Los Angeles Shoulder Pain and Injury Doctor
Shoulder pain can have many causes. Our Los Angeles specialists use clinical testing and imaging to pinpoint the problem and recommend the right treatment, from physical therapy and injections to arthroscopic repair.
Fellowship-Trained Shoulder and Sports Medicine Surgeons
Arthroscopic and Reconstructive Shoulder Surgery
Serving Los Angeles & Orange County
Dr. Tracey Didinger, MD
Thorough Clinical Evaluation
History, imaging, and hands-on testing at every visit.
Coordinated Nonsurgical Recovery
Injections and therapy are directed by your surgeon.
Reconstructive and Arthroscopic Options
Rotator cuff and labral repair through small incisions.
Our Marina del Rey Office
-
4551 Glencoe Ave, Ste 145
Marina del Rey, CA 90292 - (562) 732-4578
- Mon-Fri 8am to 4:30pm
Shoulder Pain Treatment From a Los Angeles Rotator Cuff Specialist
Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatories help with a sore shoulder. But they don’t resolve rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, or impingement that has been getting worse for months.
When initial remedies aren’t working, you need a proper evaluation from a shoulder specialist who can identify the specific structure involved.
At Advanced Orthopaedic Care, that evaluation includes a detailed history review, a hands-on clinical exam, and imaging analysis.
Your doctor explains the diagnosis and walks through every treatment option before recommending a plan.
Shoulder Conditions Evaluated at Advanced Orthopaedic Care
A shoulder injury can result from a single incident or develop gradually over months of repetitive strain. Our shoulder injury specialists evaluate each patient individually to determine the cause and the most effective treatment.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Shoulder Instability and Dislocation
Shoulder Instability and Dislocation 
Impingement and Inflammation
Stiffness and Arthritis
Stiffness and Arthritis
Fractures and Separations
Fractures and Separations
Sports-Related Shoulder Injuries
Sports-Related Shoulder Injuries How Our Los Angeles Shoulder Specialists Confirm Your Diagnosis
Comprehensive History
Your physician reviews when symptoms started, how the injury occurred, and what treatments you’ve already tried.
Focused Physical Exam
Individual clinical tests assess rotator cuff strength, shoulder stability, and labral integrity.
Advanced Imaging
X-rays identify bone abnormalities. MRI maps soft-tissue damage for precise treatment recommendations.
Diagnosis Delivered
You leave your appointment with a confirmed diagnosis, a treatment recommendation, and a recovery timeline.
Nonsurgical Options for Shoulder Pain
Surgery isn’t the starting point for most shoulder conditions. Your specialist will prescribe a conservative plan when the diagnosis supports nonsurgical recovery.
-
Physical Therapy
Prescribed exercises progressively strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve the range of motion. - Cortisone Injections Targeted cortisone delivery reduces inflammation in the joint or bursa.
-
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
Your own concentrated platelets may promote tendon recovery in appropriate candidates. -
Image-Guided Injections
Ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance positions medication at the exact site of pain. -
Bracing and Activity Modification
Routine adjustments reduce repetitive shoulder strain during the recovery period.
Arthroscopic and Reconstructive Shoulder Surgery in Los Angeles
Your surgeon recommends a procedure only after conservative options have been tried and the clinical picture supports surgical intervention.
The specific technique depends on the injury, the condition of the joint, and your recovery goals.
-
Rotator Cuff Repair
Torn tendons are reattached arthroscopically to restore overhead strength and range of motion. -
Shoulder Arthroscopy
Small-incision access treats labral injuries, rotator cuff tears, bursitis, impingement, and loose cartilage fragments. -
Stabilization Procedures
Labral and capsular reconstruction corrects recurrent instability and prevents further joint damage. -
Cartilage Restoration
Surgical repair of cartilage preserves the joint surface and slows arthritic degeneration. -
Shoulder Replacement
Joint replacement surgery is recommended when the arthritic joint no longer improves with conservative treatment.
Why Los Angeles Patients Trust Advanced Orthopaedic Care for Shoulder Pain
Advanced Orthopaedic Care is led by fellowship-trained specialists with backgrounds in sports medicine and shoulder surgery.
Our physicians have provided care at the professional and collegiate athletic levels and bring that same standard to every patient visit.
Dr. Tracey Didinger
Dr. Didinger is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with a fellowship from the University of Colorado in Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery. She served as assistant team physician for the NHL Colorado Avalanche.
Dr. Didinger provides bilingual care in English and Spanish.
Dr. Kushagra Verma
Dr. Verma is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with a fellowship in complex spinal deformity. He performs minimally invasive procedures using CT-guided and computer-assisted navigation.
Hear From Our Patients
Los Angeles Shoulder Pain and Injury Doctor FAQs
How long does recovery take after arthroscopic shoulder surgery?
Gentle motion begins within the first week. Full recovery typically takes three to six months, depending on the type of repair performed.
Does every rotator cuff tear require surgery?
No. Partial tears often respond well to physical therapy and injection therapy. Surgery is reserved for large tears or cases where conservative care has not improved symptoms.
What is the difference between impingement and a rotator cuff tear?
Impingement is tissue compression beneath the bone. A rotator cuff tear is structural tendon damage. Imaging is required to distinguish between the two because symptoms overlap.
When should I see a shoulder specialist?
If your pain has lasted longer than a few weeks, if previous treatment has not helped, or if you need a diagnosis confirmed with advanced imaging.
Can neck problems cause shoulder pain?
Yes. Cervical nerve compression can send pain into the shoulder and arm. Both the neck and shoulder are assessed during your evaluation.
See a Shoulder Pain and Injury Doctor in Los Angeles
Persistent shoulder symptoms call for a thorough assessment, not another round of rest and over-the-counter medication.
Advanced Orthopaedic Care offers a complete clinical evaluation and confirmed diagnosis at your first Los Angeles appointment.