Conditions Behind Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can limit sleep, overhead activity, work, and sport. Treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis.
Night pain, weakness when lifting the arm, and difficulty reaching behind the back, ranging from partial to full-thickness tears.
Rotator cuff treatment →Shoulder SurgeryInstability & Labral TearsDislocation or partial slipping of the shoulder, apprehension in overhead positions, and recurrent episodes that can injure the labrum and bone.
Instability treatment →Shoulder ArthroplastyShoulder ArthritisAdvanced wear of the joint surface or rotator cuff arthropathy causing pain and loss of motion.
Shoulder replacement →Shoulder SurgeryBiceps & Other ConditionsBiceps tendon, SLAP, and other shoulder conditions evaluated as part of comprehensive shoulder care.
Shoulder surgery overview →A Measured, Conservative-First Approach
Most shoulder conditions improve without surgery. Surgical recommendations are based on examination, imaging, and your functional goals.
Accurate Diagnosis
Range of motion, rotator cuff strength, scapular mechanics, and stability testing, with the neck considered when relevant.
Nonoperative Care First
Physical therapy focused on rotator cuff and scapular strength, activity modification, and injections when indicated.
Surgery When Indicated
Considered when nonoperative care has not restored function, or for a full-thickness tear with weakness, recurrent instability, or advanced arthritis.
A Defined Recovery Plan
Every surgical patient receives a written, milestone-based rehabilitation protocol, advanced by objective criteria.
What to Expect at Your Evaluation
Your first visit is focused on understanding the problem and outlining clear options.
How the pain started, night symptoms, prior dislocations, prior treatment, and your work or sport demands.
X-rays are usually obtained first. MRI, or MR arthrography for some instability patterns, clarifies the rotator cuff, labrum, cartilage, and bone.
Findings and options are explained in plain language, with time for your questions.
When to Have Shoulder Pain Evaluated
- Pain lasting more than a few weeks despite rest
- Night pain that repeatedly interrupts sleep
- A dislocation or repeated slipping
- Weakness lifting the arm or loss of motion
- An injury with deformity or inability to use the arm
- Symptoms limiting work or sport
From Conservative Care to Surgical Options
Treatment is matched to the diagnosis. Each surgical option links to a dedicated page with details and recovery outlines.
Nonoperative Treatment
- Physical therapy for rotator cuff and scapular strength
- Posture and activity modification
- Bracing in selected instability cases
- Corticosteroid or other injections when indicated
This page is educational and does not replace an individual evaluation. After rotator cuff repair, a sling is typically worn for about 2 to 4 weeks; see the shoulder surgery recovery guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Care begins with nonoperative treatment when it fits the diagnosis, including physical therapy, activity modification, and injections when indicated. Rotator cuff repair, stabilization, or shoulder replacement is considered when nonoperative care is not sufficient or when the structural injury favors surgery.
Evaluation is appropriate for pain lasting more than a few weeks, night pain that disrupts sleep, weakness lifting the arm, a dislocation or repeated slipping, or symptoms that limit work or sport. Acute injuries can often be seen within 24–48 hours.
Dr. Hendel commonly treats rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability and labral tears, shoulder arthritis that may require replacement, and biceps and related shoulder conditions. Surgery, when indicated, is performed at St. Luke's Orthopedic Hospital — West End Campus in Allentown.
After rotator cuff repair, a sling is typically worn for about 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the size of the tear and the quality of the repaired tissue. You will receive specific written instructions after surgery.
Call (484) 526-1735 during office hours or schedule online through St. Luke's. New patient consultations are typically available within one to two weeks, and acute injuries and fractures can often be seen within 24–48 hours.
Referral requirements vary by insurance plan. Many plans allow direct access to orthopedic specialists, while others require a referral from your primary care physician. Office staff can verify your plan's requirements when you call to schedule.