SHOULDER

Shoulder Care That Brings You Back to Life

We utilize advanced techniques and state-of-the-art technology to ensure effective results, helping you regain mobility and alleviate pain.

Trust us for all your shoulder surgery needs and take the first step towards a healthier, more active life.

All types of Shoulder Services

As an expert in shoulder health, we specialize in diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating shoulder injuries and conditions, ensuring you live pain-free and active. Our comprehensive care approach is designed for individuals of all ages and activity levels, from athletes to everyday movers. Whether it's a chronic issue or a sports-related injury, we provide precision shoulder solutions tailored to your needs.

1. Rotator Cuff Tears

Also Known as: shoulder muscle tear , tendon tear

Rotator Cuff FAQ

Rotator Cuff FAQ

What is the Rotator Cuff? ▶
The rotator cuff is a vital group of tendons that connects four shoulder muscles to the bones of your upper arm (humerus) and shoulder blade. These tendons allow you to lift and rotate your arm while stabilizing the shoulder joint. However, their location beneath the acromion (part of the shoulder blade) makes them prone to injuries such as tears, leading to pain, weakness, and limited arm movement.
What is a Rotator Cuff Tear? ▶
A rotator cuff tear can occur suddenly due to trauma or develop gradually due to wear and tear. Symptoms often include:
  • Pain: Felt with shoulder movement, radiating down the arm, and commonly worsening at night.
  • Weakness: Difficulty lifting or rotating the arm.
  • Limited Range of Motion: Loss of normal shoulder function.
Types of Tears:
  • Degenerative Tears: Occur gradually with age and may not always require surgery.
  • Traumatic Tears: Result from injury and typically need surgical intervention.
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for better recovery and restoring function.
When to Suspect a Rotator Cuff Tear ▶
You should consult a doctor if you experience:
  • A fall or wrenching injury with shoulder pain, especially if you are over 40.
  • Persistent pain and weakness lasting more than 3 weeks.
  • Imaging (ultrasound or MRI) confirms a tear.
What Causes a Rotator Cuff Tear? ▶
Rotator cuff tears are often caused by:
  • Trauma: A fall, lifting heavy objects, or sudden movements.
  • Overuse: Repetitive overhead activities, especially after periods of inactivity.
  • Age-Related Degeneration: Poor blood supply to the tendons reduces their ability to heal over time.
  • Impingement Syndrome: The tendons get pinched under the acromion, causing wear and eventual tearing.
How is a Rotator Cuff Tear Diagnosed? ▶
Accurate diagnosis is crucial and involves:
  • Clinical Evaluation: A physical examination of shoulder movement and strength.
  • Imaging Tests:
    • Ultrasound: A dynamic and cost-effective option often available in-clinic, providing immediate results. Also for patients who are claustrophobic.
    • MRI: Provides detailed images of the muscles and tendons and helps in surgical planning.
Can a Rotator Cuff Tear Be Prevented? ▶
Yes! Follow these tips to protect your shoulders:
  • Avoid repetitive or excessive overhead activities.
  • Perform regular exercises to strengthen and maintain shoulder flexibility.
  • Listen to your body—don’t ignore pain.
Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Tears ▶
Non-Surgical Treatments:
  • Pain Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription options to reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Physiotherapy: Exercises to strengthen the shoulder and improve flexibility.
  • Cortisone Injections: Reduces inflammation and pain, mainly for partial tears but should be used cautiously in tendon tears to avoid further weakening.
Surgical Treatments: Surgery may be necessary if:
  • The tear results from a traumatic injury.
  • Pain and weakness persist despite non-surgical treatments.
What is Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery? ▶
Surgical repair involves stitching the torn tendon back to its attachment on the arm bone (humerus). This procedure can be performed using:
  • Arthroscopy (keyhole): A minimally invasive approach with small incisions.
  • Open Surgery: For complex or large tears.
The goal is to restore shoulder strength and relieve pain. Recovery includes a structured physiotherapy program to regain shoulder function fully. Early intervention leads to better outcomes.

2. SLAP Tear

Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior tear

SLAP Tear FAQ

SLAP Tear FAQ

What is a SLAP Tear? ▶
A SLAP tear (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior tear) is a shoulder injury involving the labrum, a ring of cartilage that cushions and stabilizes the shoulder joint. Think of the labrum as the “shock absorber” of your shoulder—it helps keep the ball of your arm bone in the socket. If this cartilage tears, it can cause pain, instability, and difficulty moving your arm.
What Are the Symptoms of a SLAP Tear? ▶
You may experience:
  • Pain: Especially with overhead movements like throwing or reaching.
  • Clicking, Popping, or Grinding Sounds: When moving your arm.
  • Weakness: Your shoulder may feel unstable or like it’s “slipping.”
  • Reduced Range of Motion: Difficulty performing tasks like lifting, reaching, or carrying objects.
  • Night Pain: Discomfort while lying on the injured shoulder.
What Causes a SLAP Tear? ▶
SLAP tears can happen due to:
  • Sudden Injury (Trauma):
    • Falling on an outstretched arm.
    • Lifting something heavy with a sudden jerking motion.
    • Shoulder dislocation.
  • Repetitive Overhead Movements:
    • Sports like baseball, tennis, volleyball, or swimming.
    • Overhead lifting at the gym.
  • Aging and Degeneration:
    • Over time, the labrum weakens and becomes prone to tears.
    • Common in people over 40 years old.
How is a SLAP Tear Diagnosed? ▶
  • MRI: Helps visualize the labrum and confirm the tear.
  • X-rays: To rule out other bone-related issues.
Types of SLAP Tears ▶
There are several types of SLAP tears depending on the location and severity:
  • Type I: Minor fraying of the labrum; common with aging.
  • Type II: Detachment of the labrum from the bone (most common).
  • Type III: A bucket-handle tear where part of the labrum is torn and flips into the joint.
  • Type IV: Involves the labrum and the nearby biceps tendon.
How is a SLAP Tear Treated? ▶
1. Non-Surgical Treatment:
  • Physical Therapy: Focuses on strengthening the shoulder muscles.
  • Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen) to reduce pain and swelling.
  • Activity Modification: Avoid activities that worsen symptoms.
  • Injections: Corticosteroid injections for temporary relief.
2. Surgical Treatment: If symptoms persist or the tear is severe, surgery may be recommended.
  • Arthroscopic Surgery: Minimally invasive surgery using small incisions to repair the tear.
How to Prevent SLAP Tears? ▶
  • Strengthen your shoulders with regular exercises.
  • Avoid overuse and take breaks during repetitive activities.
  • Use proper technique when lifting or playing sports.
  • Warm up and stretch before physical activity.
Other Frequently Asked Questions ▶
  • Can a SLAP tear heal on its own? Minor tears may improve with rest and therapy. Severe tears often require surgery for full recovery.
  • Will I need surgery? Not always! Many people improve with physical therapy. Surgery is recommended if symptoms persist.
  • Can I return to sports after a SLAP tear? Yes! With proper treatment and rehabilitation, most people return to their activities.
  • How painful is the recovery? Pain is manageable with medication and therapy.
  • Can I prevent SLAP tears? Strengthening your shoulders and avoiding overuse can lower your risk.

3. Shoulder Instability

Shoulder dislocation , shoulder popping out

Shoulder Instability FAQ

Shoulder Instability FAQ

What Is Shoulder Instability? ▶
Shoulder instability occurs when the shoulder joint becomes loose and dislocates (completely out of joint) or subluxates (partially out of joint). This instability can happen:
  • Anteriorly (front) – most common.
  • Posteriorly (back).
  • Inferiorly (bottom).
Causes of Shoulder Instability ▶
1. Traumatic Dislocation:
  • Caused by a high-impact injury (e.g., sports tackles, car accidents).
  • Often results in a Bankart lesion (tearing of the labrum from the glenoid bone).
  • Treatment: Initial management with a sling and physiotherapy. Surgery, such as Anterior Stabilization, may be needed for recurring instability.
2. Atraumatic Dislocation:
  • Occurs with minimal force (e.g., reaching overhead, turning in bed).
  • Often linked to joint laxity (loose joints) or muscle imbalances.
  • Treatment: Physiotherapy to improve muscle control and posture. Surgery may be considered if physiotherapy is not effective.
3. Positional (Non-Traumatic) Dislocations:
  • Shoulders dislocate easily, often as a result of abnormal muscle patterning.
  • Commonly painless and may occur in both shoulders.
  • Treatment: Physiotherapy to retrain muscle coordination. In rare cases, surgery such as capsular tightening may be required.
How Is Shoulder Instability Diagnosed? ▶
1. X-Ray: Useful in acute dislocation to confirm the position of the shoulder joint and identify fractures, such as a Bony Bankart lesion or significant bone loss. 2. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Best for assessing soft tissue injuries, particularly the labrum, capsule, and surrounding ligaments. Helps diagnose injuries like Bankart lesions, SLAP tears, or HAGL tears. 3. CT Scan (Computed Tomography): Essential for evaluating bone loss in the shoulder, particularly in recurrent dislocations. Offers precise imaging of the glenoid (socket) and humeral head (ball) to assess structural damage. 4. MRI with CT Cuts (MRI-Arthrogram or CT-Arthrogram): Combines soft tissue detail from MRI with the bone imaging capabilities of CT. Most comprehensive diagnostic tool for labral injuries and bone defects.
Common Shoulder Injuries Linked to Instability ▶
Shoulder instability often involves additional injuries, such as:
  • Bankart Lesion: Tearing of the labrum.
  • Hill-Sachs Lesion: Dent in the humeral head caused by dislocation.
  • ALPSA Lesion: Displaced labrum tear.
  • HAGL Tear: Ligament tear from the humerus.
  • SLAP Tear: Tear at the top of the labrum.
These injuries, diagnosed through imaging, play a crucial role in determining the appropriate treatment.
Treatment Options for Shoulder Instability ▶
1. Physiotherapy:
  • Strengthens shoulder muscles to restore joint stability.
  • Focuses on posture, muscle coordination, and balance to prevent further dislocations.
2. Surgery: Surgical procedures are tailored to the specific cause of instability and the amount of bone loss in the shoulder joint: For Minimal or No Bone Loss:
  • Arthroscopic Bankart Repair: Keyhole surgery to reattach the torn labrum and repair ligaments. Suitable for cases without significant damage to the glenoid bone.
For Glenoid Bone Loss (Significant Damage to the Shoulder Socket):
  • Latarjet Procedure: Transfers a piece of bone from the shoulder blade (coracoid) to the damaged area of the glenoid, providing additional support and stability.
  • Often used for recurrent dislocations with more than 20-25% bone loss.
For Hill-Sachs Lesion (Damage to the Humeral Head):
  • Remplissage Procedure: Fills the defect in the humeral head by attaching part of the rotator cuff into the defect, preventing it from engaging with the glenoid rim.
Severe or Complex Cases:
  • Open Capsular Repair: Reinforces the shoulder capsule and ligaments through open surgery.
  • Bone Graft Reconstruction: In cases of extreme bone loss, grafts may be used to rebuild the glenoid or humeral head.
Prevention Tips for Shoulder Instability ▶
  • Strengthen Shoulder Muscles: Focus on balanced training, not just “mirror muscles” (those visible in the front).
  • Improve Core Stability: Helps with overall posture and shoulder control.
  • Warm Up: Always warm up before activities to reduce injury risk.
  • Avoid High-Impact Sports: Especially if prone to instability.