I Have Shoulder Pain: Who Should I See?

Shoulder, Shoulder Arthritis, Shoulder Pain, Shoulder Surgeon, Shoulder Surgery

I Have Shoulder Pain: Who Should I See?

Studies estimate that about 15% of people experience shoulder pain at any given time. Are you one of those people?

If you are, you may be confused about where to go. You might feel tempted to start research online, or watch online videos to try and figure out why you are hurting. You may consider seeing your primary care doctor or a trusted physical therapist or chiropractor.

Many of these options are acceptable starting points. However, if you want to improve your chances of receiving a very clear answer about why your shoulder is hurting, it is best to start with an orthopedic shoulder specialist.

An orthopedic shoulder specialist also improves your chances of getting back to life without shoulder pain!

First, it is essential to understand the role of a shoulder specialist. It is true that a shoulder specialist, such as Dr. Johnny T. Nelson, MD, is a highly trained in skilled shoulder surgeon. However, seeing a shoulder surgeon does not always mean you will receive an operation!

Fellowship-trained shoulder specialists spend more time and effort studying the shoulder, including anatomy, diseases, and surgical and nonsurgical treatments than anyone else. No other field of medical providers has such in-depth knowledge of the shoulder or its problems. Because of this, an orthopedic shoulder specialist like Dr. Nelson is much more likely to make the correct diagnosis right away. Not only does he have the most training and expertise, but also has more tools at his disposal, including physical examination, ultrasound scanning, and the ability to order and interpret tests such as x-rays and MRI scans.

Once your shoulder specialist makes the correct diagnosis, then he will discuss with you different treatment options. These treatment options include everything from continued watchful waiting or “observation,” physical therapy, oral medications and anti-inflammatories, chiropractic care, home exercises, injections such as steroids or platelet rich plasma, or surgery. Often, orthopedic shoulder specialists will send you to a top performing physical therapist or chiropractor because they know you and the shoulder problem that you are having will respond well.

In conclusion, to get the “biggest bang for your buck,” start with an orthopedic shoulder specialist such as Dr. Johnny T. Nelson, MD. Dr. Nelson is North Carolina’s shoulder expert and includes ultrasound in the diagnosis of most shoulder problems. If you have shoulder pain, call 919-872-5296 today to schedule your visit!

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How Much Pain Will I Have after Shoulder Surgery?

Rotator Cuff, Shoulder, Shoulder Pain, Shoulder Surgeon, Shoulder Surgery, Sports Injuries

How Much Pain Will I Have after Shoulder Surgery?

If you are like most Americans, you have a very high risk of having shoulder pain at some time in your life.

If you have a rotator cuff tear, shoulder instability, or labral tear, you may even be considering shoulder surgery. You probably know someone with a history of shoulder surgery. It is possible that they told you about their experience, what was performed during the surgery, the healing after the surgery, the rehabilitation process, or how they are feeling now.

Or perhaps they told you how painful it was!

If they did, and you are feeling nervous about having shoulder surgery or a shoulder operation, consider a visit with Dr. Johnny T. Nelson, MD, a Raleigh, North Carolina, shoulder specialist.

Dr. Nelson specializes in shoulder surgery. This means that he has special training and shoulder surgery and performs more shoulder procedures than most orthopedic surgeons. It also means that he devoted special time to improving the care of patients who have shoulder pain and shoulder problems. And one very important aspect of this care is making his patients more comfortable!

If you speak with one of Dr. Nelson’s patients or watch some of his online video testimonials, you will notice that patients mention how little pain they have after the operation. In addition to modern nerve blocks, Dr. Nelson recommends a special regimen of oral medicines before and after shoulder surgery that have been proven to reduce pain levels.

Many patients do not even need any pain medication at all!

For example, one patient had 3 prior operations on both shoulders, and reports that his fourth operation, the only operation performed by Dr. Nelson, was nearly painless compared to the others.

If you have shoulder pain or are considering shoulder surgery, call 919-872-5296 today to schedule your visit with Dr. Johnny T. Nelson, MD, Raleigh North Carolina shoulder specialis

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Why Is It Important for a Shoulder Specialist to Use Ultrasound?

Injections, Platelet Rich Plasma, Rotator Cuff, Shoulder, Shoulder Arthritis, Shoulder Pain, Shoulder Surgeon, Shoulder Surgery, Sports Injuries, Ultrasound

Why Is It Important for a Shoulder Specialist to Use Ultrasound?

If you are reading this, it is likely that you or someone you know has shoulder pain. It is possible that you tried treatments to improve your shoulder pain without success and are considering a visit with an orthopedic shoulder specialist.

This is certainly a good place to start.

An orthopedic shoulder specialist is expert in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of all shoulder problems including rotator cuff tears, bursitis, instability, and biceps problems. An orthopedic specialist can order and read x-rays, CT scans, MRI studies and has more in-depth knowledge of the shoulder and shoulder problems than any other healthcare provider, including primary care physicians, physical therapists, chiropractors, and nonsurgical sports medicine doctors. Not only can an orthopedic shoulder specialist evaluate your shoulder, but they also provide treatment. It is also important to know that a visit with an orthopedic shoulder specialist does not always mean you will have surgery.

But there are many options out there! It is important that you see a shoulder specialist that uses ultrasound as part of evaluation and treatment of shoulder pain.

If you live in North Carolina, you are in luck! Dr. Johnny T. Nelson, MD is one of those shoulder specialists!

At The Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic, Dr. Johnny Nelson has state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment that allows a high-resolution scan of the rotator cuff and other structures in the shoulder. Along with a physical exam, x-rays, and a short discussion, Dr. Nelson can give you important information about the cause of your shoulder pain.

Doctors that do not use ultrasound are not able to see or evaluate the rotator cuff at the time of evaluation. This often requires an MRI study, which insurance companies will often deny, are expensive, require complicated scheduling, and multiple other visits to obtain. As a result, patients with big rotator cuff tears may possibly be treated with physical therapy, injections, or observation when they should be undergoing rotator cuff repair.

Dr. Johnny T. Nelson is also able to use ultrasound to perform targeted injections that are not possible without ultrasound. These include biceps injections and suprascapular nerve injections, which can be very helpful and more effective than “traditional” blind injections performed without ultrasound.

Do you have shoulder pain? Are you worried that you have a rotator cuff tear? Call 919-872-5296 today to schedule a visit with Dr. Johnny T. Nelson, MD, Raleigh North Carolina shoulder specialist.

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How Long Do I Have to Wear A Sling After Rotator Cuff Repair?

Arthroscopy, Rotator Cuff, Shoulder, Shoulder Pain, Shoulder Surgeon, Shoulder Surgery, Sports Injuries, Uncategorized

Screenshot 2024 02 27 at 11.22.26 AM How long do I have to wear a sling after rotator cuff repair?

You recently discussed rotator cuff repair with your orthopedic shoulder specialist and you are moving forward with repair. Hopefully you are seeing a talented specialist. A talented specialist will spend time with you and discuss the details of the after-surgery healing process.

One of these details is the use of an arm sling after your rotator cuff repair. After rotator cuff repair, your arm will be immobilized in an arm sling, sometimes called a “UltraSling.” It usually consists of a durable, high-quality, well-padded sling. It also has an extra “pillow” piece that will help keep your arm and elbow from moving too much.

For more information on use of your sling, see Dr. Nelson’s YouTube channel. You may also download and print this important document, Shoulder Arthroscopy: What You Need to Know. Or you may visit Dr. Nelson’s main rotator cuff repair page.

After surgery, the rotator cuff repair must be protected. If your arm hangs free, the movement in the early weeks after the surgery will be uncomfortable. However it also places too much stress and tension on the rotator cuff repair. If too much stress and tension is placed on the rotator cuff repair, there is a risk that the repair will come loose and fail.

The sling also serves as an important reminder. It reminds you as a patient that you should not be using the arm, and it reminds others around you that you had surgery and should not be expected to use the arm.

But how long do I have to wear the sling?

The answer to this question is different for different doctors. Dr. Johnny T. Nelson follows a very simple protocol. Rotator cuff repair patients will need to wear their sling full-time for 4 weeks after the procedure. Of course, Dr. Nelson will have you come out of the sling for simple hand, wrist, and elbow exercises and sometimes some very gentle movement exercises of the shoulder. However you will be wearing your sling 24 hours per day, including sleep. After 4 weeks, Dr. Nelson will permit you to remove the sling while at home only and use the arm for very gentle activities

Dr. Johnny T. Nelson will still have you wear the sling when you leave the house up until 6 weeks after surgery. This is because it is important that you do not use the arm to do things like open doors, drive a car, carry grocery bags, etc.

In the first 4 weeks, there are a few reasons to remove your sling.

For example, if you are taking a shower or getting dressed, it is necessary to remove your sling. In these situations, it is still important to be careful with the arm and not use it for grasping, pushing, or pulling, or lifting.

It is also okay to remove your sling if you are sitting or lying down, such as on a sofa or armchair. It is acceptable to remove the straps and remove the sling for comfort, allowing the arm to rest at your side. You may do this only if you are awake. Remember, the sling is a reminder above all else, which is most important when you are up and especially when you are out of the house.

If Dr. Nelson does not perform a rotator cuff repair, and shoulder surgery targets other problems (such as the biceps tendon or bone spurs), he may allow you to remove your sling earlier and begin using your arm earlier.

If you have shoulder pain, if you have a rotator cuff tear, if you are in need of an orthopedic shoulder doctor, call 919-872-5296 today to schedule your visit with Dr. Johnny T. Nelson, MD.

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