Shoulder Specialist

Thomas F. Saylor, M.D.

Board Certified Hand and Upper Extremity Orthopedic Surgeon & Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon located in North Palm Beach, FL

Shoulder pain is a common condition that can become a significant challenge for anyone dealing with its symptoms. At Orthopaedic Care Specialists in North Palm Beach, Florida, Thomas F. Saylor, MD, offers outstanding diagnostic and treatment services for the full scope of shoulder pain issues. Book an appointment online or by phone today to learn more and to explore options that can offer lasting relief from elbow pain.

Shoulder Q & A

Why is shoulder pain so common?

Your shoulder is among the most complex and largest joints in your body. It includes five bones and a network of muscles, tendons, ligaments, bursae, cartilage, nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues. 

A problem with any of these components can lead to joint pain. Your shoulder is also under considerable strain during lifting and other tasks, and it’s in nearly constant motion throughout each day. Viewed from this perspective, it’s surprising that shoulder pain isn’t even more common than it is. 


What are some common shoulder problems?

One of the most common sources of shoulder pain is osteoarthritis. This degenerative condition is a natural part of aging and breaks down tissues that cushion and support shoulder movement. 

Additional causes of shoulder pain include:

  • Frozen shoulder
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Gout
  • Rotator cuff tears
  • Shoulder impingement syndrome
  • Dislocation
  • Fracture
  • Tendonitis
  • Bursitis
  • Labral tear  


Many of these conditions share the same symptoms. If you notice pain or changes in your shoulder function that don’t resolve over the course of a few days of rest and self-care, schedule a diagnostic exam at Orthopaedic Care Specialists. 


What can be done to treat shoulder pain?

The first step in any treatment plan is a thorough diagnostic work-up. Dr. Saylor performs a physical exam and discusses your symptoms in detail. If needed, advanced imaging and other diagnostic tools are available. 

Once he’s determined the source of your problem, Dr. Saylor creates a customized treatment plan to restore pain-free shoulder function. That path might include a course of physical therapy, medications to address pain and reduce inflammation, or targeted stretching and postural improvements. 

If surgery is the best treatment path, you can rest assured you are in great hands. Dr. Saylor is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with extensive experience in minimally invasive shoulder arthroscopy.  

He can perform complex rotator cuff repair, total and reverse shoulder replacement, fracture reconstruction and fixation, tendon transfers, and more. Dr. Saylor also offers PRP and stem cell injections and is excited about the role that regenerative medicine can play in your treatment plan. 

When you’re ready to learn more, schedule an appointment at Orthopaedic Care Specialists online or over the phone today.