Dr. Helge Schmitz
Consultant Orthopedist & Orthopedic Surgeon
Shoulder pain is a common condition, and most people will experience it at some point in their lives. The orthopedics department at Doctor Reuter Medical Center provides expert shoulder care, including conservative orthopedic treatments, manual medicine, and, if necessary, advanced surgical procedures.
Shoulder problems can be complex and may arise from various causes. Early diagnosis and intervention are important to prevent worsening conditions and improve recovery outcomes. Symptoms to watch for include:
Shoulder pain may be associated with a variety of conditions, including:
We offer a variety of conservative and advanced treatment options tailored to your shoulder condition:
Used for bursitis, tendinitis (long head of the biceps), or frozen shoulder, infiltration therapy delivers anti-inflammatory agents or local anesthetics directly to the affected area, reducing pain and inflammation.
Shockwave therapy is commonly used for chronic tendon disorders (tendinopathies), calcific tendinitis, enthesopathies, and certain impingement-related conditions.
In selected cases, ESWT may also be considered for bone-related conditions such as bone marrow oedema, particularly when symptoms persist despite conventional conservative treatment.
ESWT is typically used when symptoms do not respond sufficiently to initial conservative therapies and may help improve function and reduce pain over time.
Manual medicine addresses shoulder pain caused by dysfunctions of the cervical or thoracic spine, as well as muscular imbalance or joint restriction. Dr. Schmitz uses chirotherapy to relieve tightness, improve mobility and correct underlying causes of pain.
If you have an existing diagnosis, we provide second opinions and a personalized treatment plan. No two patients are the same, so every treatment is tailored to the individual.
Each patient receives a thorough orthopedic assessment, including physical examination, imaging if needed, and symptom evaluation. Based on the findings, we create a customized treatment plan which may include non-surgical therapies, manual medicine, shockwave therapy, injections or arthroscopic procedures when indicated. Our goal is to relieve pain, restore function and prevent recurrence.
When should I see a shoulder specialist?
See a specialist if you experience persistent pain, weakness, instability, or limited motion. Early intervention can prevent further progression.
Can shoulder pain be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many patients respond well to injections, shockwave therapy, manual medicine, chirotherapy and rehabilitation exercises. Surgery is only considered if conservative treatments are insufficient.
What causes a frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder occurs when the shoulder capsule becomes inflamed and stiff, limiting movement. Causes include injury, post-surgical immobilization, or chronic inflammation.
Can rotator cuff injuries heal without surgery?
Some mild to moderate rotator cuff injuries respond well to physiotherapy, shockwave therapy, or injections. Severe tears may require surgical repair.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery depends on the condition and treatment type. Non-surgical therapies often provide improvement in weeks, while surgical recovery may take months with rehabilitation.
Don’t let shoulder pain limit your life. Contact Doctor Reuter Medical Center today for professional evaluation and treatment. Our orthopedic specialists, will create a personalized treatment plan to reduce pain, restore function, and improve mobility for long-term shoulder health.