Shoulder Conditions & Treatment
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body, capable of a remarkable range of motion that enables throwing, reaching, lifting, and rotation. This mobility comes at the cost of inherent instability — the shoulder relies heavily on muscles, tendons, and ligaments rather than bony architecture for stability, making it susceptible to a wide spectrum of injuries and conditions.
Dr. Cooper brings advanced subspecialty training in shoulder surgery to the diagnosis and treatment of both acute injuries and chronic conditions affecting the shoulder complex. Whether you are an overhead athlete with a labral tear, a weekend warrior with a rotator cuff injury, or an older adult with progressive shoulder arthritis, Dr. Cooper develops an individualized treatment plan tailored to your anatomy, lifestyle, and goals.
Common Shoulder Conditions Treated
Dr. Cooper evaluates and treats the full range of shoulder pathology, including rotator cuff tears and tendinitis, shoulder instability and labral tears (Bankart lesions and SLAP tears), glenohumeral osteoarthritis, shoulder impingement syndrome, acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries, biceps tendon pathology (SLAP tears and proximal biceps tendon ruptures), and frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis). For patients with end-stage shoulder arthritis, Dr. Cooper also performs total shoulder arthroplasty and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.
Diagnostic Approach
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective shoulder care. Dr. Cooper performs a comprehensive physical examination combined with advanced imaging including X-ray, MRI, and CT scan when appropriate. For complex cases or revision surgery, additional studies such as MRI arthrography provide detailed visualization of soft tissue structures.
Treatment Philosophy
Dr. Cooper's approach to shoulder care begins with the least invasive options that can effectively address the problem — physical therapy, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections. When surgery is necessary, arthroscopic techniques are used whenever possible to minimize recovery time. Complex reconstructions and shoulder replacement procedures are performed with meticulous attention to anatomic restoration and long-term durability.
Contact Dr. Cooper's office to schedule a comprehensive shoulder evaluation and take the first step toward a stronger, pain-free shoulder.
