Shoulder
Shoulder doctors are specialists who have undergone medical training that allows them to expertly diagnose and treat shoulder injuries and conditions. These shoulder specialists can often treat pain in the shoulder without surgery. However, when a surgery, such as shoulder replacement or rotator cuff repair, is needed, these doctors also have the skills required to perform the procedure.
At Orthopaedic Associates, our shoulder doctors, Dr. Jason Thackeray, Dr. Mark Tenholder, Dr. James Watt, Dr. David Dean, Dr. Mark Awantang, Dr. J. Ryan Cotton, Dr. Chad Mitchell, and Dr. Jack McKay are recognized experts in the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder injuries and conditions, including rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, and frozen shoulder. Our shoulder doctors have extensive training in the nonsurgical care of the shoulder as well as in shoulder surgery, such as shoulder replacement and rotator cuff surgery. No matter what treatment or surgery you need, our shoulder specialists are dedicated to providing you with the specialized, compassionate care you need to become stronger.
Expert Shoulder Care for a Stronger You
During an exam, our doctors will ask the patient details about their shoulder-related problem. They may also request an X-ray or additional tests to better understand the injury. Once they determine the diagnosis, our shoulder doctors will create an individualized treatment plan specific to the patient's needs.
When our shoulder doctors and surgeons develop a treatment plan for a patient with an injury or condition relating to the shoulder, their first step is always to consider nonoperative treatment options first, such as physical therapy or ultrasound-guided injections. Although every patient is unique, oftentimes there is a nonsurgical treatment that can improve or even eliminate shoulder pain. However, sometimes the patient's shoulder issue will not respond to nonsurgical options or becomes so problematic that surgery is recommended as the best choice.
If shoulder surgery is the best option for you, our board-certified and specialty-trained surgeons will work with you to create a surgical treatment plan that is right for your shoulder issue. Our shoulder surgeons are equipped with state-of-the-art technology as well as the knowledge and surgical skills needed to treat your shoulder problem and get you on the road to becoming stronger.
Having undergone extensive training, our surgeons are highly skilled and are considered experts in the following shoulder procedures and surgeries:
- Minimally invasive surgery
- Reverse total shoulder replacement
- Rotator cuff repair
- Shoulder arthroscopy
- Shoulder replacement
- Surgical fracture care
- Tendon transfer, repair, and reconstruction
Signs You May Have a Shoulder Injury
Common signs and symptoms you may be experiencing if you have a shoulder condition or injury include:
- Inflammation
- Lump on the top of your shoulder
- Pain when rotating the shoulder joint
- Shoulder joint stiffness
- Shoulder pain that goes down into your elbow
- Swelling
- Unable to raise your arm above your head
If you are experiencing any of the above for more than a few days or if any of them are getting worse, make an appointment to see a shoulder surgeon or orthopaedic doctor. The shoulder or orthopaedic specialist may diagnose you with one of the following injuries or conditions:
- Acromioclavicular joint arthritis
- Biceps tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Fracture, such as a shoulder blade fracture
- Frozen shoulder
- Impingement syndrome
- Labral tear
- Ligament injury, such as a tear
- Rotator cuff tear
- Shoulder dislocation
- Shoulder tendonitis
- Sports-related injury
- Tendon injury, such as a tear
- Tenodesis
Orthopaedic Associates: The Strength of Experience
At Orthopaedic Associates, we are regional experts committed to providing patient-centered care. When you are seen by one of our experienced orthopaedic providers—from our shoulder and elbow specialists and sports medicine doctors to our physical therapists and physician assistants—you can rest assured that you are receiving treatment from an experienced provider who is highly skilled in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of the musculoskeletal system.
As a team, our goal is to help you, educate you, care for you, and treat you with the same high level of care and respect we would want for a member of our own family. Throughout your entire orthopaedic experience, we will be by your side for every step—from your first appointment to your last.
If you are ready to start your journey to a stronger you with less or no shoulder pain, take the first step by requesting an appointment online or calling one of our five locations: Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Niceville, Crestview, or Panama City.
