Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder Injuries Services Offered in Houston, TX
Shoulder injuries are common and usually occur from overuse. Alain E. Elbaz, MD, PLLC, in Houston, Texas, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine physician who takes a conservative, yet comprehensive approach to shoulder injuries. Dr. Elbaz uses innovative therapies that are simple and effective. For expert shoulder injury care, call the office or schedule an appointment online today. Telemedicine appointments are available.
Shoulder Injuries Q&A
What causes shoulder injuries?
Unexpected accidents and overuse are common causes of shoulder injuries. Your shoulder is a complex joint that forms the connection between your upper arm bone, shoulder blade, and collarbone. Ligaments, tendons, muscles, and cartilage hold the bones together.
The structure and function of your shoulder gives you the ability to move your arm in many directions. This flexibility and the general instability of the ball and socket joint that connects the upper arm and the shoulder blade make the shoulder prone to injuries.
Athletes who play sports that require excessive and repetitive overhead movement of the arm are especially vulnerable.
What are the common types of shoulder injuries?
Most shoulder injuries affect the ligaments, muscles, or tendons of the shoulder, rather than the bones. Common shoulder injuries include:
You can also develop post-traumatic shoulder arthritis following a shoulder injury.
When should I see a specialist for shoulder injuries?
You should schedule an appointment with Dr. Elbaz if you have an acute shoulder injury, an injury that causes severe pain, or an injury that’s not improving with at-home care. Dr. Elbaz conducts thorough exams to determine the nature of your injury so he can provide the best treatment.
After reviewing your symptoms and medical history, Dr. Elbaz examines your shoulder and may request imaging tests to confirm or rule out a diagnosis. In some cases, Dr. Elbaz performs in-office arthroscopy to determine what type of shoulder injury you have.
What are the treatments for shoulder injuries?
Dr. Elbaz takes a conservative approach to care and uses the simplest, safest, and least expensive treatments when possible. The specifics of your treatment plan may depend on the type of shoulder injury you have and your level of activity, and may include:
Dr. Elbaz has superior experience in regenerative orthopedics and may incorporate other therapies to support the healing of your injury, such as Lipogems® adipose/fat therapy or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.
When surgery is needed, he uses minimally invasive techniques. Dr. Elbaz is also one of only a few surgeons in Houston trained to perform the Latarjet shoulder stabilization procedure for shoulder instability caused by joint dislocation.
For expert care for your shoulder injury, schedule a consultation with Alain E. Elbaz, MD, PLLC, by calling or booking an appointment online today.