Sports Medicine Doctor Upper Saddle River NJ

How Do I Know If My Shoulder Pain Is Serious?

How Can Our Orthopedic Surgeon in Manhattan Help Your Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain is not uncommon, but it can mean many different things.  Your shoulder is one of the most complex and overused joints in the body.  It is composed of many different bones, muscles, and ligaments, so when people speak of “shoulder pain,” there are various conditions that could be present. While most shoulder pains are minor and can be healed quickly, some shoulder pains indicate underlying conditions, and patients may need a sports medicine doctor upper saddle river NJ with NYSMI.

Sports Medicine Doctor Upper Saddle River NJ

Shoulder Pain Symptoms

Often, pain arises from overuse of the same muscles, such as in playing sports like tennis.  Shoulder injury or pain can also arise from overextension, impact injury, trauma, or underlying conditions such as arthritis. These are some symptoms of shoulder pain that may indicate a more serious problem, and a sports medicine doctor upper saddle river NJ should be consulted if:

  • You can’t move your shoulder over your head or perform any normal movement
  • Your shoulder feels like it is not in its socket
  • Your shoulder joint doesn’t visibly look right
  • The shoulder is swelling
  • The arm or hand of the injured shoulder is weak or numb
  • Pain at night that interferes with sleep

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor, who may refer you to a physical therapist or a sports medicine doctor upper saddle river NJ.

Serious Shoulder Injuries

These symptoms can be a sign of these more serious conditions that require medical attention:

  • Dislocation: This occurs when the arm joint pops out of the shoulder socket.  Dislocation often causes pain, swelling, and inability to move.
  • Rotator Cuff Injuries: The rotator cuff keeps the arm bone inside the shoulder socket.  The tendons of the rotator cuff can become inflamed if overused, causing painful tendonitis. Tears of the rotator cuff can be severely painful, and to heal, an orthopedic surgery may be needed.
  • Frozen Shoulder: This condition is often seen in patients who have not used their shoulder for a considerable period of time, like in recovery from surgery, but the cause is widely unknown.  With frozen shoulder, adhesions build up in the shoulder joint, leaving you with stiffness and  inability to move the shoulder.  Without treatment, frozen shoulder usually heals on its own in about 18 months.  However, if your doctor believes that the shoulder isn’t healing on its own, this is a condition that may require an orthopedic surgery.

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  • Shoulder Bursitis: This is usually characterized by a deep ache or soreness, and a swollen shoulder.  When the bursa becomes inflamed due to overuse of the shoulder, it causes pain that usually makes it hard to move the shoulder much.
  • Labral Tear: If the labrum (a band of cartilage that keeps the shoulder stable and able to move) tear is minor, strengthening the muscles with physical therapy will help.  However, a complete tear of the labrum will require surgery with an orthopedic surgery.  Be sure to check with a doctor if there is pain when moving the shoulder in an overhead motion across the chest.
  • Fracture: A fracture near the shoulder, like in the collarbone, may be very painful and make it hard to move the arm or shoulder.  If left untreated for too long, the bones may heal incorrectly which can lead to long-term pain or complications, or the need for surgery. If you hear a pop or have reason to believe that a fall or other injury has caused a fracture, seek medical attention right away.

Treatment For Shoulder Injuries With An Sports Medicine Doctor Upper Saddle River NJ

It can be difficult to self-diagnose the pain in your shoulder, seeing as there are so many conditions related to shoulder pain. If you believe to be suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions and are seeking a sports medicine doctor upper saddle river NJ, consider NYSMI.  Our surgeons provide a variety of highly specialized treatments both surgical and noninvasive to properly treat your shoulder injuries.  Visit our website for more information, or schedule an appointment today!


How Can I Treat My Frozen Shoulder?

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Unfortunately, people who suffer from Frozen Shoulder often experience a lot of pain. A frozen shoulder can cause stiffness and soreness in the joint and can be very frustrating. It can even be difficult to perform normal day-to-day tasks. Luckily, there are some things that you can do to treat your Frozen Shoulder! At New York Sports Medicine Institute, our sports medicine doctor upper saddle river NJ wants to see your pain be relieved which is why we offer you resources and treatment!

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen Shoulder is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. This happens when the shoulder capsule becomes too thick which makes moving difficult. This can cause scar tissue to form as well as limit the liquid that normally lubricates this area. Luckily, there are some ways to treat this condition!

How Do You Know If You Have Frozen Shoulder?

There are a few warning signs that someone may have Frozen Shoulder. Pain and stiffness are huge signs of this condition but knowing the stages of Frozen Shoulder may help you diagnose it! The first stage of Frozen Shoulder usually includes pain in your shoulder that can worsen at night. This stage can last for a few months and limits your range of motion. The second stage consists of more stiffness than pain and makes it very difficult to do normal activities. This is also the longest stage that can last up to two years.

What Causes Frozen Shoulder?

Although it is unclear why Frozen Shoulder develops, some groups are more at risk of developing the condition. It is also more common in women and people who have suffered from other medical conditions such as a stroke. Diabetes and heart conditions also increase your chance of developing a Frozen Shoulder. Although a lot of these risk factors are unavoidable, you can do a few things to decrease your risk as well. Staying active and moving is a very important way to prevent Frozen Shoulder. Stiffness is less likely to occur if your shoulder is used to moving and holds a lot of strength. Staying active can also decrease your risk of many other conditions and even some conditions that are linked to Frozen Shoulder!

How to Treat Frozen Shoulder

The pain of a Frozen Shoulder can be unbearable for some which mean you can’t just sit and endure the pain. There are a few ways you can limit this pain. They include:

  • Don’t wear a sling! Frozen shoulder limits your ability to move and makes your shoulder stiff. A sling enhances these feelings by holding your arm in one place. 
  • Use your arm! Just like wearing a sling will encourage stiffness, moving around and forcing your arm to do activities can reduce the stiffness.
  • Try out some range of motion exercises. Exercises like these encourage you to test your limits and slowly work up to a higher range of motion.
  • Try shoulder exercises. By including shoulder exercises in your daily routine, you can strengthen your rotator cuff and reduce pain!
  • A corticosteroid injection from your doctor may reduce pain.
  • Physical therapy is a great way to focus on exercises that can help you specifically and reduce stiffness and pain.
  • Surgery may be an option in some cases to reverse your Frozen Shoulder.

Reaching out to a sports medicine doctor upper saddle river NJ may be beneficial and help relieve your pain. New York Sports Medicine Institute is here for you!

Contact Our Sports Medicine Doctor Upper Saddle River NJ

We understand that it can be difficult to deal with a condition like Frozen Shoulder. You feel constant pain and discomfort all while struggling to do normal activities. We know the inconvenience of this condition which is why we want to help! We offer many resources and programs to help you! Contact our sports medicine doctor upper saddle river NJ today!


Recovery For Shoulder Impingement Injuries

It is not uncommon that over the span of one’s life one may start seeing an orthopedic doctor for any issues they are having with their bones, ligaments, and joints that need to receive medical treatment. New York Sports Medicine Institute has a highly trained and experienced sports medicine doctor upper saddle river NJ that specializes in sports medicine. 

Shoulder impingement injuries are more often linked to doing activities or sports that require repetitive motions such as swimming, baseball, football, or even just doing the daily dishes over time, which causes joint damage. Our experienced sports medicine doctor upper saddle river NJ specializes in several different areas of orthopedic care to help their patients. Our doctors work out of two offices, one located in New York City and the second one White Plains which is just north of New York City in Westchester County. The team at NYSMI consists of Dr. Neil S. Roth and Physician’s Assistant Kelli A. Gallagher.

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These areas include the treatment of:

  • Shoulder pain
  • Knee pain
  • Elbow pain
  • Hip pain
  • Foot & ankle pain
  • Hand & wrist pain
  • Radiology 
  • Injections for pain

Treatment Options From Our Sports Medicine Doctor Upper Saddle River NJ

Here at New York Sports Medicine Institute, we choose to take a conservative approach to treat our patients having them attend physical therapy first and only choose to perform surgery if it is medically necessary. A shoulder injury such as shoulder impingement goes untreated it can cause more pain and medical issues down the line, so it is important to contact New York Sports Medicine Institute as soon as symptoms develop. 

Contact NYSMI – Sports Medicine Doctor Upper Saddle River NJ

If you’re someone who is experiencing shoulder pain like described above we urge you to contact New York Sports Medicine Institute and our sports medicine doctor upper saddle river NJ, Dr. Neil Roth for treatment. Feel free to set up an appointment on our website today! We look forward to working with you.


The Best Shoulder Strengthening Exercises

After injuring your shoulder, many people feel like they can’t participate in the same daily activities as they once did before. Activities such as pulling, pushing, and lifting are essential in how we function. Nobody wants to live life in pain anymore. sports medicine doctor upper saddle river NJ can help you become the person you once were before. We can treat all of your shoulder pain, so please contact NYSMI to receive treatment for your injuries!

sports medicine doctor upper saddle river NJ

The Best Shoulder Strengthening Exercises

A shoulder injury is a common injury that occurs over time through wear and tear and overuse. Receiving proper care for a shoulder injury is essential to get you back on track once again. This makes sports medicine doctor upper saddle river NJ much more significant in the recovery process.

Since the shoulder is a crucial muscle in our everyday lives, if you’re feeling pain, you need to address some of the following questions:

  • Is the pain too intense?
  • Can I still participate in everyday activities?
  • Do I have any mobility problems?

Common Shoulder Injuries

  • Dislocation: if the shoulder is pulled back too far and is out of place, it may be out of the socket, which would cause total pain and weakness in the shoulder entirely. 
  • Separation: this is an injury where the collarbone and the AC Joint get pushed out of place. If this occurs, you will see one bone on top of the other, causing it to bump on your shoulder.
  • Fracture: This is where the bone can break or crack. This will cause you to be in a lot of pain, and you will not lift or move your arm entirely. 
  • Cartilage tear: a common occurrence where pain continues to arise because you keep making the same motion repeatedly, and the body cannot properly heal. The more you continue to push this pain away, the worse it will get because the new cartilage is forming where you injured yourself.

Shoulder pain should not be taken lightly and needs to be appropriately treated to continue with our everyday lives. The more you continue to push away the pain, it will come back to hurt you in the long run.

How To Increase Strength In Your Shoulder

Many of these exercises are designed to help strengthen your shoulder muscles and not cause them to become more injured. However, if you have access to resistance bands, they can work just as well. While starting these exercises, start with light weights because while starting, you want to retain control and comfort.

  • Dumbbell front raises: Start in a standing position and hold the dumbbells in front of you while keeping elbows and knees bent. Begin to lift until you reach shoulder height and begin to repeat. Don’t go above your shoulders, as you can cause yourself to get injured.
  • Seated military press: Sit holding a dumbbell in each hand in an upright position and begin to push above your head until elbows are slightly bent. Once that position is reached, gradually move them slowly downwards and repeat.
  • Planked dumbbell shoulder raise: Holding the dumbbell, begin to position yourself in a planking position. Lift one dumbbell to about shoulder level and switch arms—alternate sides after lifting one dumbbell off the ground.

Proceed with all of these exercises with three sets and ten reps per workout. Building up the total strength is what is very important in preventing future injury from occurring. sports medicine doctor upper saddle river NJ is here to help strengthen your shoulder muscles to avoid any future injuries from occurring. These are all good exercises to help you gain total strength back in your shoulders.

Contact Our Sports Medicine Doctor Upper Saddle River NJ

At NYSMI sports medicine doctor upper saddle river NJ our team is here to help you heal and prevent any other injuries from occurring in the future. Visit us to schedule your appointment now!


What Are The Three Stages Of Frozen Shoulder?

Adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as frozen shoulder, is a condition of stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. Sometimes this capsule thickens and tightens around the shoulder joint. Restricting the shoulder’s movement causing frozen shoulder to occur. At New York Sports Medicine Institute, we can tackle frozen shoulder symptoms. Our sports medicine doctor upper saddle river NJ can provide treatment such as orthopedic therapy or surgery to relieve you of your pain.

Three Stages of Frozen Shoulder

The symptoms of frozen shoulder come in three different stages, with each stage lasting a couple of months. The first stage is the freezing stage. This freezing stage consists of any movement of the shoulder causing pain. In addition, the shoulder’s range of motion starts to become limited. The second stage is the frozen stage, commonly when pain may begin to diminish. However, during this stage, your shoulder becomes stiffer, and using it becomes more difficult. The third and final stage is the thawing stage. This stage consists of the range of motion in your shoulder beginning to improve. Our sports medicine doctor upper saddle river NJ will track your stages of frozen shoulder and help you control the symptoms.

Risk Factors of Frozen Shoulder

Doctors aren’t exactly sure why frozen shoulder occurs in some people. Although, it is more likely to occur in people who’ve had prolonged immobility or reduced mobility of the shoulder. This immobility can be from surgery or an arm fracture. Another risk factor is age and sex. People who are older than 40, particularly women, are more likely to obtain a frozen shoulder. Lastly, people who have certain diseases like the following are also more at risk:

  • Diabetes
  • Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
  • Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Tuberculosis
  • Parkinson’s disease

Prevention of Frozen Shoulder

Since one of the most common causes of frozen shoulder is the immobility of your shoulder or arm, it is important to stretch or move your arms frequently. If you’ve had an injury that makes it difficult to move your shoulder, talk to your sports medicine doctor upper saddle river NJ about exercises you can do to maintain the range of motion in your shoulder joint.

Frozen Shoulder Diagnosis

Our sports medicine doctor upper saddle river NJ will perform a physical exam to determine the severity of your frozen shoulder. We will ask you to move in certain ways to check for pain and to evaluate your active range of motion. In addition, our specialist will ask you to relax your muscles while they move your arm to check the passive range of motion. From your signs and symptoms alone, our orthopedist may be able to diagnose your frozen shoulder. However, the doctor may suggest imaging tests, such as X-rays or an MRI for further testing and to rule out other problems.

Treatment of Frozen Shoulder

Treatment for frozen shoulder involves controlling shoulder pain and preserving the shoulder’s range of motion. Medications, such as over-the-counter pain relievers, can address the pain. For more intense pain, our sports medicine doctor upper saddle river NJ may prescribe a pain reliever or an anti-inflammatory. Another treatment option is therapy. Physical or orthopedic therapy can be followed to recover as much mobility in your shoulder as possible. If symptoms don’t go away after 12 to 18 months, more invasive forms of treatment will be applied. Some of the following procedures can be administered:

  • Steroid injections- Corticosteroid injected into the shoulder joint may help decrease pain and improve shoulder mobility.
  • Joint distension- Injecting sterile water into the joint capsule to stretch the tissue and make it easier to move the joint.
  • Shoulder manipulation- The doctor moves your shoulder joint in different directions to help loosen the tightened tissue under an anesthetic. 

The surgery consists of removing scar tissue and adhesions from inside the shoulder joint.

Contact New York Sports Medicine Institute

Frozen shoulder can cause you pain and decrease your range of motion. It is important to tackle your symptoms before it gets worse. Our sports medicine doctor upper saddle river NJ can address your concerns and help to heal your shoulder. At New York Sports Medicine Institute, we aim to help our patients get back to their regular routines without pain. Schedule an appointment with our team today!


What Injuries Can You Get From Falling On Your Shoulder?

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Falling On Your Shoulder

There are 3 bones in the shoulder. The scapula (shoulder blade), clavicle (collar bone), and the humorous (arm bone). These bones when properly connected by ligaments, soft tissue, and tendons form the joints that move and support your shoulder. The vast mobility of these joints makes them very susceptible to injury, especially after a fall. Shoulder injuries due to falling are pretty common and can be quite painful. Here at New York Sports Medicine Institute, we understand these types of injuries and know how to get you on the path to recovery. If you have suffered a shoulder injury from a fall, schedule a consultation with an sports medicine doctor upper saddle river NJ and our doctors will provide you with the care you need. 

Common Situations Where Falls Occur

There is a preconceived notion that elderly people are the ones who fall. While the elderly population does make up the majority of patients who sustain falls, they certainly are not alone. The following situations are the most common where people of (all genders, ages and, fit levels) fall:

  • Roof climbing
  • Slippery wet floor/surface
  • Performing work at home on a ladder
  • Competing/practicing athletics

As you’re falling to the ground, instinctively, your first protective move is to outstretch your arm as to break the fall. This maneuver puts a majority of the force and impact on the shoulder joint leading to injury.

Common Shoulder Injuries and Treatments

Falling can result in the following:

Shoulder separation- The acromioclavicular joint is formed when the clavicle and acromion of the scapular join. Its location on the top of the shoulder makes it easy to be frequently landed on when someone falls. Depending on the severity of the separation will determine whether you require surgery to restore the joint by repairing the damaged ligaments.

Clavicle fracture- The most common shoulder injury is the clavicle fracture. For most cases, treatment consists of immobilization and physical therapy. When conservative treatment isn’t an option or doesn’t take, an open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) is needed.

Shoulder dislocation- The ball and socket glenohumeral joint is the formation of the glenoid of the scapula and head of the humerus. When an outstretched arm receives forceful impact it can cause the joint to dislocate. The severity of the dislocation dictates treatment. If there is no soft tissue damage, conservative treatments should be sufficient. In cases where there is some soft tissue damage, surgery might be necessary.

Visit A Sports Medicine Doctor Upper Saddle River NJ If You Sustain a Shoulder Injury Due to a Fall

Shoulder injuries due to falling should be seen and treated by an orthopedic specialist. Regardless of the severity, an orthopedist will have treatment options available to minimize symptoms and speed up recovery. If you fall and injure a shoulder, please don’t hesitate to contact our sports medicine doctor upper saddle river NJ so we can arrange a consultation. We here at NYSMI understand the care and urgency needed for these types of injuries.

Dr. Nicholas Delaney of NYSMI provides a wide range of treatments to properly evaluate and treat conditions affecting the shoulder. We provide physical therapy following surgical procedures to ensure optimal healing. Our patients appreciate the comfort and convenience of only having to visit one location to serve multiple needs.  

Contact Our Sports Medicine Doctor Upper Saddle River NJ Today! 

If you or someone you know is in need of an expert sports medicine doctor upper saddle river NJ, our very own, Dr. Nicholas Delaney is here to assist you. Contact New York Sports Medicine Institute today to learn more about how we can help!


Shoulder Instability

Shoulder instability is commonly known by our Sports Medicine Doctor Upper Saddle River NJ when the shoulder joint is too loose, and therefore able to slide around too much in the socket. It usually occurs when the lining of the shoulder joint, ligaments, or labrum becomes stretched, torn, or detached, which allows the ball of the shoulder joint to move. 

Shoulder Instability Explained 

On the body, the shoulder is a “ball and socket” joint. It is composed of the humeral head, known as the “ball,” and the glenoid referred to as the “socket.” When the humeral head is separated from the glenoid, it is called shoulder instability. The separation can be quick and partial which only lasts for a few seconds, known as subluxation.

Types of Shoulder Instability 

The shoulder faces a lot of use every day and can eventually lose its stability. There are several types of shoulder instability that one may experience. Sports Medicine Doctor Upper Saddle River NJ treat all kinds of shoulder instability injuries. 

One is shoulder dislocation and subluxation. Dislocations are when the humerus comes all the way out of the glenoid, whereas a subluxation is when the humerus only partially slides in and out of place quickly. 

Symptoms of Shoulder Instability 

Those with the instability of the shoulder joint may sometimes feel the ball of the shoulder come out of its socket, or “give way.” This often causes pain for the individual and can happen with certain movements of the shoulder. Additionally, a decreased range of arm and shoulder motion might be a symptom of the injury. Numbness or tingling down the arm may also indicate shoulder instability. 

Diagnosing Shoulder Instability: Sports Medicine Doctor Upper Saddle River NJ

Before seeing a Sports Medicine Doctor Upper Saddle River NJ, this exam should include palpation to check for points of tenderness and determine a range of motion and strength of the shoulder. 

As to the degree of shoulder joint looseness, specific tests can be done to assess the damage. Usually, x-rays are used to obtain information about the possible causes of the instability and to rule out other causes of shoulder pain, like a fracture. 

How to Treat Shoulder Instability: Sports Medicine Doctor Upper Saddle River NJ

Things such as activity modification, anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy can significantly help with pain and mobility of the shoulder while working towards recovery. 

It is important to rest your shoulder and avoid aggravating it for a few days after an injury. After pain and swelling go down, exercises can begin. Strengthening exercises can work to improve motion and mobility for your shoulder.

Who Gets Shoulder Instability? 

Athletes who compete in sports that require overhead activities can develop shoulder problems and pains. Additionally, those with connective tissue disorders may have loose shoulder joints which can lead to shoulder instability. Those who have suffered a prior shoulder dislocation often develop chronic shoulder instability. Males in their teens or 20s who tend to be physically active are at the highest risk for shoulder dislocation. 

How to Prevent Shoulder Dislocation 

Rotator cuff and shoulder blade/scapular exercises, combined with push-ups and exercises that challenge the stability of the joint, can help minimize the risk of this injury. 

Sports Medicine Doctor Upper Saddle River NJ

Serving patients 3 years old and up, NYSMI performs treatments and surgeries for orthopedic and sports injuries to alleviate shoulder, knee, hip, and various other pains, from mild to severe. Contact us today to request an appointment and treat your shoulder instability.


Contact Our Sports Medicine Doctor Upper Saddle River NJ

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