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desio 7Dr. Stephen Desio is an Orthopedic Surgeon Board Certified in both Orthopedic Surgery, as well as Sports Medicine. Dr. Desio specializes in Sports Medicine and Arthroscopic Surgery of the Knee and Shoulder. Fellowship Trained in Sports Medicine at the University of Utah, Dr. Desio has the distinction of being a member of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy Association of North America, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, and the American Medical Association.

His practice focuses on injuries to the shoulder and knee. Not only is Dr. Desio a 4-time Ironman Triathlete, but has also served as Team Physician for the Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Olympics, Worcester Tornadoes Baseball Team, New England Surge Arena Football Team, NCAA 1st and 2nd round Basketball Tournament, and University of Utah Football and Basketball Teams. Dr. Desio has published papers on Sports Medicine in Nationally Recognized Journals and presented his research at International Meetings. Dr. Desio is frequently named a Top Sports Medicine Physician by the Consumers’ Research Council of America.desio-group-photo-300x200

Dr. Desio is here to help you with your health care needs, from injury prevention to sports performance improvement. Whether or not you are a professional athlete, his approach to patient care has been the same: provide high quality individualized patient care in an environment that is warm, caring, and efficient. Advanced arthroscopic techniques and minimally invasive surgery are utilized when possible in the surgical treatment of injuries. Communication, courtesy, and respect are the cornerstones of his practice. 

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My Shoulders Are Letting Me Down

We rely on our shoulders for countless tasks. It can be problematic when they don’t function at our best and can make ordinary tasks a challenge. Finding a cause behind unstable shoulders can help bring pain relief and peace of mind. Here are some reasons behind your shoulder pain and what you can do to treat it.

What Causes Shoulder Instability?

Your shoulders play a pivotal role in how you go about your daily life. Unstable shoulders can frequently come out of place, making everyday activities difficult. 

One cause of shoulder instability is severe trauma to the shoulder. An injury such as a dislocation causes the head of your shoulder to dislocate from the socket. The initial shoulder dislocation can result in repeated dislocations and further instability.

Genetics may be another cause of shoulder instability. Some people are born with naturally loose shoulder ligaments. Excessively loose shoulder ligaments called Hyperlaxity can cause shoulder instability. This can occur without prior dislocations or a history of strains. Hyperlaxity can increase the chances of dislocating your shoulder or weakening the joint.

Symptoms of Shoulder Instability

Several symptoms characterize shoulder instability. Shoulder instability symptoms include

  • A loose feeling in the shoulder
  • The shoulder giving out
  • Repeated shoulder dislocations
  • Pain

How is Shoulder Instability Diagnosed?

Professional examination is how shoulder instability is diagnosed. 

If you’re having shoulder trouble, your doctor can order imaging tests to find the cause. One tool to find the cause of your shoulder pain is an x-ray. The x-ray helps doctors to take a thorough look at the bones around your shoulder joint and examine them for signs of injury. Your doctor may also order an MRI for further examination. An MRI provides a detailed image of the tissues around your shoulder and helps find damage to the ligaments and tendons in the joint.

How Are Unstable Shoulders Treated?

Your treatment plan depends on the nature and severity of your symptoms. First, you may need to avoid activities that worsen your symptoms. If you can’t stay away from pain-inducing activities, modifying your movements may help give you some relief. Also, anti-inflammatory pain medications and physical therapy can help.

If your shoulder problems need more aggressive treatment, our office can help. Schedule a consultation by calling (508) 363-6363.