Overview: Understanding Shoulder Pain

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in your body and also one of the most vulnerable to injury. Whether your pain stems from overuse, trauma, or degeneration, it can interfere with simple tasks like reaching overhead, lifting objects, or even sleeping comfortably. At Interventional Orthopedics of Washington (IOW), our doctors take a regenerative and holistic approach to treating shoulder pain, focusing on healing the root cause not just masking symptoms.

Common Shoulder Conditions We Treat

We treat a wide range of shoulder conditions, both acute and chronic, that affect the bones, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and surrounding structures of the shoulder. These include:

Rotator Cuff Tear (Partial or Full Thickness)

Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)

Osteoarthritis (GH or AC Joint)

Biceps Tendon Tear or Tendinopathy

Labral Tear or Degeneration

Subacromial Impingement

Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Pain or Instability

Subdeltoid (Subacromial) Bursitis

Supraspinatus or Infraspinatus Tendinitis

Bicipital Tendinitis

Quadrilateral Space Syndrome

Suprascapular Neuritis

Pectoralis Major Tear

Deltoid or Teres Major Syndromes

Scapulocostal or Snapping Scapula Syndromes

Post-Surgical Shoulder Pain

Multidirectional Shoulder Instability

Shoulder Areas We Specialize In

Using ultrasound and fluoroscopy, our doctors precisely treat pain-generating areas of the shoulder with regenerative injections. These include:

  • Rotator Cuff Tendons: Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Subscapularis, Teres Minor

  • Shoulder Joint: Glenohumeral, Acromioclavicular (AC)

  • Ligaments & Capsule: Superior, Middle, and Inferior Glenohumeral Ligaments, AC Joint Capsule

  • Labrum: Posterior and Superior Labral Regions

  • Biceps Tendon: Long Head Attachment at Labrum and Radial Head

  • Bursae: Subacromial/Subdeltoid Bursa

  • Nerves: Suprascapular and Axillary Nerves

  • Intraosseous Targets: Humerus Bone Access Points

Advanced Diagnostic Evaluation

Shoulder pain can originate from multiple overlapping sources including the neck, back, or even nerve entrapments. That’s why we conduct a thorough, individualized diagnostic evaluation to uncover all contributors to your pain. This includes:

  • Rotator Cuff Tendons: Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Subscapularis, Teres Minor

  • Shoulder Joint: Glenohumeral, Acromioclavicular (AC)

  • Ligaments & Capsule: Superior, Middle, and Inferior Glenohumeral Ligaments, AC Joint Capsule

  • Labrum: Posterior and Superior Labral Regions

  • Biceps Tendon: Long Head Attachment at Labrum and Radial Head

  • Bursae: Subacromial/Subdeltoid Bursa

  • Nerves: Suprascapular and Axillary Nerves

  • Intraosseous Targets: Humerus Bone Access Points

This method ensures treatment precision and better outcomes especially for complex or multi-factorial shoulder cases.

Types of Regenerative Treatments We Offer

Instead of relying on long-term medication or high-dose steroids, we offer cutting-edge regenerative procedures that stimulate your body’s natural healing mechanisms. These include:

  • Image-Guided Prolotherapy - stimulates tissue repair and strengthens ligaments and tendons

  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy - concentrated growth factors derived from your own blood

  • Bone Marrow Concentrate (Cellular Therapy) - uses your stem-cell-rich bone marrow to regenerate damaged tissue

  • Intra-Articular Joint Injections - target joint space inflammation and degeneration

  • Targeted Nerve Blocks - enhance comfort during procedures and help diagnose pain sources

When Is Surgery Needed?

At IOW, our goal is to help you avoid surgery whenever possible. In fact, many shoulder injuries once thought to require surgery like partial rotator cuff tears or frozen shoulders can now be treated successfully with image-guided regenerative therapies. Surgery may be appropriate only in rare cases involving:

  • Severe joint instability

  • Full-thickness, retracted tendon tears

  • Structural abnormalities that don’t respond to conservative care

If surgery is necessary, we’ll guide you through your options, ensuring your care remains personalized and informed.

Why Choose IOW for Shoulder Treatment?

Here’s why patients choose Interventional Orthopedics of Washington for shoulder care:

  • Non-Surgical Expertise: Our specialists focus on restoring joint health naturally

  • Advanced Imaging Guidance: Every procedure is performed with real-time ultrasound or fluoroscopy

  • Precision Regenerative Medicine: We don’t guess, we treat exactly where healing is needed

  • Whole-Body Philosophy: We consider how your shoulder interacts with your spine, posture, and movement

  • Individualized Care Plans: No one-size-fits-all, just personalized healing designed for you

Don’t let shoulder pain hold you back from life’s simple pleasures. Find out if regenerative medicine is the right solution for you. Call 425-326-1665 or click the “Book Appointment” button below to schedule your one-on-one evaluation with one of our specialist doctors.

Can’t find your condition on the list?

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Shoulder Q&A

Why does my shoulder hurt?

The shoulder’s wide range of motion makes it prone to injury, especially during repetitive movements or trauma. Pain often stems from rotator cuff strains, labral tears, tendonitis, or referred tension from the neck or spine.

What causes shoulder injuries?

Shoulder damage can result from overuse (like throwing or lifting), falls, car accidents, or degeneration over time. Even simple movements like reaching or sleeping on your side can aggravate underlying issues.

What happens if I ignore shoulder pain?

Delaying treatment can worsen tears, cause joint degeneration, or lead to adhesive capsulitis (“frozen shoulder”). Early intervention promotes better healing and helps you avoid long-term limitations.

How do you identify the cause of shoulder pain?

We use detailed exams, movement assessments, in-office diagnostic ultrasound, and sometimes targeted injections to map out the true pain source whether it’s joint, tendon, nerve, or muscle related.

Is my shoulder pain related to my neck or posture?

Often, yes. Tension in the neck, poor posture, or upper spine dysfunction can all contribute to shoulder pain, which is why we take a whole-body approach to diagnosis and treatment.

What regenerative treatments are available for shoulder pain?

We offer non-surgical solutions like PRP, prolotherapy, and stem cell therapy to heal damaged tissues. These image-guided injections are highly precise and often help avoid surgery for conditions like rotator cuff tears or frozen shoulder.

Interventional Orthopedics of Washington
Fax: (425) 326-1667

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