Fletcher Allen, a Vermont university hospital and medical center, serves all of
Vermont and the northern New York region. Located in Burlington, Fletcher Allen is a regional, academic healthcare center and teaching hospital in alliance with the University of Vermont.
Shoulder Pain
- Orthopedic Specialty Center
- 192 Tilley Drive
South Burlington, VT 05403 - Phone: 802-847-2663
- Fax: 802-847-3792
- Monday-Friday, 8 AM-5 PM
- Directions
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Shoulder injuries are common problems in adults. They can cause severe pain, discomfort and immobility – affecting your ability to enjoy routine activities.
Our experienced team of orthopedic specialists provides the latest treatments and therapies for shoulder pain.
Shoulder Pain: What You Need to Know
Technology
We offer the latest technology and minimally invasive surgery to treat shoulder pain. Our team uses shoulder arthroscopy and mini-open repair to treat rotator cuff injury that reduces your recovery time and risk of complications.
Personalized Care
At Fletcher Allen, we provide personalized care to treat your specific shoulder injury. Our goal is to help you stay active and healthy for as long as possible.
Experienced, Trusted Expertise
As a university hospital, our expertise comes from a deep grounding in scientific knowledge and research. Patients have access to all the resources of our institution – from the best possible diagnostic services and treatments to the most advanced rehabilitative care. As an academic medical practice and a center of learning, we place a strong emphasis on patient education. We will answer any questions you have, at any point in your care. We encourage our patients to learn as much as possible about their shoulder pain condition.
What is Shoulder Pain?
Shoulder pain is any pain in or around your shoulder. Shoulder pain may come from the joint itself, or from any of the many muscles, ligaments or tendons that surround it. Shoulder pain usually gets worse when you move your arm or shoulder.
There are different conditions that can cause your shoulder pain, including any that affect your chest such as heart disease or gallbladder disease. However, if the shoulder pain comes from somewhere else in the body, other than the shoulder, it is called referred pain. Referred pain usually doesn’t get worse when you move your arm or shoulder.
A commonly treated shoulder injury at Fletcher Allen is the rotator cuff.
The rotator cuff is made up of muscles and tendons covering the shoulder joint. It holds the bones in place, and allows the arm to lift and reach overhead.
The chance for rotator cuff injury increases with age. It is most commonly caused by tendon degeneration. Overuse of rotator cuff muscles and tendons over the years can lead to degeneration. People who play sports with repetitive overhead motions – such as baseball, tennis or rowing – are at an increased risk for shoulder injuries.
Shoulder Pain Diagnosis and Treatment
At Fletcher Allen, our expert orthopedic specialists have years of experience in diagnosing shoulder pain.
Many options are available to treat your shoulder pain – ranging from non-surgical to surgical. Treatments vary depending on your condition.
Fletcher Allen orthopedic surgeons have performed shoulder replacement for decades. Our knowledgeable orthopedic specialists use advanced technology to treat shoulder pain on a regular basis.
Learn More about Shoulder Injury Pain
Download our information sheet about total joint replacement and joint reconstruction or orthopedic infection prevention at Fletcher Allen.
Request an appointment online with a shoulder specialist at Fletcher Allen, or call 802-847-2663.






