Shoulder Surgery Lima, OH | Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio Orthopaedic Institue of Ohio

Think about all the ways you use your shoulders throughout the day— from reaching for a coffee mug or putting on a jacket, to lifting your child for a hug or simply washing your hair. When shoulder pain or injury strikes, these basic movements can become challenges that affect every aspect of your daily life.

You shouldn’t have to live with persistent shoulder pain or limited mobility. Many shoulder issues respond well to conservative treatments like physical therapy and medication. Others may require surgical intervention to provide lasting relief and restore function. The staff at the Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio offers a full spectrum of shoulder treatment options to get you back to the activities you love.

The Anatomy and Function of Our Shoulders

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint that consists of three bones:

The humerus (upper arm bone), which has a rounded head that fits into the socket
The scapula (shoulder blade), which contains the socket
The clavicle (collarbone), which connects the shoulder to the chest wall

The socket is surrounded by a soft tissue rim called the labrum that provides stability to the joint. There is also cartilage on the top of the arm bone (the ball) and on the socket that prevents friction and enhances comfort as the joint moves. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and associated tendons that hold the shoulder joint in place. These tendons enable rotation and elevation of the arm. Many other muscles connect the shoulder to the chest, neck, and back.

Your shoulder is one of the most flexible joints in your body, capable of impressive ranges of motion that allow you to move your arms from front to back, up and down, and side to side. This remarkable degree of mobility lets you reach, lift, push, pull, throw and so much more, but it also makes your shoulder joint vulnerable to injury.

“I had a reverse total right shoulder replacement. It was a wonderful surgery. I was in and out of surgery before I knew it. I would recommend OIO to anyone. They take excellent care of their patients.” — Sharon O.

Common Shoulder Injuries and Conditions

Shoulder pain can arise from numerous sources, ranging from sudden injuries to gradual wear and tear. The Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio is equipped to diagnose and treat a wide range of shoulder conditions.

Rotator Cuff Tear

Rotator cuff tears are one of the most common shoulder injuries we treat. These tears can develop gradually due to repetitive motions and aging or suddenly from an injury. You might notice pain when lifting your arm, weakness when reaching overhead or difficulty sleeping on the affected side. While some tears respond to physical therapy, larger or more severe tears may require surgical repair to restore function.

Shoulder Dislocation

A shoulder dislocation is a painful condition when the ball of the upper arm slips out of the shoulder socket. This type of injury often occurs during sports activities or falls, particularly when your arm is pulled backward with force. A single dislocation can often be treated by carefully returning the joint to its proper position. If dislocation becomes a recurring issue, surgery may be needed to stabilize the joint and prevent further damage.

SLAP Tear

SLAP tears involve injuries to the labrum, a rim of cartilage that goes around the shoulder socket. SLAP stands for Superior Labrum, Anterior to Posterior, and refers to the location of the tear. Because this type of damage commonly results from repetitive overhead motions, it is often seen in athletes and workers who frequently reach above their heads. Surgery may be needed to return the labrum to its proper position. In some cases, additional surgery may be necessary for the biceps tendon if it has also been damaged.

Bankart Tear

The Bankart tear (also known as a Bankart Lesion) involves damage to the front area of the labrum and is usually the result of a shoulder dislocation. It is one of the most frequent ligament injuries seen in the shoulder joint. When a Bankart tear occurs, it creates a feeling of shoulder instability and may lead to recurring dislocations. Surgical repair of the labrum is frequently recommended to restore stability to the joint.

Clavicle Fractures

Your collarbone (clavicle) can break from direct trauma, such as a fall onto your shoulder or a collision during sports. These fractures cause immediate pain, swelling and difficulty moving your arm. Some fractures heal properly with immobilization using splints or slings. Severely displaced fractures may require surgical repair.

Impingement Syndrome

Shoulder impingement occurs when the space between your rotator cuff and the top of your shoulder narrows and compresses the tendons. This condition often develops gradually and can cause pain when reaching overhead or behind your back. Surgery may be needed to create more space for the tendons and relieve the accompanying symptoms.

Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder (also known as adhesive capsulitis) develops when the capsule surrounding the joint becomes thick and tight, making it difficult to move your shoulder. This condition typically progresses through stages of increasing pain and stiffness, followed by gradual improvement. Most cases eventually resolve with consistent physical therapy, although recovery can take months and even years.

When to Seek Treatment for a Shoulder Issue

If you are living with shoulder discomfort, you might be tempted to wait it out, hoping the pain will resolve on its own. Minor soreness from overuse often does improve with rest, but persistent or severe shoulder problems deserve professional attention.

Watch for these warning signs that indicate it’s time to consult an orthopaedic specialist:

Sharp pain when reaching overhead or behind your back
A grinding or clicking sensation during shoulder movement
Persistent weakness in your arm or difficulty lifting objects
Pain that disrupts your sleep, especially when lying on the affected side
Reduced range of motion or stiffness lasting more than a few weeks
Visible swelling or deformity around the shoulder joint
Numbness or tingling that extends down your arm
The sensation that your shoulder might “pop out” of place

Delaying treatment for serious shoulder conditions can lead to chronic pain, decreased mobility and potentially more extensive damage that becomes harder to repair over time. Early intervention typically leads to better outcomes and may help you avoid surgery. Schedule a consultation with the shoulder experts at OIO today.

“I regained use of my shoulder (rotator cuff surgery) much faster than I had anticipated. Absolutely as good of an experience as one could hope for, before, during, and after surgery.” — Lynn C.

How We Diagnose Shoulder Conditions

When you visit us with shoulder pain or mobility issues, we conduct a thorough evaluation to pinpoint the cause of your discomfort. Your consultation will include:

Medical History
Physical Examination
Imaging

Medical History

We will have a detailed conversation about your symptoms, medical history and lifestyle. We’ll talk about when your pain started, what activities make it better or worse, and how it affects your daily life. This helps us understand the bigger picture of your shoulder health and guides our examination process.

Physical Examination

We will assess your shoulder’s range of motion, strength and stability and look for signs of particular conditions, such as impingement or rotator cuff problems. Your provider may also examine your neck and upper back, as problems in these areas can sometimes manifest as shoulder pain.

Imaging

We have many advanced imaging technologies at our disposal to look inside your shoulder joint:

X-ray provides detailed images of your bones, helping us identify issues such as fractures and bone spurs
MRI offers detailed views of soft tissues like muscles, tendons and ligaments
CT creates three-dimensional images that can reveal complex fractures or joint problems

Sometimes, we may recommend specialized tests to evaluate particular aspects of your shoulder function. For instance, we might use electromyography (EMG) to assess muscle response or nerve conduction velocity (NCV) testing to assess nerve function.

This comprehensive diagnostic process helps us build a thorough understanding of your condition. Once we have a diagnosis, we can develop a treatment plan based on your precise needs.

Nonsurgical Treatment Options for Shoulder Injuries and Conditions

At the Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio, we explore conservative treatment options before considering surgery. Many shoulder conditions respond well to nonsurgical approaches, especially when treatment begins early.

Physical Therapy and Exercise

Working with our experienced physical therapists, you’ll learn specific exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting your shoulder joint. These exercises focus on improving flexibility, stability and range of motion while reducing pain. Your therapist will also teach you proper posture and movement techniques to prevent further injury and help you return to your regular activities safely.

Medications and Injections

We may recommend anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and discomfort. For more severe pain, corticosteroid injections can provide extended relief by delivering powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area. These injections can create a window of comfort that allows you to progress more effectively with physical therapy.

Cold and Heat Therapy

Applying ice helps reduce inflammation and manage acute pain, particularly after activity or injury. Heat therapy can relax tense muscles and increase blood flow to promote healing. We’ll guide you on when and how to use these treatments most effectively as part of your recovery program.

Activity Modification

Sometimes, simply adjusting how you perform certain activities can make a significant difference in shoulder comfort. We’ll help you identify movements that may aggravate your condition and teach you alternative approaches that put less stress on your shoulder. This might include ergonomic adjustments at work or modifications to your athletic technique.

Rehabilitation Equipment

Special equipment like resistance bands, shoulder pulleys or other therapeutic devices can help you perform exercises safely at home. These tools allow you to maintain your progress between therapy sessions and build strength without overstraining your shoulder.

Surgical Treatment Options for Shoulder Injuries and Conditions

The surgeons at the Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio offer different approaches to shoulder surgery:

Arthroscopy
Open Surgery
Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Arthroscopy

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery involves the insertion of a pencil-thin device with a small lens and light system through tiny incisions. The little camera produces images inside the joint that are relayed to a television monitor, allowing the surgeon to visualize the area to make an accurate diagnosis.

Once diagnostics are completed, the surgeon can use additional tools through the same small incisions to make the necessary repairs. Shoulder arthroscopy can be performed on an outpatient basis in many cases, and the smaller incisions lead to decreased pain and bruising after the operation.

At the Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio, we can perform many of our procedures arthroscopically, including rotator cuff repair, Bankart repair, biceps tenodesis, distal clavicle resection, and acromioplasty (treatment of impingement syndrome).

Open Surgery

While arthroscopy offers benefits to the right patient, open surgery may be necessary and associated with better results for others.

Despite the name, this approach also uses small incisions of just a few inches. This method allows the surgeon to make a more extensive correction to the shoulder joint when necessary. The same procedures listed above under arthroscopic surgery can also be done using open techniques when needed to produce an optimal outcome.

Shoulder Replacement Surgery

When the damage to the shoulder is too severe for simple repairs to be effective, a complete replacement of the joint may be required.

Shoulder replacement surgery is not as common as a hip or knee replacement, however, it can be the best solution for patients suffering from arthritic conditions that are not good candidates for other surgical techniques. During this procedure, the surgeon replaces the damaged portions of the joint with metal or ceramic components that stabilize and strengthen the shoulder.

Variables like anesthesia and time in the hospital will depend on the type of correction you require. Recovery time and rehabilitation needs will be based more on the type of surgery performed within the shoulder, rather than whether it is done through arthroscopic or open techniques. Your surgeon will thoroughly cover the surgical process as well as what you can expect from your recovery afterward at your initial appointments.

OIO: Ohio’s Most Trusted Name in Shoulder Care

At the Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio, our team of board-certified orthopaedic surgeons brings decades of combined experience to every case. From your first consultation through your final appointment, you’ll experience the difference that comes from complete commitment to individualized care.

We understand that shoulder problems affect more than just your joint—they impact your ability to work, sleep, exercise and enjoy time with family. Our integrated team of specialists works together to guide you through diagnosis, treatment and recovery as safely and efficiently as possible, so you can return to what matters most.

With locations throughout Ohio, we’re right where you need us. Wherever you are, whatever your needs, our team is here to help.

“OIO is a top notch facility, very friendly, knowledgeable, and kind!!! I have had my rotator cuff surgery there and tomorrow I go for my back surgery. Thank you to the staff, nurses and doctors at OIO for making everything awesome every time I’m in there!!!” — Christoffer H.

Your Partners in Shoulder Health and Recovery

Wouldn’t it be nice to feel like yourself again? Shoulder surgery is often the most efficient way to repair damage to the shoulder and restore function to the joint.

To learn more about your options in shoulder surgery, contact the Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio today at 419-963-4870.

FAQs

How long does it take to recover from shoulder surgery?

You will need to keep your shoulder as still as possible immediately following surgery, which typically involves wearing a sling for at least one week.

Depending on your operation, you may have a few days in the hospital before you are released to continue your recovery at home. You will have medication to manage post-operative pain and will be instructed on how to ice the area to minimize swelling.

Once your initial healing has taken place, you can begin a physical therapy program to restore mobility and range of motion to the joint. Full recovery can take up to six months.

What kind of rehabilitation is involved after shoulder surgery?

Your rehabilitation plan will likely involve a combination of physical therapy and at-home exercises. The specific exercises and timeline will vary depending on the type of surgery and your individual recovery.

Generally, physical therapy after shoulder surgery will focus on:

Range of motion exercises to help restore the normal movement of your shoulder joint
Strengthening exercises to strengthen the muscles around the joint as it heals
Functional exercises to help you return to daily activities, such as dressing, grooming and reaching

What are the benefits of shoulder surgery?

Surgery always comes with both risks and benefits, which must be balanced before determining whether moving forward with the operation is the right choice. Potential benefits of shoulder surgery might include:

Increased range of motion
Reduction in pain and aching
Fewer restrictions on activities
Ability to perform daily tasks once again
Lower risk of additional damage to the joint

What are the risks of shoulder surgery?

Risks are a concern with any surgery, even if their likelihood is relatively small. Some of the risks associated with shoulder surgery include:

Infection (antibiotics lower this risk)
A buildup of scar tissue could affect joint function
Bleeding or blood clot formation
Persistent pain or stiffness after the procedure
Possible nerve damage

Our surgeons bring extensive knowledge and experience to the operating table. They will take the time at your consultation to weigh the pros and cons of surgery to help you determine whether surgical treatment is the right choice for you.

Is shoulder surgery painful?

Shoulder surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, so you won’t be in pain or awake during the procedure. After surgery, you may experience some pain and discomfort, but it can be managed with medication prescribed by your doctor.

If you received a nerve block during surgery, your arm may initially feel numb and be unable to move. This may last 8 to 36 hours depending on the amount and type of medication used. You will feel a tingling sensation, like pins and needles, when the nerve block begins to wear off. You should start taking pain medication at this time to ensure that you stay ahead of the pain.