Differentiating Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Guest: Christopher Camp, M.D. (@ChrisCampMD) 

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. (@ChutkaMD) 

The shoulder is unique in both structure and function. Injuries can occur acutely or overtime from wear and tear. If a patient presents with shoulder pain, when do you order imaging? What is role of steroid injections? When should a patient apply ice or apply heat? Dr. Christopher Camp, an orthopedist from Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at the Mayo Clinic joins us to discuss common injuries broken down by age demographic, treatment options, and when you may need to refer to a surgeon.  

 The following topics are discussed: 

• Anatomy of the shoulder joint and what makes it a unique joint. 
• Injuries which commonly occur in both younger and older patients. 
• Review of common pathologic conditions of the shoulder: 
  • Rotator cuff injuries 
  • Impingement syndrome 
  • Bursitis of the shoulder  
  • “Frozen shoulder”  
• When a steroid injection of the shoulder is of benefit.  
• When an X-ray or MRI of the shoulder is of benefit in the evaluation of shoulder pain.  
• Benefits of physical therapy in patients with shoulder pain/injuries.  
• The use of heat or cold in treating shoulder pain.  
• When patients should be referred to an orthopedist for evaluation of shoulder pain.  

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