Millions of Americans suffer a shoulder injury every year. At Bay Area Orthopaedic & Sports Specialists in Emeryville, California, Warren J. Strudwick, Jr., M.D., treats adults with a shoulder injury caused by overuse, trauma, sports, or work. He is the shoulder specialist Bay Area and Oakland clients rely on, providing individualized treatment for real and lasting relief. His team offers compassionate care and personal attention in a warm and relaxing setting. To learn more about the latest, most effective treatment options available after a shoulder injury and to book your appointment with our shoulder specialist in Oakland, call the office to get a consultation with Dr. Strudwick today.
Shoulder Specialist
Bay Area & Oakland
Putting an end to shoulder pain for good
”Meeting Dr. Strudwick has truly been a blessing. It’s just been an awesome experience and can not wait to be back playing basketball.
EJ G.Basketball player
When should I see a shoulder specialist for my shoulder pain?
Pain is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, it’s always a good idea to contact Dr. Strudwick, a leading shoulder specialist in Oakland and the Bay Area.
Other signs that you should schedule a visit to Bay Area Orthopaedic & Sports Specialists include redness, swelling, and tenderness around the shoulder joint. Without treatment, you can worsen your injury and cause even more pain and discomfort.
If your shoulder appears to be deformed or you’re experiencing severe pain and lack of movement or weakness, you should seek immediate medical assistance from the most trusted shoulder specialist Oakland and Bay Area residents rely on.
What causes shoulder pain?
The shoulder is a complex ball-and-socket joint made up of three bones which are cushioned by cartilage. The most mobile joint in your body, this joint allows you to move your shoulders up and down and move your arms up and away from your body in a circular motion.
When overuse, degeneration or trauma causes damage to the bones, ligaments, muscles, or tendons of the shoulder you may feel pain and limited activity. Shoulder pain tends to increase with activity.
Shoulder problems generally fall into four categories:
▸ Tendon or soft tissue inflammation or tears
▸ Instability
▸ Cartilage injury (arthritis, chondromalacia)
▸ Arthritis
▸ Fractures
Other, more rare causes of shoulder pain include infection, nerve and blood vessel damage, and tumors.
How is shoulder pain treated?
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for a shoulder injury. That’s why you need the shoulder specialist Oakland and Bay Area clients trust. After a thorough medical evaluation, physical exam, and diagnostic imaging, Dr. Strudwick determines the cause of your pain and recommends treatment for your injury.
He combines traditional methods, noninvasive treatments, and advanced orthopaedic and joint surgery techniques to give you the best results. The goal is always to increase your mobility, strength, and to reduce pain and discomfort.
Dr. Strudwick offers a variety of orthopaedic surgery options to treat shoulder joint pain, including:
▸ Shoulder arthroscopy: surgery utilizing a tiny camera to look inside and repair tissues inside and around your shoulder joint
▸ Rotator cuff repair: surgical repair of a torn tendon in your shoulder
▸ Arthroscopic debridement: removing damaged cartilage or soft tissue from your shoulder joint
▸ Distal bicep repair: repairing a torn tendon located near your elbow
▸ Distal clavicle resection subacromial decompression: relieving pain or loss of motion due to arthritis or impingement
Occupational Therapy FAQs
What is the best doctor for shoulder problems?
Shoulder disorders are best treated by occupational therapists as well as sports medicine specialists. These experts diagnose and treat shoulder ailments as well as provide expert therapy and advice.
What is the most common reason for shoulder pain?
Rotator cuff tendonitis causes most shoulder discomfort. That said, overuse, repeated actions, and aging induce rotator cuff tendinitis.
What are two warning signs of a rotator cuff tear?
Persistent shoulder discomfort, particularly at night, and arm weakness while lifting or rotating the arm are two rotator cuff injury warning indications.
How can I tell if shoulder pain is serious?
Shoulder pain that is serious, comes on quickly, gets stronger or shifts form, or stops the shoulder from moving could be a sign of a dangerous problem. In these cases, people need medical attention right away.
Can shoulder pain be a symptom of something else?
Shoulder discomfort may be a symptom of several things. Shoulder discomfort may be caused by rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement, bursitis, arthritis, or referred pain from gallbladder or heart issues. To discover whether your shoulder discomfort is a symptom of another issue, you should see an expert for a full examination.
Do I need a referral to see a shoulder specialist?
Whether you need a referral depends on your health insurance plan. Some plans require a referral from a primary care physician, while others allow you to schedule directly with a specialist. It’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider first, or contact the shoulder specialist’s office—they can often help you navigate the process.
At what point should I go to a shoulder specialist for shoulder pain?
You should see a doctor if shoulder pain persists for more than a few days, interferes with daily activities, limits your range of motion, or occurs after an injury. If you experience swelling, weakness, or pain that disrupts sleep, it’s time to consult a specialist for diagnosis and to explore treatment options before symptoms worsen.
Warren J. Strudwick, Jr., M.D.
Warren J. Strudwick, Jr., M.D., is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) with nearly three decades of experience treating adults with musculoskeletal conditions. As the founder of Bay Area Orthopaedic & Sports Specialists in Emeryville, California, Dr. Strudwick is dedicated to providing exceptional orthopedic care, specializing in knee and shoulder injuries, joint restoration, cartilage repair, and conditions resulting from degeneration, overuse, trauma, and work-related injuries. His expertise includes advanced procedures such as knee surgery, meniscus tear repair, and PRP therapy, ensuring patients receive comprehensive, state-of-the-art treatment for pain relief and mobility restoration.
Dr. Strudwick earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Brown University before completing his medical degree at Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C. He then pursued an orthopedic surgery residency and a general surgery internship at the prestigious Stanford University Medical Center. Further refining his expertise, he completed a fellowship in reconstructive knee surgery and sports medicine at Jean Monnet University in France. His extensive training and commitment to innovation make him a trusted leader in orthopedic care.
Taking the first step
These are just some of the orthopedic surgery options available to you. Call Bay Area Orthopaedic & Sports Specialists to schedule a consultation with the best shoulder specialist in the Bay Area and Oakland and learn how you can become active and pain-free again after injury and possible surgery.