the cause before symptoms worsen. Dr. Ohlson provides comprehensive orthopedic care for shoulder pain using individualized treatment plans designed to relieve discomfort and restore healthy movement.
Proudly serving patients in Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, and surrounding South Carolina communities, Dr. Ohlson offers both non-surgical and advanced surgical treatment options for shoulder pain. Schedule your appointment to take the first step toward lasting relief.