The shoulder allows a wide range of movement and is involved in everything from reaching and lifting to work, exercise and sport. Pain, weakness or restricted movement can make even simple everyday activities difficult. Shoulder problems can result from injury, inflammation, wear and tear or damage to the structures that support the joint.
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help move and stabilise the shoulder. These tendons can become damaged through injury or gradually wear over time, with rotator cuff tears becoming more common with age. One population study found full-thickness rotator cuff tears in around 1 in 5 shoulders examined. A tear may cause pain, weakness and difficulty lifting or reaching with your arm.
The labrum is a ring of cartilage around the shoulder socket that helps keep the joint stable. It can be damaged through injury, repeated overhead movement or a shoulder dislocation. Symptoms can include pain, clicking or catching and a feeling that the shoulder is unstable or may slip out of place.
The AC joint is a small joint at the top of the shoulder where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade. Over time, the cartilage within this joint can wear down, causing pain and stiffness.
Pain is often felt at the top of the shoulder and may be worse when lifting your arm, reaching across your body or lying on the affected side.
We would normally start with a non-surgical approach which could include changing activities, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medication or an injection to help manage pain.
If symptoms continue and are affecting everyday activities, surgery may be considered to remove a small amount of bone from the end of the collarbone, creating more space within the joint and helping to relieve pain.
Suitability for any kind of shoulder surgery is determined in consultation with Dr Cabot.
Contact our team on (08) 8267 8228 to schedule a consultation with a highly experienced orthopaedic shoulder surgeon.
Use this form to request an appointment. Our team will contact you shortly to confirm the details.
For urgent matters, please call us during office hours on 08 8267 8228 or email cabotadmin@sossa.com.au
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Use this form to request an appointment. Our team will contact you shortly to confirm the details.
For urgent matters, please call us during office hours on 08 8267 8228 or email cabotadmin@sossa.com.au
