Shoulder Injuries
At Orthopaedic Sports Specialists Dr. Alex G. Dukas, Dr. Christian A. Merrill and formely Dr. Michael Joyce provide expert, evidence-based care for shoulder pain and injury — from rotator cuff tears to complex shoulder reconstruction. The shoulder is one of the most technically demanding joints to treat surgically, and our team's fellowship training in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery means you're getting care from surgeons who specialize specifically in this kind of work — not general practitioners treating the shoulder as one of many joints.
Combined with on-site X-ray, ultrasound, and physical therapy, we're able to diagnose and build a full treatment plan for your shoulder in a single, coordinated location.
Our Training & Expertise in Shoulder Care
Dr. Alex G. Dukas, MD Dr. Dukas completed his Orthopaedic Sports Medicine fellowship at the University of Utah the #1 Research funded orthopedic program in USA, with specialized training in complex shoulder reconstruction, joint preservation, and shoulder arthroplasty. His published research includes work on rotator cuff repair outcomes and shoulder replacement techniques, reflecting an ongoing focus on refining surgical approaches to the shoulder specifically.
Dr. Christian A. Merrill, MD/MBA Dr. Merrill completed his Orthopaedic Sports Medicine fellowship at the Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center — widely regarded as one of the top sports medicine fellowship programs in the country. While at ASMI, he evaluated and surgically treated elite athletes from the NFL, NBA, and Major League Baseball. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Connecticut Health Center.
Common Shoulder Conditions We Treat
Rotator Cuff Tears Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair has been one of the most significant advances in shoulder care, but it's a technically demanding procedure best performed by fellowship-trained, high-volume surgeons. We evaluate each tear individually to determine whether physical therapy or surgical repair is the right path.
Shoulder Instability & Dislocation Whether from a single traumatic injury or repeated episodes, shoulder instability is evaluated with a combination of exam, imaging, and — when needed — arthroscopic stabilization.
Shoulder Arthritis Because the shoulder isn't a weight-bearing joint, many patients tolerate shoulder arthritis longer than hip or knee arthritis. When night pain and loss of motion become significant, we discuss the full range of options, from injections to shoulder replacement.
Shoulder Replacement (Total, Partial & Reverse) Shoulder replacement is less common than hip or knee replacement and requires specialized fellowship training. We offer partial replacement for younger, high-demand patients, total shoulder replacement for more advanced arthritis, and reverse shoulder replacement for patients with arthritis combined with rotator cuff dysfunction.
Labral Tears (SLAP Tears) Tears of the labrum, the cartilage ring that stabilizes the shoulder joint, are common in overhead athletes and are addressed through targeted rehab or arthroscopic repair depending on severity.
Impingement Syndrome A frequent cause of shoulder pain during overhead activity, typically treated with physical therapy, activity modification, and occasionally injections.
Biceps Tendon Injuries Tendinitis or tears of the biceps tendon at the shoulder, often occurring alongside rotator cuff or labral issues.
What to Expect at Your Visit
Your visit begins with a detailed exam and history, along with on-site X-ray or ultrasound imaging when needed. If arthroscopic surgery is required, it's performed through 2–4 small (less than ¼-inch) button-hole incisions, allowing your surgeon to fully visualize the joint and complete treatment in the same procedure. Most shoulder surgeries are outpatient, and you'll begin physical therapy within a couple of days, wearing a padded sling during initial recovery.
Treatment Options
Non-Surgical Care
Physical therapy (on-site)
Activity modification
Injections
Bracing/sling support
Surgical Care
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair
Arthroscopic stabilization for instability
Labral repair
Partial, total, and reverse shoulder replacement
Every surgical plan is explained in full before your procedure — what to expect, recovery timeline, and post-operative protocols — so you know exactly what's ahead.
Recovery & Physical Therapy
Our on-site physical therapy team works closely with our surgeons to build a coordinated recovery plan — starting before surgery, when applicable, and continuing through every stage of rehab. [Learn more about our Physical Therapy program →]
Post-operative protocols and instructions are also available in our [Patient Resources] section.
Shoulder injuries are especially common among athletes in: Baseball Football Gymnastics Basketball Swimming/Overhead Sports
[See injury information by sport →]
Common in These Sports
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all rotator cuff tears need surgery? No. Many rotator cuff tears, especially smaller or partial tears, improve with physical therapy. Larger or full-thickness tears, particularly in active patients, often benefit from arthroscopic repair. Your surgeon will help determine the right path based on your tear and your goals.
How long does shoulder replacement recovery take? Recovery varies by procedure and patient, but most patients begin physical therapy within days of surgery, with a structured rehab program continuing over several months.
What's the difference between total and reverse shoulder replacement? Total shoulder replacement is typically used for arthritis with an intact rotator cuff, while reverse shoulder replacement is designed for patients with both arthritis and rotator cuff dysfunction, changing the joint's mechanics to allow the deltoid muscle to compensate.
When should I see an orthopedic surgeon for shoulder pain? If shoulder pain persists more than a few days, limits your range of motion, wakes you up at night, or follows a specific injury, it's a good time to be evaluated.
Meet Our Shoulder Specialists
Dr. Michael E. Joyce | Dr. Alex G. Dukas | Dr. Christian A. Merrill
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