Did you know that shoulder pain affects up to 70% of adults at some point in their lives? Whether it’s caused by an injury, overuse, or a chronic condition, shoulder pain can make even simple tasks—like reaching for a cup or lifting groceries—challenging.
At Kevin McCarthy, MD, led by board-certified orthopedic surgeonDr. Kevin McCarthy, we specialize in advanced shoulder care in Hollywood, FL. With expert treatment options ranging from non-surgical therapies to cutting-edge shoulder surgery, we’re here to help restore your shoulder's function and relieve pain. Don’t let shoulder pain limit your quality of life—schedule an appointment today to start your recovery.
Understanding the causes of shoulder pain is the first step to finding the right treatment.
Common Shoulder Conditions and How They Affect You
Shoulder pain often results from specific conditions affecting the muscles and tendons, soft tissues, and bones around the shoulder joint. The most common cause of shoulder pain occurs when the rotator cuff tendons become inflamed or irritated, often due to overuse, aging, or repetitive movements.
This condition, called rotator cuff tendinitis ( or rotator cuff tendonitis), can also involve inflammation of the bursa—small, fluid-filled sacs that help the tendons glide smoothly—leading to severe pain, especially during overhead motions or lifting.
Here are other common shoulder issues and how they cause discomfort:
- Shoulder Joint Bone Spurs: Bone spurs form when the shoulder joint experiences prolonged wear and tear. These spurs can press on surrounding tissues, leading to pain and restricted movement.
- Referred Pain: Sometimes, shoulder pain may not originate in the joint itself. It’s called referred pain and can stem from nearby areas like the neck, back, or shoulder blade.
- Rotator Cuff Tears: Injuries or degeneration can cause partial or complete tears in the rotator cuff tendons, impacting the upper arm bone and limiting mobility. Tears often worsen over time if not treated.
- Poor Shoulder Posture: Slouching or improper alignment strains the shoulder, weakening the surrounding muscles and tendons and increasing the risk of injuries.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Strains, sprains, or inflammation of the soft tissues around the shoulder joint can cause chronic discomfort, especially when combined with repetitive movements.
- Dislocations and Fractures – Accidents, falls, or sports injuries can result in shoulder dislocations or broken bones, which may require immediate care.
- Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) – This condition leads to stiffness and limited motion due to inflammation in the shoulder capsule.
If left untreated, these conditions can worsen, causing chronic pain and limiting your ability to perform daily activities. Early intervention can treat shoulder pain effectively and help prevent long-term complications.
Finding the Right Shoulder Pain Treatment
The good news is that most shoulder pain responds well to conservative treatments like rest, ice, physical therapy, and medication. However, if your pain persists or worsens, seeking expert medical care is essential.
At McCarthy Orthopedics, we provide a full range of treatments for various shoulder conditions and injuries. Dr. Kevin McCarthy will perform a thorough evaluation to identify the cause of your pain and create a personalized treatment plan based on your needs and goals.
Some of the treatments we offer include:
- Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises designed to strengthen the muscles around your shoulder, improve flexibility, and restore proper movement while reducing discomfort.
- Medications: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can effectively manage symptoms and reduce inflammation in the affected area.
- Injections: Treatments like corticosteroid injections or viscosupplementation may help reduce joint inflammation, improve lubrication, and relieve pain in more severe cases.
- Shoulder Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and repair shoulder issues, such as torn ligaments, cartilage damage, or rotator cuff injuries. This approach offers quicker recovery times compared to traditional open surgery.
- Shoulder Replacement Surgery (Arthroplasty): For severe joint deterioration or arthritis, shoulder replacement may be the best option. This procedure replaces damaged joint surfaces with artificial components, relieving pain and restoring mobility.
In addition to these treatments, lifestyle modifications—like avoiding repetitive overhead motions, improving posture, and modifying daily activities—can prevent further strain and support long-term healing.
When Shoulder Replacement Surgery Is Necessary
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to address severe or chronic shoulder conditions or injuries that do not respond well to non-surgical treatments. Shoulder replacement surgery can relieve pain, improve function, and help you get back to doing the things you love.
Dr. McCarthy’s expertise ensures that every patient receives the most effective care, whether non-surgical therapies or advanced surgical solutions are needed. At McCarthy Orthopedics, our goal is to help you regain shoulder strength, mobility, and comfort so you can get back to doing what you love.
To ensure optimal results, Dr. McCarthy uses advanced Enovis technology, including the AltiVate® Anatomic Shoulder System and AltiVate Reverse® Shoulder System for tailored shoulder replacements. With the precision of the Match Point System® and the ARVIS® Augmented Reality System, patients benefit from accurate implant placement, smoother movement, and faster recovery.
Signs It’s Time to See a Shoulder Specialist
Not all shoulder pain requires immediate medical attention, but some symptoms are clear indicators that it’s time to consult a specialist. Seek care if you experience:
- Persistent Pain: Pain that doesn’t improve with rest, ice, or over-the-counter medications.
- Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty lifting, reaching, or rotating your arm.
- Weakness or Instability: Feeling like your shoulder can’t support certain movements or “gives out.”
- Swelling or Redness: Signs of inflammation, which could point to an underlying issue like arthritis or infection.
- Pain That Disrupts Sleep: Constant discomfort, especially when lying on the affected shoulder.
If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, addressing them early can prevent more significant complications and improve your recovery timeline.
Tips to Prevent Shoulder Pain in the Future
While some shoulder injuries are unavoidable, simple changes can help protect your shoulders and lower your risk of pain or strain. Here are five practical tips:
Strengthen Your Shoulders
Incorporate regular exercises that target your shoulder muscles. Strengthening the surrounding muscles improves support and stability, reducing the likelihood of injuries.
Practice Good Posture
Be mindful of your posture during daily activities. Avoid slouching and keep your shoulders relaxed and aligned to minimize unnecessary strain.
Warm-Up Before Exercise
Always start with gentle stretches or light movements before physical activity. Warming up prepares your shoulder muscles and joints, lowering the risk of injury.
Avoid Overuse
Take breaks when performing repetitive tasks like lifting, reaching, or overhead work. Giving your shoulders time to rest can prevent strain and overuse injuries.
Use Proper Techniques
Whether you're lifting heavy objects, working out, or playing sports, focus on proper form. Using the right technique helps distribute stress evenly and prevents unnecessary wear and tear.
Small adjustments like these can make a big difference in keeping your shoulders strong, healthy, and pain-free for the long term.
Why Choose Dr. McCarthy?
At McCarthy Orthopedics, your shoulder health is our priority. Dr. Kevin McCarthy, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Hollywood, FL, brings years of expertise in diagnosing and treating shoulder injuries and conditions.
- Advanced Treatment Options: Whether you need non-surgical therapies like physical therapy and injections or advanced procedures such as shoulder arthroscopy and replacement surgery, Dr. McCarthy offers innovative solutions to restore your shoulder’s mobility and strength.
- Trusted Technology: Dr. McCarthy uses industry-leading Enovis solutions. These implants are designed to replicate the shoulder’s natural function while preserving as much bone as possible.
- Innovative Surgical Precision: For optimal accuracy, Dr. McCarthy utilizes the ARVIS® Augmented Reality System during procedures. This advanced system provides real-time, heads-up visualization linked to the Match Point System®, ensuring precise implant placement based on your unique CT scan. These technologies not only enhance surgical outcomes but also promote faster recovery.
- Compassionate Support: From your initial consultation to post-surgical recovery, Dr. McCarthy and his dedicated team provide the care, guidance, and encouragement you need every step of the way.
When it comes to your shoulders, you deserve expert care that gets you back to doing what you love.
Reclaim Your Shoulder Health with Dr. McCarthy!
Entrusting your shoulder care to Dr. McCarthy means receiving professional, advanced, and compassionate treatment designed to restore your mobility and quality of life. With Enovis orthopedic solutions and expert guidance, you can move forward pain-free and confident.
Contact Dr. McCarthy today to schedule your appointment and explore our specialized shoulder care services Together, we’ll help you get back to enjoying the activities that matter most to you.
