Why choose Geisinger for shoulder and elbow care?
When shoulder or elbow pain means you can’t reach, lift or get a good night’s rest, you need a team that listens and acts quickly. Here, our orthopedic specialists are experts at pinpointing the source of your discomfort — whether it’s a sudden sports injury or the gradual wear and tear of daily life.
Using a “conservative-first” approach, we offer a range of non-surgical treatments, including specialized physical therapy and advanced injection therapies designed to reduce inflammation and restore function.
If surgery is the best path forward, you’ll have access to the region’s most innovative procedures, including Mako® robotic-arm assisted surgery. By combining nationally recognized expertise with a personalized touch, find the support you need to get back to your daily routine safely and with lasting results.
Treatments and services we offer
Related specialties
FAQs
What are common shoulder and elbow pain conditions?
Many factors can influence arm health. Identifying these triggers is the first step toward lasting relief. Common conditions include:
- Rotator cuff injury: Damage to the muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder, often causing a dull ache or weakness.
- Shoulder arthritis: When your shoulder joints are inflamed, it can cause stiffness and discomfort. While there’s no cure for arthritis, treatment focuses on managing symptoms to keep you moving.
- Tendon injury: Including tears or irritation (tendinitis) in the elbow — such as tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow — or shoulder.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion your joints.
- Fracture: A break in the bone that can cause sudden instability, intense pain and difficulty moving your arm.
- Sprain: Occurs when the ligaments in your shoulder or elbow are stretched or torn, leading to pain and swelling in the affected area.
How is shoulder and elbow pain diagnosed?
A clear diagnosis gives you a personalized path to relief. During your visit, specialists may use the following to find the root cause of your discomfort:
- Physical exam: Your doctor will assess your shoulder and elbow for any abnormalities and observe your range of motion. This hands-on evaluation helps us pinpoint the exact source of your pain.
- X-ray: We use X-rays to get a clear image of your bone structure, which helps us identify fractures, alignment issues or signs of arthritis.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): If we need a closer look at your soft tissues, an MRI provides detailed images of your ligaments, tendons and muscles to identify sprains or tears.
If you have excruciating pain or swelling, an open wound or signs of infection (redness, warmth, tenderness or a fever), seek immediate medical attention.
Shoulder and elbow care at Geisinger
Our orthopedic team offers the latest, most minimally invasive procedures to help you recover faster. Here, you’ll find:
- Comprehensive orthopedic expertise: From treating common wear and tear to complex fractures, our team provides unmatched expertise. Whether you need sports medicine, specialized physical therapy or advanced surgery, you’re in expert hands.
- World-class care, close to home: With 24 locations throughout central and northeastern Pennsylvania, our experienced orthopedic team provides evaluations, consultations and care. Get leading-edge treatment options and tailored-to-you care backed by the expertise and innovation of a nationally recognized health system.
- Mako robotic-arm assisted surgery: Access the region’s only Mako joint replacement surgery for a higher level of precision for total and partial joint replacements. Mako procedures are available at Geisinger Community Medical Center, Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital and Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre.