Shoulder Pain

Interventional Pain Management serving San Antonio, TX

Shoulder Pain services offered in San Antonio, TX

It may be tempting to see if nagging shoulder injuries can heal on their own, but shoulder pain can indicate underlying issues that can worsen or even become debilitating over time. At South Texas Pain Institute in San Antonio, Texas, pain specialist Shyam Purswani, MD, pinpoints the cause of your shoulder pain and tailors your pain-relieving therapies to help you feel better fast. Call the office today or use the online booking feature to get started.

Shoulder Pain Q & A

When should I be concerned about shoulder pain?

The shoulder joint is one of the most flexible in the body and is made up of bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissues that work together to allow a wide range of motion.

Because the shoulder is used so often, it’s especially vulnerable to injury, disease, and everyday wear-and-tear. If you notice shoulder pain or stiffness, the team at South Texas Pain Institute recommends seeking care early to relieve pain and prevent further problems.

Common signs of shoulder injury include:

Aching or sharp pain
Bruising or redness
Decreased range of motion
Popping or clicking sounds
Difficulty lifting things or raising your arm
Soreness and stiffness
Swelling and warmth
Throbbing
Reduced range of motion

In some cases, your shoulder may look deformed after an injury or it can occur from long-term conditions like arthritis. Shoulder pain can disrupt your sleep and overall quality of life.

What can contribute to shoulder pain?

Several conditions and situations can lead to shoulder discomfort, including:

Age-related wear-and-tear
Arthritis
Shoulder dislocations
Muscle strains or tears
Fractures
Tendinitis or bursitis
Shoulder impingement
Frozen shoulder

Shoulder injuries may occur during physical work, lifting heavy objects, sports activities, car accidents, or falls. The South Texas Pain Institute team uses a comprehensive approach to determine what’s contributing to your symptoms and create an effective treatment plan.

How is the root cause of shoulder pain diagnosed?

Diagnosing shoulder pain starts with a thorough review of your medical history and a discussion about your symptoms. Your provider also performs a physical exam to evaluate the structure, movement, and strength of your shoulder.

If needed, they may order additional tests such as blood work, X-rays, MRI scans, or other imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis.

How is shoulder pain treated?

Treatment for shoulder pain is personalized based on the cause and severity of your condition. Options may include:

Physical and massage therapy
Stretching
Injections
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
Corticosteroid injections
Compression or immobilization
Ice or heat therapy
Orthopedic surgery

They typically start with conservative treatments, allowing your shoulder time to heal while reducing pain and inflammation. If you need more relief, your provider may discuss surgery or other procedures.

If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, don’t wait to get help. Schedule a shoulder pain evaluation at South Texas Pain Institute by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.