Are You Living with Shoulder Pain?

South Central Orthopedics Offers Options for Pain Relief

When your quality of life has declined due to frequent shoulder pain, South Central Orthopedics encourages you to seek treatment. Pain in the shoulder from reaching, carrying or lifting items may indicate something is wrong. Do not ignore the pain, because there are a variety of treatment options available. Orthopedic Surgeon, Thomas Baylis, MD, provides comprehensive treatment for shoulder pain, injuries and fractures.

Thomas Baylis, MD Orthopedics/Orthopedic Surgeon South Central Orthopedics

Dr. Baylis, a native of Hattiesburg, completed medical school at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in Jackson and his orthopedic surgery residency at Erlanger Medical Center-University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Chattanooga, TN. He completed a fellowship in arthroscopic surgery and sports medicine at the American Sports Medicine Institute in Birmingham. Dr. Baylis is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine.

“Orthopedics is the treatment of bones and joint injuries,” said Dr. Baylis. “At South Central Orthopedics in Laurel, we see a lot of aches and pains with joints including knees, ankles and shoulders. Shoulder pain and injuries are common issues among older adults, athletes or active adults known as ‘weekend warriors’. If someone is experiencing pain that will not go away, it is a sign to have it evaluated by a physician.”

The most common shoulder problems are due to tendon inflammation known as tendinitis, other issues include bursitis, instability, arthritis and fractures. A physician will provide a comprehensive examination to find the cause of your shoulder pain. They will look for physical abnormalities such as swelling, deformity, and muscle wasting or atrophy. They will assess for areas of tenderness, and check your shoulder range of motion and strength.

Dr. Baylis explains what most people experience with shoulder pain. “The common issues patients will notice is their shoulder does not hurt constantly, but when it is in certain positions. For example, they may experience pain when reaching to the top cabinet, an ache when they reach for their seatbelt or reach into the backseat of their car. These are all early signs that you may have a shoulder issue. Others experience pain when lifting or carrying items. This may indicate that something is wrong, so do not ignore the pain. It is important to seek treatment.”

Together, physicians will work with you to determine the best course of treatment for the shoulder pain.  Typical treatment options may include medication, physical therapy, and if necessary surgical intervention.  South Central Orthopedics offers various types of procedures for shoulder pain.

“Shoulder arthritis, although less common and then knee or hip arthritis can be very debilitating.  It causes shoulder pain with most activities and can often keep you awake at night.  It can be treated non-surgically, but when all other treatment options have failed we will often recommend shoulder replacement surgery,” said Dr. Baylis. “The most common reason for this surgery is that the pain cannot be controlled by non-surgical treatments. The patient will have stiffness and often a grinding sensation in the shoulder. These symptoms often indicate that the bones are rubbing against one another because the cartilage has worn away. Your quality of life declines and it is time to correct the pain. It is very satisfying to hear from a patient that their pain is gone and their function has improved. “

South Central Orthopedics offers a number of surgical and non-surgical services to provide complete orthopedic care to south Mississippi. The facility accepts Medicare, Medicaid and most commercial insurance plans. South Central Orthopedics is accepting new patients and no referral is necessary. To schedule an evaluation, call 601-649-5990. South Central Orthopedics is located at 1002 Jefferson Street, Suite 350, in Laurel. The clinic is open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.