The Role of Diagnostic Imaging in Shoulder Injury Assessment
Tools Of The Trade For Diagnostic Imaging For Shoulder Injuries
Did you know that shoulder injuries account for over 20% of all athletic injuries? The term “shoulder” refers to a complex network of joints, tendons, and muscles, resembling a finely tuned team working together to execute a variety of arm movements. Detecting shoulder injuries is a complex task that requires advanced technology for diagnostic imaging. This detailed imaging of shoulder joints allows doctors to obtain insights into the joint for an accurate and thorough diagnosis.
Whether you occasionally join a pickup game of basketball at the gym or dedicate time to a team, recovering from a shoulder injury can be challenging. Shoulder injuries occur in all shapes and sizes, and we have years of experience treating patients with successful return-to-sport outcomes. If you’ve noticed a nagging pain in your shoulder that’s keeping you from performing at your top level, contact Sievers Sports Medicine today.
It’s time to shrug off that shoulder pain, and we can help.
Diagnostic Imaging For Shoulder Injuries
No two shoulder injuries are alike. Between the sports you participate in, your level of play, and the intensity of your training, the pain could happen at any time.
Common types of sports-related shoulder injuries include:
- Rotator Cuff Tears: Results from repetitive overhead motions like in baseball and swimming or from falls and other accidents.
- Dislocations: In high-impact sports like football, rugby, and wrestling, where hard hits and awkward falls are common, the shoulder can pop out of place due to the force.
- Impingement Syndrome: When the upper part of the shoulder blade (acromion) puts pressure on the rotator cuff tendons and bursa while moving your arm, it can result in bursitis and tendinitis, causing pain and limited range of motion.
- Osteoarthritis: Often a result of chronic wear and tear that develops slowly over time, causing inflammation, stiffness, and pain.
We utilize a variety of onsite imaging tools and techniques, like X-rays and diagnostic ultrasounds.
X-rays are a tried and true method of medical imaging, offering a quick and efficient way to get a detailed look at the bones that make up the shoulder joint. This makes X-rays an essential first step in the diagnostic process, helping us rule out fractures, dislocations, and other bone-related issues.
For sports-related shoulder injuries, X-rays are indispensable for assessing acute injuries, such as fractures resulting from a fall or collision. Additionally, X-rays are instrumental in identifying degenerative conditions like arthritis, which can affect the joint surfaces over time.
Diagnostic Ultrasound imaging offers a dynamic and real-time view of the shoulder’s soft tissues by using high-frequency sound waves. This portable and versatile diagnostic tool is particularly beneficial for assessing conditions like tendonitis, bursitis, and muscle tears. The real-time capabilities of ultrasound allow us to visualize the shoulder in motion, providing valuable insights into the dynamic aspects of an injury.
A Personalized Treatment Program With Sievers Sports Medicine
We tailor every diagnosis and treatment plan to the individual with the combination of our experience, onsite technology, and recommended treatment options. We begin with a thorough evaluation of your medical history and current condition to understand your overall health and well-being. Then we’ll conduct a physical assessment of your injury using a variety of diagnostic tools and procedures to ensure the right diagnosis for effective treatment.
Our personalized approach to sports medicine may include next-level diagnostic imaging tests such as MRIs and CT scans. Our physician specializes in a variety of evidence-based procedures, including guided ultrasound injections or PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and cutting-edge technologies like Stem Cell treatments.
Don’t wait any longer to treat your shoulder pain and get back in the game. Call us today!