Treatment for Shoulder Bursitis in Los Angeles, CA

If you’re suffering from shoulder bursitis, come see orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Thomas Vangsness. Specializing in orthopaedic and sports related injuries, Dr. Vangsness is a leading professional in his field. The “bursa” is a cushioning fluid structure that is positioned between the top of the humerus and the tip of the shoulder. This structure can sometimes become compressed and inflamed, leading to a painful “bursitis” condition called impingement. Due to traumatic circumstances, the shoulder can become dislocated in which the head of the humerus comes out of its socket. If the humeral head partially slides out of the socket and slides back in without completely dislocating, this is called a subluxation. Both a dislocation and subluxation can cause ligaments, the capsule and the labrum to become injured, creating both instability and pain.

To treat shoulder bursitis after a first dislocation, Dr. Vangsness recommends conservative non-operative treatment including physical therapy to strengthen the muscles of the rotator cuff. After multiple dislocations or subluxations, however, surgery may be suggested to repair or tighten the capsule and ligaments that hold the shoulder in place. Your surgery is performed with a miniature lighted telescope called an arthroscope, introducing small instruments into the shoulder joint through hollow cannulas. Miniature screws with attached sutures are inserted precisely into the socket edge of the shoulder, and the torn ligaments and labrum are reattached to the socket. For personalized patient care and experience you can trust, come see Dr. Vangsness in Los Angeles, CA for your shoulder bursitis treatment.

For more information about shoulder bursitis treatment, schedule your consultation with Dr. Thomas Vangsness by calling (323) 442-5800.

Treatment for Shoulder Impingement in Los Angeles, CA

Frequently found in both young athletes and middle-aged adults, shoulder impingement is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain. This injury comes from pressure on the rotator cuff (four muscles making up the shoulder) from part of the shoulder blade as the arm is being lifted.

What is Shoulder Impingement?

In the shoulder, the acromion is the front edge of the shoulder blade. It sits over and in front of the head of the humerus and as the arm is lifted it rubs or “impinges” the surface of the rotator cuff. This causes pain and limited movement. Shoulder impingement injuries are often found in athletes and adults who use their arms for overhead movements including baseball players, swimmers, tennis players and construction workers.

Treatment for Shoulder Impingement

Depending on the injury, a partial tear in the rotator cuff may also cause shoulder impingement problems and sometimes pain may be due to a bursitis, inflammation of the bursa covering the rotator cuff. If conservative treatment such as physical therapy does not improve your condition or help relieve the pain, Dr. Vangsness may highly recommend surgery.

Shoulder impingement surgery is designed to repair or tighten the capsule and ligaments that hold the shoulder in place. The procedure is done arthroscopically, a less invasive procedure offering a quicker return to full activity. Dr. Vangsness performs shoulder impingement surgery with a miniature lighted telescope (arthroscope) and very small instruments, allowing him to remove bone and soft tissue from the affected area.

Orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Thomas Vangsness, offers surgery and treatment options for shoulder impingement problems. Contact our office at (323) 422-5800 for more information on shoulder impingement surgery and make your appointment today. Discover the road to better health with Dr. Thomas Vangsness.