At Kansas Joint & Spine Specialists, our specialty-trained shoulder doctors in Wichita and Anthony are experts in providing evaluation and treatment for shoulder injuries and conditions.
Shoulder doctors are medical specialists who often work with patients who have arthritis or rotator cuff injuries, diagnosing their pain and the extent of their condition. Once this is done, they offer recommendations for shoulder treatments, which can range from nonoperative care, like physical therapy, to surgical options, such as shoulder replacement surgery or rotator cuff repair.
These shoulder specialists have undergone extensive training that has given them deep insight into the shoulder joint, so they understand not only how to treat a particular condition, but also how it might be impacting other parts of the body, like the elbow. Sports medicine doctors, as well as shoulder doctors, often see patients who have sports-related shoulder injuries of the rotator cuff.
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, which means it is flexible and has a wide range of motion. However, these qualities make the shoulder more prone to injury, especially the tendons. One of the most common injuries is to the rotator cuff, which is a capsule formation within the shoulder, where a number of tendons join together.
At a patient’s initial appointment, the shoulder specialist will assess his or her orthopaedic condition by examining the entire shoulder joint and manipulating it as well as the soft tissues, like the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, in the shoulder region. The patient might also be having elbow issues in addition to shoulder pain. If that is the case, the shoulder specialist will examine the elbow and offer a diagnosis.
The treatment recommendation for the injury will vary; for instance, the doctor or orthopaedic surgeon might suggest working with a physical therapist if the shoulder injury is minor or having surgery if the shoulder condition is severe, like a fracture. Both doctors and surgeons are used to patients having questions and concerns about surgery and orthopaedic procedures, whether they are considering shoulder surgery or surgery in another joint, like the knee or elbow. They welcome questions and want patients to have a clear understanding of their condition and the treatments that are available to them.
Shoulder Symptoms of Concern
These experiences and symptoms can be related to shoulder problems and may be familiar to you:
- Bones that feel like they are grinding
- Cracking sound when moving the arm
- Difficulty lifting the arm
- Numbness
- Pain that radiates into the elbow, hand, or wrist
- Shoulder instability
- Shoulder stiffness
- Soreness
- Tenderness
Common Shoulder Injuries & Conditions
A shoulder doctor or surgeon may diagnose you with one of the following shoulder or elbow injuries or conditions:
- Acromioclavicular joint injury
- Arthritis
- Calcific tendonitis
- Fracture
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Labral tear
- Rotator cuff tear
- Shoulder dislocation
- Shoulder tendonitis
- Sports medicine injury
- Subacromial bursitis
- Tennis elbow
Exceptional Shoulder Care at Kansas Joint & Spine Specialists
When you visit Kansas Joint & Spine Specialists in Wichita or Anthony, you’ll meet with one of our fellowship-trained or specialty-trained shoulder doctors, Dr. Bradley Bruner, Dr. Kellis Bulleigh, or Dr. Damion Walker. These orthopaedic experts treat patients just like you, helping restore them to better health and an improved quality of life. They not only provide orthopaedic patient care, but they also have a deep understanding of the challenges patients with shoulder issues face and know how to listen to and address your questions and concerns.
It’s important to know that our doctors and orthopaedic surgeons always strive to recommend a nonsurgical treatment option first. Through their diagnostic process, they will be able to determine if a nonoperative treatment plan, such as physical therapy or medication, will be the best approach.
However, if surgery is needed, our shoulder surgeons will apply their advanced skills to perform the surgery, using our state-of-the-art technology. Whether you’re undergoing a shoulder surgery, such as rotator cuff surgery, an arthroscopic procedure, or a total shoulder replacement, they’ll be with you every step of the way, from your first consultation at our office, during your surgical procedure, and through your recovery and rehabilitation.
Your Appointment
Our doctors in Wichita and Anthony can assess and diagnose your condition and consult with you about what treatment approach may be best for you. Sometimes, our shoulder doctors may consult with other doctors at Kansas Joint & Spine Specialists about your shoulder problem. This opportunity for experts to share knowledge and perspective is just one of the many benefits of being treated by our doctors.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our shoulder specialists by phone at (316) 219-8299 or by using the request an appointment button below. We have convenient office locations in Wichita and Anthony.
