Shoulder Pain

Christopher Potts, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine Specialist located in Midtown, Atlanta, GA & Alpharetta, GA

As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Christopher Potts, MD, understands how debilitating chronic shoulder pain can be. At his offices in Alpharetta and Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Potts offers customized treatment plans to help you find long-term relief from chronic pain and restore your shoulder function. Whether you need joint injections to reduce persistent inflammation or surgery to repair severe shoulder damage, contact the office nearest you by phone or request an appointment online today.

Shoulder Pain Q & A

What causes shoulder pain?

Persistent shoulder pain can occur at any age and for many different reasons. Shoulder injuries or conditions can affect the bone, soft tissues or both. The most common symptom is shoulder pain, but other symptoms may include stiffness, weakness or loss of range of motion. You may also feel that your shoulder is loose, or could come out of place. Treatment depends on your specific type of shoulder issue, but can range anywhere from nonsurgical options like physical therapy and injections to surgical options, including arthroscopy or shoulder replacement surgery.

Dr. Potts has extensive experience in treating:

How is shoulder pain diagnosed?

To uncover the source of your shoulder pain, Dr. Potts takes time to review your personal and family medical history. He also discusses your usual activities to pinpoint what may be causing your pain.

In addition to a physical exam of your shoulder joint, Dr. Potts may also request an X-ray or other imaging tests to identify inflammation, soft tissue tears, and fractures.

Once he confirms your diagnosis, Dr. Potts customizes a treatment plan that focuses on pain relief and restoring function in your shoulder and arm.

Will I need surgery for shoulder pain?

Initially, Dr. Potts takes a conservative approach to relieving chronic shoulder pain. He may suggest rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, or injections to improve your function and help your shoulder heal naturally.

If conservative care isn’t enough to relieve pain and restore mobility, Dr. Potts may recommend minimally invasive surgery to repair torn tissues or replace a damaged joint. Minimally invasive surgical techniques require only small incisions and cause less trauma to your body than traditional open surgery.

Dr. Potts uses the latest advancements in arthroscopic surgery, so you can expect to heal faster and get back to your usual routine quicker than you might with open surgery. Minimally invasive surgery offers other advantages, such as:

Less pain
Less bleeding
Shorter hospital stay
Reduced risk for infection

As you continue to recover post-surgery, Dr. Potts can work with you on a rehabilitation plan to promote healing and restore the function of your shoulder joint.

If you have unexplained shoulder pain that limits what you can do, schedule a diagnostic evaluation online or by calling the office of Christopher Potts, MD, nearest you today.