Shoulder experts help Inova Fair Oaks patients stay in the game

Don’t Shoulder It Alone

Sports-related shoulder injuries can affect active individuals of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a professional athlete or you simply enjoy recreational activities such as swimming, golfing or tennis, you may be prone to shoulder problems. Any activity involving repetitive overhead motion can, over time, lead to pain, weakness in the arm or stiffness in the shoulder. Left untreated, these symptoms can worsen, leading to more serious problems later on.

Fortunately, the most common shoulder problems — rotator cuff tendinitis and tears, shoulder instability and labral tears — can be treated with arthroscopic surgery, a less invasive approach that allows you to resume your activities sooner. At Inova Fair Oaks Hospital, board-certified, fellowship-trained physicians treat a wide range of shoulder injuries using the latest arthroscopic techniques.

“Arthroscopy involves the use of tiny incisions around the shoulder to gain access with a camera and small instruments so we can repair problems deep in the shoulder without making large incisions or cutting through normal tissue and muscles,” says David Novak, MD, an orthopedic surgery and sports medicine specialist. “There is less postoperative pain and stiffness and earlier return to function in many cases.”

Join a FREE “Ask the Expert” Lecture

Topics such as “Shoulder Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Tears and Osteoarthritis” and other orthopedic / sports medicine topics are discussed at Inova’s FREE Ask the Expert lecture series. Meet our doctors including Dr. David Novak, Dr. Ryan Miyamoto, and more.

To search and register for an upcoming lecture, visit inova.org/AskTheExpert or call 1.855.My.Inova (1.855.694.6682).

Reaching High

To learn more about  arthroscopic shoulder procedures at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital, call 703.205.2626.