Shoulder Doctor in Anchorage, AK

Our specialists in shoulder pain and shoulder injuries deliver the focused care Alaskans need to stay strong.

Discomfort in the shoulder joint can limit your range of motion and make it challenging for you to keep up with day-to-day responsibilities. Shoulder pain can worsen over time if not properly diagnosed and treated. The good news is diagnosis and treatment are both available here at AFOC. We have specialty-trained shoulder doctors who can take a look at your ailment and recommend the best remedy, from casting, splinting and physical therapy programs to the latest in shoulder surgery.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Each orthopedic shoulder doctor in our practice has ample experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of shoulder conditions. Some of the most common sources of shoulder pain include:

  • Arthritis
  • Bankart lesion
  • Bursitis
  • Dislocations
  • Fractures
  • Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
  • Issues with the rotator cuff, including a torn rotator cuff
  • Shoulder instability
  • Sports-related injuries
  • Tears in the ligament or the tendon
  • Tendonitis (tendinitis)

Shoulder Injury Diagnosis

When you visit our specialists, the first step is always evaluation. We’ll ask some questions about your medical history, perform a full physical examination, and possibly recommend imaging. This might involve X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Nonsurgical Treatment Options for Shoulder Pain

While shoulder surgery is sometimes necessary, including shoulder joint replacement surgery, we try to favor nonoperative treatments whenever possible for patients. Some examples of common nonsurgical shoulder treatments include:

Advanced Surgical Options for Shoulder Conditions

For more serious problems, nonsurgical solutions may not be sufficient. In those cases, patients meet with one of our shoulder surgeons to discuss other treatment options. Our shoulder doctors are all board-certified in orthopedic surgery and have extensive experience in the specialized treatment of injuries and conditions of the shoulder.

Our surgeons offer the latest procedures, including:

  • Arthroscopic procedures
  • Biceps tendon rupture surgery
  • Labral and SLAP repair surgery
  • Reverse shoulder replacement
  • Rotator cuff tear surgery
  • Shoulder dislocation and instability repair surgery
  • Shoulder replacement

When to See a Shoulder Specialist

We recommend visiting our specialists if your shoulder pain:

  • Worsens over time and prevents restful sleep
  • Makes it difficult to complete simple, everyday tasks
  • Lasts more than a few days without improvement
  • Radiates into other parts of the body, such as the neck or arm
  • Occurs after a traumatic event, like a fall or sports accident

Getting an accurate diagnosis early can help prevent your condition from worsening and ensure a faster, more complete recovery.