Cutting-Edge Shoulder Specialists in Fort Myers, FL

The shoulder joint can be described as similar to a golf ball (the top of the arm bone) sitting on a tee (a shallow depression in the scapula or shoulder blade), from which it can easily fall off. Therefore, it is inherently unstable, yet is one of the most mobile joints in the body, which makes it a common site of injury. The necessary stability and mobility are provided by the rotator cuff, a group of ligaments, tendons, and muscles that surround the joint and anchor the bones in the socket. All of these can also become injured, causing serious shoulder pain.

At Orthopedic Specialists of SW Florida (OSSWF), our Fort Myers orthopedic surgeons prioritize noninvasive treatments over surgery. We explore the more conservative options, such as physical therapy and rehabilitation, to achieve pain relief. This will often be enough to achieve the desired results. However, everyone is different and treatment depends on the patient’s age, level of activity, general health and the type of injury or problem. Whether you need surgery or not, we’ll work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan that works specifically for you.

If you're ready to explore your treatment options with the top orthopedic surgeons Fort Myers has to offer, request an appointment online with Orthopedic Specialists of SWFL today. We look forward to meeting you soon!

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Fort Myers Orthopedic Doctors for Shoulder Pain & Surgery

Shoulder pain may be experienced in the areas around the shoulder or down the arm. Shoulder pain is commonly the result of age-related degeneration, arthritis, trauma, repetitive sports activities, overuse or increasing problems with instability, limits on range of motion, and impingement of soft tissue or bone.

Common shoulder problems we treat at OSSWF include:

Dislocation: This occurs when the ball of the upper arm comes out of its socket. Dislocation can occur from a fall or blow to the shoulder or from a sudden, powerful movement of the arm.
Separation: This happens when the ligaments that hold the clavicle (collarbone) to the shoulder blade are stretched or torn. A separation is also sometimes called an AC joint separation. This type of injury is most often caused by a fall onto the shoulder or outstretched arm.
Rotator cuff disease: The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that hold the shoulder joint together and allow the shoulder to move. These muscles can become weak or the tendons can become frayed, torn, or inflamed. Rotator cuff disease is a common cause of shoulder pain, especially in older adults.
Rotator cuff tears: A rotator cuff tear is a partial or complete tear of the muscles and tendons that make up the rotator cuff. A rotator cuff tear can occur suddenly, such as from a fall, or it can happen gradually over time from the wear-and-tear of aging.
Frozen shoulder: Frozen shoulder is a condition in which the shoulder becomes stiff, painful, and has limited range of motion. It usually occurs in people ages 40 to 60 and is more common in women than men.
Fractures: A fracture is a break in the bone. Fractures of the shoulder are usually caused by a fall or direct blow to the shoulder.
Arthritis in shoulder: Arthritis is a general term for conditions that affect the joints, including the shoulder. The most common type of arthritis that affects the shoulder is osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative disease that occurs when the cartilage (the cushioning material between the bones) breaks down.
Impingement: Impingement is a condition in which the shoulder bones or soft tissue come into contact with each other, causing pain.
Broken clavicle: The clavicle (collarbone) is a bone that runs from the shoulder to the chest. It can be broken by a fall on the shoulder or outstretched arm.

If you're experiencing shoulder pain, the first step is to schedule a consultation with one of our orthopedic specialists. We will conduct a thorough examination and review your medical history in order to make an accurate diagnosis. From there, we will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan that meets your specific needs.

Our Shoulder Specialists

Antonio Flores, MD
Role: Surgery of the Hand, Elbow & Shoulder
Camilo Guzman, MD
Role: Joint Replacement of the Shoulder, Hip & Knee
Fletcher Reynolds, MD
Role: Sports Medicine, Joint Replacement of the Shoulder, Hip & Knee Surgery
P. Jeffrey Richards, MD
Role: Surgery of the Hand, Elbow & Shoulder
Charles Springer, MD
Role: Sports Medicine, Joint Replacement of the Shoulder, Hip & Knee

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of shoulder surgery are available at OSSWF?

Surgery is reserved for advanced and severe cases of shoulder pain when conservative measures fail to provide improvements.

Rotator cuff surgery may be recommended when the patient is passionate about an active lifestyle. The vast majority of patients find a dramatic improvement in pain, strength, and mobility. Patients may have the option for minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery, mini-open repair and open repair.
Shoulder Joint Replacement surgery may be recommended when the pain is so severe that it interferes with daily activities like reaching, dressing, or when the pain interferes with sleep, and there is weakness or a loss of motion.
Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement is a total shoulder joint replacement but, the ball and socket positions are switched. This procedure is especially beneficial for patients who do not have a functioning rotator cuff.

When should I see an orthopedic doctor near me about my shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain can be referred from the heart, gallbladder or diaphragm. If you have shoulder pain coupled with difficulty breathing or tightness in your chest, seek immediate medical attention.

Call OSSWF when you have:

Significant shoulder pain accompanied by swelling, redness, and tenderness at the joint with a loss of range of motion
Pain that gets worse with movement
A prior shoulder injury causes pain or pain gets worse
When shoulder pain persists despite home care and prevents you from performing routine activities or work
Pain from reaching overhead
Pain prevents you from participating in your favorite sports

Do your orthopedic doctors near me accept health insurance?

Yes! At OSSWF, we want premium orthopedic care to be available to as many patients as possible. That’s why we’re proud to accept insurance from a variety of providers across the Southwest Florida region. Visit our Insurance page to learn more about our providers, and feel free to reach out to our friendly and compassionate staff with any questions.

How can I get started with the best shoulder doctor near me?

If you or a loved one suffers from an injury, trauma or degenerative disease that affects the function of their shoulder, call the well-respected and specialized orthopedic surgeons in SW Florida.

OSSWF makes it easy to get started on your road to a complete recovery. Just use our online scheduling tool to request your first consultation with us. We can’t wait to get started.

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