Shoulder Surgery • M|M Orthopaedics

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Shoulder pain and injuries can make even simple daily activities difficult—from reaching overhead and lifting objects to exercising and sleeping comfortably. Whether caused by sports injuries, overuse, arthritis, or trauma, untreated shoulder conditions can lead to chronic pain, weakness, instability, and limited mobility.

Our practice specializes in advanced orthopedic care for a wide range of shoulder injuries and conditions. Using personalized treatment plans and minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, we help patients reduce pain, restore function, and return to the activities they enjoy most.

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body, allowing for an extensive range of motion including lifting, rotation, reaching, and overhead movement. This mobility is supported by a complex network of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage structures that work together to provide both flexibility and stability.

Key structures of the shoulder include:

The rotator cuff, which stabilizes and powers shoulder movement
The labrum, which helps maintain joint stability
Ligaments and tendons that support motion and alignment
Cartilage surfaces that allow smooth joint movement

Because the shoulder sacrifices stability for mobility, it is especially vulnerable to injuries such as rotator cuff tears, instability, dislocations, labral injuries, and arthritis.

AC Joint Separation

An AC joint injury occurs where the collarbone meets the top of the shoulder blade, often due to damage to the ligaments that stabilize the joint. Symptoms typically include pain at the top of the shoulder and, in more severe cases, a visible bump from the separation of the joint. Most mild to moderate injuries are treated non-surgically with rest, a sling, pain and anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy, with many patients returning to normal activities within about six weeks. More severe injuries or cases that do not improve with conservative treatment may require surgery to reconstruct and stabilize the joint using ligament grafts and strong suture fixation.

Biceps Tendinitis

Biceps tendinitis occurs when the long head of the biceps tendon in the shoulder becomes inflamed or irritated, causing pain in the front of the shoulder that may radiate down the arm. It is often caused by repetitive overhead movements, overuse, rotator cuff injuries, arthritis, instability, or trauma, and is common in athletes and active individuals. Symptoms can include shoulder pain, tenderness, popping sensations, pain with overhead motion, and in some cases a tendon tear that creates a “Popeye” deformity. Initial treatment is typically non-surgical and includes rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and sometimes corticosteroid injections. If symptoms do not improve, surgery such as a biceps tenodesis or tenotomy may be recommended to relieve pain and restore shoulder function.

Frozen Shoulder

Adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder, is a condition that causes significant shoulder pain and stiffness due to tightening and thickening of the shoulder capsule. Over time, scar tissue and reduced joint lubrication limit shoulder movement and make daily activities difficult. Symptoms commonly include aching pain on the outside of the shoulder and severe restriction in range of motion. Although frozen shoulder often improves on its own over time, recovery can take months to years. Treatment typically begins with non-surgical options such as NSAIDs, steroid injections, physical therapy, and stretching exercises to reduce pain and restore motion. In severe or persistent cases, surgery or manipulation under anesthesia may be recommended to release the tight joint capsule and improve mobility.

Rotator Cuff Tears

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder and allow overhead movement and rotation. Rotator cuff injuries can occur from sudden trauma or chronic overuse, causing partial or full tendon tears that may lead to pain, weakness, and limited shoulder motion. Non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy and home exercises can help strengthen surrounding muscles and improve function. However, some patients do not respond to conservative care and may require surgery to repair the torn tendon and restore shoulder function.

Shoulder Arthritis

Shoulder arthritis is a degenerative condition caused by the gradual loss of cartilage in the shoulder joint, often due to aging, wear and tear, injury, rotator cuff damage, or inflammatory disease. It commonly affects the AC joint and the glenohumeral joint, leading to pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and difficulty with shoulder movement. Initial treatment is non-surgical and focuses on symptom relief using NSAIDs, ice, steroid injections, and physical therapy to maintain mobility and strength. These measures can help for a time but may become less effective as the condition progresses. In early cases, arthroscopic surgery may be used to clean out damaged tissue and reduce symptoms, though it does not stop disease progression. In more advanced arthritis or when conservative treatments fail, total shoulder replacement (arthroplasty) is recommended, replacing the damaged joint surfaces with artificial components to relieve pain and restore function.

Shoulder Instability

The shoulder is a highly mobile but unstable joint, stabilized in part by the labrum, which helps keep the humeral head centered in the shallow socket (glenoid). Because of this anatomy, it is prone to dislocation, most commonly from the front (anteroinferior) during trauma or contact sports. Dislocations can damage bone and soft tissues, including the labrum (often causing a Bankart tear), rotator cuff, and joint capsule, which increases the risk of repeat instability. Initial treatment usually involves a sling, pain control, and physical therapy to restore strength and motion, especially after a first-time dislocation. Surgery is considered for recurrent dislocations or significant structural damage. Most surgical repairs are done arthroscopically to fix the labrum and tighten the shoulder, followed by rehabilitation. In more severe cases with bone loss or repeated instability, reconstructive procedures using bone grafting may be required, with treatment tailored to the individual injury pattern.

Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can range from mild discomfort to severe weakness that limits daily activities, and it should be evaluated if it persists or worsens. Diagnosis is guided by pain location, activity-related symptoms, sleep disturbance, and exam findings, which help identify common causes such as rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, biceps tendon irritation, AC joint problems, or frozen shoulder. Most cases are initially treated non-surgically. Conservative care includes NSAIDs to reduce inflammation, physical therapy to restore strength, flexibility, and posture, and activity modification to improve function. Injection therapy may also be used both to identify the source of pain and to provide relief, including cortisone, PRP, or other targeted injections to the shoulder joint, biceps tendon sheath, or AC joint. Many patients improve significantly with these non-operative treatments, often avoiding the need for surgery.

SLAP Tears

A SLAP tear, or Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior tear, is an injury to the top portion of the shoulder labrum where the biceps tendon attaches, reducing shoulder stability and commonly affecting athletes. It can cause pain during overhead activity, along with catching, grinding, weakness, and reduced range of motion. Most cases are initially treated without surgery using NSAIDs, physical therapy to improve strength and mechanics, stretching, and sometimes injections to reduce inflammation and pain. If symptoms persist, arthroscopic surgery may be performed to repair the torn labrum or address the biceps tendon with a tenodesis, with treatment tailored to the patient’s age, activity level, and injury pattern.

Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeon in Los Angeles

Dr. Nima Mehran is an internationally recognized orthopedic surgeon, acclaimed researcher, and award-winning educator with specialized expertise in complex knee and shoulder surgeries. Known for his precision, innovative techniques, and compassionate care, Dr. Mehran is the trusted choice for athletes, patients, and fellow physicians seeking the highest standard of orthopedic treatment. Dr. Mehran has provided orthopedic care for elite athletes, serving on the medical staff of the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, and USC Football team. Dr. Mehran’s commitment to excellence makes him one of the leading orthopedic surgeons in the world today.

Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon in Los Angeles

Dr. Matthew T. Muffly is a highly skilled and compassionate orthopaedic surgeon dedicated to providing exceptional care to his patients. With over a decade of experience in orthopedic surgery and academic medicine, Dr. Muffly specializes in advanced treatments for knee and shoulder conditions, helping patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life. He is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine and was previously the Assistant Program Director for Resident Education at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program. If you’re seeking world-class orthopedic care with a personal touch, Dr. Muffly is the trusted expert to guide you on your journey to recovery.

Shoulder Surgery in Los Angeles

Restore Strength, Stability & Mobility

Why the Shoulder Matters

Common Symptoms of Shoulder Problems

Conditions & Injuries We Treat