shoulder pain

Shoulder pain can significantly disrupt your day-to-day life. Tasks that once felt simple—like reaching for a coffee mug, combing your hair, or even sleeping comfortably—can become painful challenges. Whether you’re experiencing sharp, sudden pain or a constant ache that’s been gradually increasing, ignoring shoulder pain can lead to worsening symptoms and long-term complications. If you’re living with shoulder discomfort, it’s important to seek professional care. At Dr. Sean Thompson Bone & Joint Surgeon, we are committed to diagnosing and treating the root cause of your shoulder pain using advanced orthopedic techniques and compassionate, personalized care. Our practice serves patients across New York and New Jersey, helping them return to active, pain-free lifestyles.

Understanding Shoulder Pain: What Causes It?

The shoulder is one of the most complex and mobile joints in the human body. Its wide range of motion allows you to lift, push, pull, and rotate your arms in multiple directions. However, this complexity also makes it susceptible to various injuries and degenerative conditions. Common causes of shoulder pain include:

  • Rotator cuff tears, often from repetitive overhead motion or acute injury
  • Bursitis or tendinitis, which involve inflammation in the soft tissues around the joint
  • Frozen shoulder, a condition characterized by stiffness and limited range of motion
  • Shoulder impingement, which occurs when shoulder blade tendons rub against the shoulder bones
  • Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, leading to joint deterioration
  • Dislocations or fractures from trauma, accidents, or falls

Ignoring these issues can result in chronic pain and loss of function. Understanding what’s causing your shoulder pain is the first step toward finding the right treatment. Dr. Sean Thompson uses advanced diagnostic tools and in-depth evaluations to identify the exact source of your discomfort.

When Should You See a Specialist?

Many people try to push through shoulder pain, hoping it will go away on its own. However, persistent or worsening symptoms should never be ignored. You should schedule a consultation with Dr. Sean Thompson if you notice any of the following:

  • Pain lasting more than a few days without improvement
  • Difficulty lifting your arm above your head or performing overhead tasks
  • Swelling, tenderness, or visible deformity around the shoulder joint
  • Limited range of motion or stiffness
  • Weakness or a feeling of instability in the shoulder
  • Pain that wakes you up at night or interferes with sleep

Seeing a shoulder specialist early can help prevent further injury and ensure a faster, more complete recovery. Dr. Thompson’s experience and diagnostic expertise make him a trusted name in shoulder care throughout NY and NJ.

How Dr. Sean Thompson Treats Shoulder Pain

At our practice, we believe in creating a customized treatment plan tailored to each patient’s specific needs. Whether you’re dealing with a sports-related injury, age-related degeneration, or a workplace accident, Dr. Sean Thompson will work closely with you to determine the best path forward.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Whenever possible, we start with conservative approaches to relieve shoulder pain without surgery. These options include:

  • Physical therapy: A structured program designed to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder and improve flexibility and function
  • Anti-inflammatory medications: Help reduce pain and inflammation so you can move more comfortably
  • Corticosteroid injections: Targeted relief for severe inflammation and pain in specific areas of the joint
  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: Uses your body’s natural healing agents to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation

These non-invasive treatments are often effective for mild to moderate shoulder conditions and can significantly reduce symptoms when combined with lifestyle adjustments and regular monitoring.

Surgical Treatments

If conservative treatments don’t provide sufficient relief or your condition is severe, surgical intervention may be necessary. Dr. Thompson specializes in minimally invasive procedures that reduce recovery time and scarring. Surgical options include:

  • Arthroscopy Treatment: A camera and small instruments are used to visualize and repair the joint with precision and minimal disruption
  • Rotator cuff repair: Restores torn or damaged tendons to their original position
  • Labral repair: Corrects tears in the cartilage ring around the shoulder socket
  • Shoulder stabilization procedures: Addresses chronic dislocations or instability issues

By choosing the most appropriate surgical technique based on your diagnosis, Dr. Thompson ensures optimal outcomes and a quicker return to your normal activities.

Expert Orthopedic Care in NY & NJ

With locations in Upper East Side Manhattan, Jamaica Estates Queens, Englewood, and Clifton, NJ, our practice is dedicated to making quality orthopedic care accessible to patients throughout the region. Our facilities are equipped with the latest diagnostic and surgical technologies, ensuring that each patient receives the highest standard of care in a comfortable and convenient setting.

Whether you’re an athlete, a working professional, or a retiree, we understand how important mobility and independence are to your daily life. That’s why we go beyond basic treatment—our team works to empower you with knowledge, resources, and personalized attention every step of the way.

Other Conditions We Treat

While shoulder pain is one of our primary specialties, Dr. Thompson offers a comprehensive range of orthopedic services to address a wide spectrum of musculoskeletal issues. Some of these include:

Joint Replacement

When joint damage becomes too advanced for non-surgical treatment, we offer total and partial joint replacement options to relieve pain and restore function. Our joint replacement procedures are performed using advanced techniques that promote quicker healing and long-term durability.

Sports Injury Treatment

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a professional athlete, our sports injury treatment programs help you recover from sprains, tears, and overuse injuries. Dr. Thompson works closely with patients to ensure they can safely return to their sport with strength and confidence.

Orthopedic Trauma

Sudden injuries from accidents, such as fractures and ligament tears, require prompt and expert care. Our orthopedic trauma services include immediate evaluations, surgical repair if needed, and follow-up care to ensure proper healing.

Arthritis Treatment

We provide comprehensive arthritis treatment plans that include medication, physical therapy, joint injections, and surgical options when necessary. Our goal is to reduce your pain and help you maintain mobility for as long as possible.

Personalized Recovery Plans

No two patients are alike, which is why Dr. Sean Thompson creates detailed recovery plans based on your diagnosis, physical condition, and long-term goals. These plans often include a combination of in-office treatments, home exercises, and physical therapy sessions.

By staying actively involved in your care, we ensure that your recovery is smooth, effective, and aligned with your lifestyle. Regular follow-up visits allow us to track your progress, make adjustments, and provide additional support if needed.

Why Choose Dr. Sean Thompson?

Choosing a qualified orthopedic specialist is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your healthcare journey. Here’s why patients across NY and NJ trust Dr. Sean Thompson:

  • Extensive experience treating a wide range of orthopedic conditions, especially shoulder pain
  • Expert in arthroscopy treatment and other minimally invasive procedures
  • Patient-centered philosophy that prioritizes communication and collaboration
  • Convenient access to four clinic locations
  • Dedicated support staff committed to delivering exceptional care

Ready to Say Goodbye to Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain doesn’t have to control your life. With expert care from Dr. Sean Thompson, you can take the first step toward recovery and a better quality of life. Whether you’re interested in non-surgical treatments, arthroscopy, or just want to understand what’s causing your discomfort, we’re here to help.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation. Visit us in Upper East Side Manhattan, Jamaica Estates Queens, Englewood, or Clifton, NJ, and start your journey toward a pain-free future.

Don’t wait—reclaim your strength and mobility with Dr. Sean Thompson.

Let shoulder pain be a thing of the past. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.