Chronic shoulder pain can significantly impact your daily life, making simple tasks difficult and limiting your ability to enjoy your favorite activities. If you’re experiencing persistent stiffness, aching, or weakness in your shoulder, understanding the available treatment options is crucial for finding relief and returning to your normal routine.
That’s why Vero Orthopaedics is proud to present a free seminar, “Understanding Shoulder Replacement: Relief, Recovery, and Results,” led by our new provider Lazaro (Laz) Mesa, M.D., a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in shoulder, elbow, and hand surgery.
Join us on Wednesday, September 10, at 6:00 p.m. at the Vero Orthopaedics Office for an informative session dedicated to understanding and managing shoulder pain, especially when shoulder replacement might be the best path forward.
Dr. Mesa will explain the common causes of shoulder pain that may necessitate surgery, discuss the latest advancements in shoulder replacement, and outline the various treatment strategies available, including what to expect during recovery. Dr. Mesa is fluent in English and Spanish.
Understanding Shoulder Pain: When Replacement is an Option
Shoulder pain can stem from various conditions, often involving damage to the joint’s cartilage or surrounding tissues. Dr. Mesa will explain common causes that might lead to considering shoulder replacement, such as:
- Osteoarthritis: Often called “wear and tear” arthritis, it causes cartilage to break down, leading to pain and stiffness.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation and can damage shoulder cartilage and bone.
- Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy: A severe type of arthritis that develops after a large, long-standing rotator cuff tear.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Arthritis that develops after a severe shoulder injury or fracture.
- Avascular Necrosis: A condition where the bone tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply, often affecting the shoulder joint.
Dr. Mesa will also discuss the typical symptoms that indicate a shoulder problem might warrant investigation, such as:
- Chronic, persistent shoulder pain that doesn’t respond to conservative treatments
- Significant stiffness and loss of range of motion in the shoulder
- Weakness in the arm or difficulty performing overhead activities
- Grinding, clicking, or popping sensations in the shoulder
- Pain that worsens with activity or at night
Discover Effective Treatment Options for Shoulder Pain and Replacement
The good news is that advancements in orthopaedic surgery offer excellent solutions for severe shoulder pain. Dr. Mesa will discuss a comprehensive range of treatment options, including both non-surgical and surgical approaches, with a focus on shoulder replacement:
Conservative Management (prior to considering surgery):
- Rest and activity modification
- Pain medications (over-the-counter and prescription)
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Physical therapy (including strengthening and flexibility exercises)
- Corticosteroid injections
Surgical Options (when conservative treatments are not effective):
Dr. Mesa will provide a detailed overview of shoulder replacement surgery, including:
- Total Shoulder Replacement: Replacing both the ball and socket of the shoulder joint.
- Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement: A specialized procedure often used for those with rotator cuff tear arthropathy, where the ball and socket positions are reversed.
- Partial Shoulder Replacement: Replacing only the ball of the joint.
- Latest advancements: Discussion of minimally invasive techniques and new prosthetic designs that enhance recovery and results.
He will also cover what to expect during the recovery period, including physical therapy, pain management, and the typical timeline for returning to activities.
Why You Should Attend This Seminar
This free seminar provides an excellent opportunity to learn from a highly qualified orthopaedic shoulder specialist. You’ll gain a better understanding of the causes and symptoms of chronic shoulder pain, especially when shoulder replacement might be the most effective solution.
Discover the various treatment options available to help you find lasting relief and get back to an active life. The Q&A session will allow you to ask Dr. Mesa your specific questions about your shoulder health.
Don’t let shoulder pain keep you sidelined. Reserve your spot today by sending an RSVP to Seminars@VeroOrtho.com. Seating is limited!
