Diagnosis & Treatment by Elbow and Shoulder Orthopedic Doctors in CT

Treatment by a Fellowship-Trained Team of Surgeons

We offer subspecialty expertise in upper extremities and sports medicine in our Shoulder & Elbow practice. Our fellowship-trained surgeons provide superior skill in the most up-to-date procedures and are supported by the most advanced technology available.

Patients benefit immensely from our experience in arthroscopic surgery -- smaller incisions, faster healing, more rapid recovery, and less scarring. Arthroscopic shoulder and elbow surgical procedures are often performed on an outpatient basis, with the patient able to return home on the same day.

There’s no need to suffer pain or limit activity because of a torn rotator cuff, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, or a host of other shoulder and elbow conditions. Shoulder problems can be the result of overuse, repetitive arm rotation, or traumatic injury. Athletes who participate in contact sports, such as hockey or football, as well as anyone who engages in frequent lifting, can experience injury to the shoulder. Rotator cuff injuries are also common among baseball pitchers, tennis players, and other athletes who frequently use an overhand throwing or swinging motion.

Shoulder and Elbow Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know If I Need Shoulder or Elbow Surgery?

Shoulder or elbow surgery is a major procedure, and your doctor probably won’t recommend it unless your symptoms are severe. Ultimately, your physician will decide if a surgical approach is needed. However, some of the following symptoms may indicate that shoulder or elbow surgery is necessary: 

• Inability to carry things or use your arms
• Persistent pain that won’t go away
• Pain prevents you from doing everyday activities
• Past treatments have not worked
• Swelling, bruising, or inflammation
• Pain interferes with sleep

How Do I Know if I Need Shoulder or Elbow Replacement Surgery?

A replacement is an advanced surgical procedure, and, as with any surgery, your physician will be able to advise you on whether or not you need an elbow or shoulder replacement. Doctors will usually recommend a replacement if you have severe or chronic pain that will not go away with other forms of treatment.

What are Some Elbow and Shoulder Conditions OrthoConnecticut Treats?

Common elbow and shoulder conditions that we treat include: 

• Baseball-related injuries
• Rotator cuff tears
• Shoulder bursitis
• Shoulder instability
• Golfer’s elbow
• Collarbone fractures
• Tendonitis
• Arthritis
• Ulnar collateral ligament tears 
• Shoulder labrum tears

How Do I Know When I Need to See a Doctor for my Shoulder Pain?

You should see a doctor for your shoulder pain if it interferes with your everyday life. If your pain is so severe that you cannot work or enjoy your life, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. 

What is Pain from Shoulder to Elbow?

If you’re experiencing pain from your shoulder down to your elbow, it could be due to a variety of factors:

• Arthritis
• Frozen shoulder
• Bursitis
• Tendonitis
• Fractures
• Dislocated joints
• Joint degeneration 

If you’re experiencing pain that extends from your shoulder to your elbow, you should have a doctor take a look and evaluate it as soon as possible. 

Can Tight Shoulders Cause Elbow Pain?

Yes, tight shoulders can cause elbow pain. This isn’t always because of a serious illness. Sometimes, sore or weak muscles in the upper part of your arm can lead to pain in your elbows and hands. 

Can a Shoulder Injury Cause Elbow Pain?

Just like tight shoulders can cause elbow pain, a shoulder injury can also lead to pain in the elbow. For example, an acute tear to your rotator cuff can cause pain in areas in the lower part of your arm, such as the elbow. 

What are Common Shoulder Injuries?

Common shoulder injuries include:

• Dislocation
• Rotator cuff tears
• Separation
• Fracture
• Cartilage tear
• Frozen shoulder
• Bursitis
• Osteoarthritis
• Impingement

When Should Shoulder Pain Be Checked?

If your shoulder pain hasn’t gone away with at-home treatment, it could be a sign of a more serious condition. Additionally, if your shoulder pain is interfering with your ability to live your everyday life, you should have it checked by a physician at OrthoConnecticut. 

Should I Worry if I Have Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain is common so often it is nothing to worry about. However, iIf your shoulder pain occurs with a fever, an inability to lift your shoulder, or with severe swelling and tenderness, you should see a physician immediately. You should also seek out a medical opinion if your shoulder pain lingers over time and has not gone away after a few weeks. 

When is Elbow Pain Serious?

Elbow pain is serious if it interferes with your ability to live and enjoy your life. Serious problems include an obvious deformity, visible bone, severe pain or swelling, bruising around your elbow joint, or trouble moving your arm normally.