Dr Mark Adickes | Shoulder Specialist Houston TX

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

The shoulder is one of the most flexible joints in the body, allowing a wide range of motion, but this flexibility also makes it more vulnerable to injury. Common causes of shoulder pain include overuse, trauma, sports injuries, and age-related degeneration.

Because the shoulder relies on a complex system of muscles, tendons, and ligaments for stability, even minor injuries can affect movement and function.

• Rotator cuff tears
• Shoulder impingement
• Shoulder instability and dislocation
• Labral tears (SLAP tears)
• Frozen shoulder
• Tendinitis and bursitis

These conditions often result from repetitive overhead motion, trauma, or gradual wear and tear.

Comprehensive Shoulder Treatment Approach

Treatment for shoulder conditions ranges from conservative care to advanced surgical techniques, depending on the severity of the injury. Options may include physical therapy, injections, and minimally invasive procedures such as shoulder arthroscopy, which uses small incisions and allows for faster recovery.

Shoulder Injury

Symptoms that should lead you to make an appointment with a specialist.

1. Instability (ball won’t stay in socket)
2. Pain affecting everyday activities
3. Weakness
4. Progressive painful stiffness
5. Painful popping/catching.

Normal Anatomy of the Shoulder Joint

How does the Shoulder joint work?

Rotator Cuff Tear

Rotator cuff is the group of tendons in the shoulder joint providing support and enabling wider range of motion. Major injury to these tendons may result in tear of these tendons and the condition is called as rotator cuff tear.

Find out more about Rotator Cuff Tear from the following links.

Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder impingement is also called as swimmer’s shoulder, tennis shoulder, or rotator cuff tendinitis. It is the condition of inflammation of the tendons of the shoulder joint caused by motor vehicle accidents, trauma, and while playing sports such as tennis, baseball, swimming and weight lifting.

Shoulder Arthroscopy

Shoulder arthroscopy is a surgical procedure in which an arthroscope is inserted into the shoulder joint. The benefits of arthroscopy are smaller incisions, faster healing, a more rapid recovery, and less scarring. Arthroscopic surgical procedures are often performed on an outpatient basis and the patient is able to return home on the same day.

Shoulder Dislocation

Playing more overhead sports activities and repeated use of shoulder at workplace may lead to sliding of the upper arm bone, the ball portion, from the glenoid-the socket portion of the shoulder. The dislocation might be a partial dislocation (subluxation) or a complete dislocation. causing pain and shoulder joint instability. Shoulder joint often dislocates in the forward direction (anterior instability) and it may also dislocate in backward or downward direction.

Shoulder Labral Tear

The shoulder joint is a “ball and socket” joint that enables the smooth gliding and thereby the movements of arms. However it is inherently unstable because of the shallow socket. A soft rim of cartilage, the labrum lines the socket and deepens it so that it accommodates the head of the upper arm bone better.

Click on the topics below to find out more from the Orthopaedic connection website of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

When to Consider Shoulder Surgery

Surgery may be recommended when non-surgical treatments fail to relieve symptoms or when structural damage is present. Minimally invasive procedures, such as arthroscopy, are commonly used to repair damaged tissues while preserving surrounding structures.

Shoulder Surgery Recovery and Rehabilitation Overview

Recovery from shoulder treatment varies depending on the condition and procedure. In many cases:

• Mild conditions improve with therapy over several weeks
• Arthroscopic procedures allow faster recovery than open surgery
• Structured rehabilitation is essential to restore strength and mobility

A personalized recovery plan helps patients safely return to daily activities and sports.

Why Choose Mark S. Adickes, MD for Shoulder Care?

Patients choose Dr. Adickes for his specialized expertise in sports medicine and athlete-focused care. As a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon and former professional athlete, he understands the demands of recovery and performance. His approach emphasizes accurate diagnosis, minimally invasive techniques, and individualized treatment plans designed to restore function and prevent future injury.

Serving Houston and Surrounding Communities

Conveniently located in Houston, TX, this practice serves patients throughout the region, including Katy, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Memorial, and surrounding communities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder Injuries

What is the most common cause of shoulder pain?

Rotator cuff injuries and overuse-related conditions are among the most common causes of shoulder pain.

Do all shoulder injuries require surgery?

No. Many shoulder conditions can be treated with physical therapy, medication, or injections. Surgery is typically recommended only when conservative treatments fail.

How long does it take to recover from a shoulder injury?

Recovery can range from a few weeks for mild conditions to several months for more complex injuries or surgical procedures.

What is shoulder arthroscopy?

Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small camera to diagnose and treat shoulder problems through small incisions.

When should I see a shoulder specialist?

If your shoulder pain lasts more than a few weeks, worsens, or limits your daily activities, it’s important to seek evaluation.

Can shoulder injuries heal on their own?

Some minor injuries may improve with rest and therapy, but more severe conditions often require medical evaluation and treatment.

If you are experiencing shoulder pain, weakness, or limited mobility, schedule a consultation with Dr. Mark Adickes to explore advanced treatment options and begin your recovery.