Shoulder pain can make dressing, lifting and sleeping hard. Dr. Y. Srinivas Rao diagnoses causes such as AC joint arthritis and rotator cuff tears and recommends treatment from exercises and injections to keyhole shoulder surgery.
Common shoulder problems
The AC (acromioclavicular) joint, at the top of the shoulder, can wear and cause pain when you lift the arm or lie on that side. The rotator cuff is a group of tendons that move and steady the shoulder; they can tear after an injury or gradually with age. Other causes include frozen shoulder, impingement and tendon inflammation.
See an orthopaedic doctor if you have
- Shoulder pain lasting more than two to three weeks
- Pain or weakness lifting the arm
- Night pain when lying on the shoulder
- A click, catch or loss of movement
- Pain after a fall or sudden pull
Diagnosis and treatment
Examination, X-ray and, if needed, an ultrasound or MRI show the cause. Many problems improve with rest, medicines, physiotherapy and injections, including PRP in selected cases. A significant rotator cuff tear or persistent AC joint arthritis may need arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery.
- Shoulder examination and imaging
- Physiotherapy and injections
- Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair when needed
- Rehabilitation guidance
Recovery and aftercare
After surgery the arm is protected in a sling for a time and rehabilitation is staged over several months. Your surgeon and physiotherapist will guide you step by step.
Frequently asked questions
Do all rotator cuff tears need surgery?
No. Partial tears and some full tears do well with physiotherapy; surgery is for selected cases.
What is AC joint arthritis?
Wear of the small joint at the top of the shoulder, causing pain when reaching across or overhead.
How long is recovery after shoulder surgery?
Typically several months of rehabilitation; your surgeon will give a personal timeline.
Book a consultation at Swastha Multispeciality Clinic
Consult Dr. Y. Srinivas Rao, orthopaedic surgeon in Vanasthalipuram, for bones and joints, at Vaidehi Nagar, Vanasthalipuram, Hyderabad 500070. Open Monday to Saturday 9 AM to 9 PM and Sunday 9 AM to 1 PM. Call or WhatsApp 83417 94993. Walk-ins are welcome. This page is general information and not a substitute for medical advice.
Related services: Tendon injuries · ACL, PCL and meniscal injuries · PRP and joint injections