At Mass General Brigham, shoulder care is provided by orthopedic specialists. These are doctors trained to diagnose and treat the full range of shoulder problems. Depending on your needs, you may also work with sports medicine physicians, physical therapists, or rehabilitation experts as part of your integrated care team.
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Shoulder pain and injury care in New England
As one of the nation's leading healthcare systems, Mass General Brigham provides orthopedic shoulder care that reflects our commitment to excellence, innovation, and compassion. Our world-renowned shoulder experts treat everything from common sports injuries to the most complex shoulder and scapula (shoulder blade) disorders.
Our scapula program is one of only a few in the world dedicated to diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the shoulder blade and surrounding structures, helping patients recover mobility and strength after traumatic injury or chronic pain.
Shoulder conditions we treat
Our orthopedic team diagnoses and treats the full spectrum of shoulder conditions, including:
- Arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis
- Brachial plexus injuries
- Shoulder bursitis
- Dislocation or separation (AC joint injury)
- Shoulder fractures
- Frozen shoulder
- Impingement
- Muscle and tendon injuries
- Nerve pain
- Overuse injuries
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Sports injuries
Our care also includes expertise in treating scapular fractures, winging, misalignment, and other complex shoulder blade conditions. These cases often require advanced imaging, customized surgical reconstruction, and dedicated rehabilitation to restore stability and function.
Our care team
We bring together surgical innovation and whole-person care to treat shoulder conditions with precision and compassion. Whether you're exploring physical therapy or considering complex surgery, our team of orthopedic surgeons, clinicians, and rehabilitation specialists works closely with each other and with you to develop a plan that promotes long-term recovery.
What are my treatment options?
Surgery for shoulder conditions
Our orthopedic shoulder surgeons perform advanced procedures, including:
- Arthroscopy, debridement and other procedures for joint preservation and cartilage repair
- Shoulder replacement surgery
- Fracture repair and ligament reconstruction
- Rotator cuff repair
- Tendon repair and transfer
At Mass General Brigham, we use surgical techniques that support the best possible alignment, promote faster recovery, and help you maintain long-term mobility.
Non-surgical treatment options for shoulder conditions
Not every condition requires surgery. Depending on your diagnosis, symptoms, and goals, your care plan may include:
- Physical therapy to strengthen and restore movement
- Image-guided corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain
- Shockwave therapy to stimulate healing in injured tissues
- Custom orthotics and bracing for improved support and alignment
- Medications to manage symptoms
- Activity modifications to help you stay comfortable and active
Our goal is to relieve pain, improve mobility, and help you avoid or delay surgery whenever possible. Your shoulder specialist may recommend exploring regenerative medicine treatments, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or stem cell injections. Regenerative medicine uses your body’s own cells to support healing and reduce inflammation in damaged tissues.
Comprehensive shoulder care and recovery
From your first consultation to your final follow-up, our team works together with you to ensure your safe and smooth recovery. We offer:
- Personalized pre-surgical education and planning so you know what to expect
- Tailored anesthesia and pain management strategies
- Individualized post-surgical rehabilitation to help you regain movement
- Ongoing support as you return to activity and independence
Why choose Mass General Brigham for shoulder care?
As a leading healthcare system, Mass General Brigham brings together nationally recognized expertise from some of the best orthopedic hospitals in the area—including Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Spaulding Rehabilitation. We offer convenient care throughout New England.
When you choose us for shoulder care, you benefit from:
- Treatment from leading orthopedic shoulder surgeons
- Innovative techniques and technology, like our tendon transfer procedure
- Specialized expertise in complex shoulder and scapula reconstruction, with one of the nation’s only dedicated scapula programs
- Comprehensive, coordinated care from diagnosis through rehabilitation
- A track record of excellent outcomes and patient satisfaction
Frequently asked questions
You should see a shoulder specialist if pain or stiffness limits your daily activities, lasts more than a few weeks, or returns after rest and home care. To schedule an appointment, call 857-282-3300.
Mass General Brigham offers a full range of orthopedic shoulder treatments, from physical therapy, medication, and injections to advanced surgery and rehabilitation. Your care plan is personalized to your needs and delivered through our integrated system, so every step of your recovery is coordinated to help you return to the activities you love.
It can be hard to tell the difference on your own. At Mass General Brigham, diagnosing a shoulder injury begins with a physical exam and a review of your symptoms. Your shoulder specialist may also order imaging tests, such as X-rays or an MRI, to better understand the cause of your shoulder pain and create a treatment plan that’s right for you.
In most cases, you do not need a referral to see a shoulder specialist. Some insurance plans may require one, so it’s a good idea to check your coverage before scheduling.
