Shoulder Orthopedics - Our Services

Brent J. Morris, MD specializes in diagnosing and treating all shoulder conditions to help improve movement, strength, and function in the shoulder joint. He is an expert in sports medicine and can treat many sports-related injuries. Read on to learn when you should seek help from an orthopedic shoulder specialist, the conditions we treat, and the services we offer.

Feel free to get in contact with our office for shoulder treatment in Lexington, Kentucky. We look forward to helping you feel your best.

Topic at a Glance

Shoulder orthopedics focuses on diagnosing and treating injuries and conditions affecting the shoulder joint, aiming to relieve pain and restore function.
An orthopedic shoulder specialist should be consulted for persistent pain, limited movement, sports injuries, or shoulder trauma that does not improve with basic care.
Dr. Brent J. Morris treats a wide range of shoulder conditions, including rotator cuff tears, instability, arthritis, fractures, and labral injuries.
Treatment options range from non-surgical care like physical therapy and injections to minimally invasive procedures and advanced surgical interventions.

Brent J. Morris, MD

Orthopedic Shoulder & Elbow Surgeon located in Lexington, KY

Related Services

What is Shoulder Orthopedics?

Shoulder orthopedics refers to the branch of orthopedic medicine that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions and injuries related to the shoulder joint and surrounding structures.

Orthopedic shoulder specialists assess each patient individually, considering their medical history, diagnostic tests, and the specific nature of the shoulder problem before recommending the most appropriate treatment plan. The goal is to alleviate pain, restore function, and improve the patient’s quality of life while considering both conservative and surgical interventions when necessary.

When to Seek Help From an Orthopedic Shoulder Specialist

You should seek help from an orthopedic shoulder specialist if you are experiencing the following:

Persistent or occasional pain that lasts more than 3 months
Limited range of motion
Symptoms that affect your daily life
Difficulty moving your shoulder
An acute shoulder injury that is not responding to basic measures, such as ice or over-the-counter pain medications.

You may also be advised by another doctor to see an orthopedic surgeon if you need orthopedic surgery.

Seeing an orthopedic surgeon does not mean that you will always need surgery. These medical specialists can determine and administer many other treatments for shoulder conditions. Sometimes they work alongside physical therapists to provide non-surgical treatments.

It’s important to note that some shoulder injuries are considered medical emergencies and require immediate medical attention. You should go to the nearest emergency room (ER) if you have:

A broken bone, especially if it is an open fracture (the bone is visible) or you have multiple fractures.
Intense shoulder pain or other concerning symptoms, like a fever, inability to move your limb, severe bleeding, or loss of consciousness.

Shoulder Conditions That We Treat

Dr. Brent Morris has extensive training and expertise in managing conditions affecting the shoulder, including the following:

Rotator Cuff Tears: The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. Tears or strains in these tendons can cause pain, weakness, and limited range of motion.
Shoulder Instability: This occurs when the shoulder joint is prone to dislocation or subluxation, often due to ligament injuries or repeated dislocations.
Shoulder Arthritis: Arthritis can affect the shoulder joint, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis are common types.
Shoulder Fractures: A fracture in the clavicle (collarbone), humerus (upper arm bone), or scapula (shoulder blade) can occur due to trauma or an accident.
Labral and SLAP tears: The labrum is a soft fibrous tissue rim surrounding the shoulder socket to help stabilize the joint. Labral tears can occur through trauma or wear and tear.

Shoulder Treatments That We Offer

Dr. Brent Morris will tailor his treatment approach to your specific needs. This may include any of the following forms of care:

Non-Surgical Treatments

Physical Therapy: A tailored exercise program designed to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the shoulder.
Medications: Prescription or over-the-counter medications like NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
Corticosteroid Injections: Injections of corticosteroids into the shoulder joint to alleviate pain and inflammation.
Activity Modification: Advising on specific modifications in activities or sports to reduce strain on the shoulder joint and promote healing.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

Shoulder Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive surgical technique where the surgeon uses a tiny camera (arthroscope) and specialized instruments inserted through small incisions. Shoulder arthroscopy is used to diagnose and treat various shoulder conditions, such as rotator cuff repairs, labral repairs, or removing damaged tissue.

Surgical Interventions

Rotator Cuff Repair: Surgical repair of torn or damaged tendons in the rotator cuff to restore function and alleviate pain.
Shoulder Stabilization: Surgery to tighten or repair ligaments to treat shoulder instability or recurrent dislocations.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery: In severe cases of shoulder arthritis or irreparable damage, replacing the shoulder joint with an artificial implant may be recommended.
Fracture Repair: Surgery to align and fixate broken bones in the shoulder, such as the clavicle (collarbone) or humerus (upper arm bone).
Labral Repair: Repairing a torn labrum (a ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket) to improve the stability and function of the shoulder joint.

Rehabilitation and Postoperative Care

Following surgical procedures, a comprehensive rehabilitation program involving physical therapy and specific exercises is often prescribed to restore shoulder strength, mobility, and function.

Recovery Time Following Shoulder Surgery

The recovery time after shoulder surgery can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of surgery performed, the individual’s overall health, the extent of the injury or condition being treated, and how well the patient follows postoperative care instructions.

Dr. Morris will inform you of specific recovery times according to your surgery and the extent of your condition.

Book Your Shoulder Consultation Today

For expert orthopedic shoulder care in Lexington, Kentucky, book an appointment with Dr. Brent Morris. Our expert surgeon has a wealth of experience in successfully diagnosing and treating a wide variety of shoulder conditions. Contact us today for more information!

Medically reviewed by Brent J. Morris, MD

What should I expect during my first shoulder orthopedic appointment?

During your first visit, Dr. Morris will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and perform a physical examination of your shoulder. Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or an MRI, may be ordered to get a clearer understanding of the cause of your pain or limitation. Based on these findings, a personalized treatment plan will be discussed.

How do you decide between non-surgical and surgical treatment?

Treatment decisions are based on several factors. These may include the type and severity of the injury, the duration of symptoms, your activity level, overall health, and responsiveness to conservative care. Non-surgical options are typically tried first when appropriate, with surgery considered if pain or dysfunction persists or if the injury is severe.

What happens if I delay treatment for a shoulder injury?

Delaying treatment can lead to worsening pain, reduced mobility, muscle weakness, or progression of the injury. In some cases, untreated shoulder conditions may become more difficult to treat over time and could limit long-term function.

Will I need physical therapy even if I don’t have surgery?

Yes, physical therapy is usually recommended for shoulder injuries. A structured therapy program can help reduce pain, improve strength and flexibility, restore range of motion, and prevent future shoulder problems.

When can I return to work, sports, or daily activities?

Recovery timelines will depend on the condition, treatment approach, and individual recovery. Some patients can resume normal activities within weeks, while others—especially after surgery—may need several months of rehabilitation. Dr. Morris will provide guidance based on your specific condition and progress.