The Art of Treating Shoulder Pain
The shoulder complex brings together 5 joints or articulations to the body, 30 muscles and 8 ligaments, which makes it the most complex joint in the body. Treating shoulder conditions well calls for deep knowledge of the shoulder structures, broad experience in managing shoulder disorders, and careful attention to the details of each patient's history and physical examination. That is what I call the "art" of treating shoulder pain. My interest in shoulders began more than 25 years ago, when the shoulder joint was only starting to be explored with an arthroscope. Shoulder replacements were becoming more successful. MRIs could examine the interior of the shoulder soft tissues that standard testing had not shown before. Orthopaedic surgeons already understood most other joints in the body well, yet the shoulder joint remained mysterious. There was much we did not understand about the various etiologies of shoulder pain. I have chosen to make it my career to better understand and treat shoulder disorders. I have had the pleasure of training under some of the best orthopaedic surgeons at Yale University and the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. I have practiced orthopaedic shoulder surgery in Tidewater Virginia since 1995.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the shoulder the most complex joint in the body?
The shoulder complex brings together 5 joints or articulations to the body, 30 muscles and 8 ligaments. That complexity is why treating shoulder conditions well calls for deep knowledge of the shoulder structures and careful attention to the details of a patient's history and physical examination.
Why does treating shoulder pain require a careful history and physical exam?
Because there is still much to learn about the various etiologies of shoulder pain, Dr. Payne stresses careful attention to the details of the patient's history and physical examination as part of what he calls the "art" of treating shoulder pain.
What role does radiologic testing such as MRI play in evaluating shoulder pain?
MRIs could examine the interior of the shoulder soft tissues that standard testing had not shown before. Together with the history and physical exam, testing helps reach the correct diagnosis.
What is a super-specialist treatment plan?
Dr. Payne's practice is built around a super-specialized treatment plan for shoulder disorders, grounded in deep knowledge of shoulder structures, broad experience treating shoulder conditions, and careful attention to the details of each patient's history and physical examination.
Where does Dr. Payne practice, and how can I schedule an appointment?
Dr. Payne has practiced orthopaedic shoulder surgery in Tidewater Virginia since 1995. Appointments are available at Tidewater Ortho in Hampton, Virginia (901 Enterprise Pkwy, Suite 900, 757-827-2480) and in Williamsburg, VA (4037 Ironbound Road, (757) 206-1004).
Make an Appointment
📍 901 Enterprise Pkwy, Suite 900, Hampton, Virginia 23666; 4037 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188
📞 757-827-2480
Understanding the shoulder's complexity is the first step toward effective care. A thorough history, a detailed physical examination, and the right testing all work together to pinpoint the source of shoulder pain. Dr. Payne's super-specialist approach brings that knowledge and experience to every patient evaluation.