The Best in Shoulder Injuries, Arthroscopic Surgery and Sports Medicine
Shoulder pain and problems come in many forms for everyone from athletes to the elderly. But there are ways to get relief. Texas Orthopedic Specialists is a comprehensive orthopedic and sports medicine practice providing patients with the most current and innovative approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries. Howard W. Harris, MD, a highly regarded expert in shoulder repair and reconstruction, is skilled in performing a wide range of surgical procedures, from arthroscopic reconstruction and repair to total shoulder replacements. With his sub-specialty training and experience, Dr. Harris’s ultimate goal is to get you back to the activities you love.
Dr. Harris can help shoulder your pain
Millions of Americans suffer from shoulder pain, which may either be temporary due to an acute injury, or chronic from long-term wear and tear. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, most shoulder problems fall into one of four main categories, including tendon inflammation (or tendon tear), instability, arthritis, or fracture.
Dr. Harris, a North Texas native, can diagnose and manage shoulder conditions regardless of the cause of discomfort. “No matter what the level of sport or activity, pain from an injury should never be ignored. Using a comprehensive approach, we accurately diagnose and provide effective surgical and non-surgical options to successfully treat a wide range of shoulder pain and problems.”
The first step in the management of a shoulder injury includes a complete evaluation including appropriate diagnostics such as X-ray and possibly an MRI. “Conservative treatment, when appropriate, is always the first choice, with anti-inflammatory pain medication, ice, rest, and rehabilitation to improve symptoms,” Dr. Harris explained.“However, structural problems such as instability, fracture, or a rotator cuff tear may require surgery followed by physical therapy to improve range of motion and build strength as the shoulder heals.” If conservative measures fail for a progressive problem like shoulder arthritis, a shoulder replacement procedure is often the best option.”
According to Dr. Harris, advances in shoulder surgical technology have come a long way in the past 20 years. “The shoulder is a very complicated joint, which makes it challenging and interesting to take care of. My staff and I are trained in the latest surgical techniques, which have contributed to less invasive procedures with shorter surgical times, improved outcomes, and reduced patient risk. This is a real benefit to my patients, who are of all different ages and stages of life from athletes to the elderly.”
Whether you are suffering from shoulder arthritis, pain and instability, sports injury, or fracture, Dr. Harris is the specialist to see. He is actively involved with many school outreach programs and serves as the team physician for two area high schools. In addition, he is active in the medical community through participation in research studies on innovative shoulder surgery techniques, same-day shoulder replacement, and consulting with manufacturers in designing new technologies that improve patient outcomes. At Texas Orthopedic Specialists, Dr. Harris is committed to providing the highest quality shoulder care in North Texas. “We all strive to provide our patients with exemplary customer service and our pledge is to treat our patients with dignity, respect, courtesy and compassion.”
What to do with a shoulder injury
According to Dr. Harris, not all shoulder injuries require surgery or immobilization, but waiting too long to be evaluated can often make a simple problem worse. “Rest your shoulder after an injury, but if you are still having pain after two or three weeks, consider getting evaluated properly. Avoid prolonged treatment, especially repetitive injections, without accurate diagnostic imaging such as an MRI. Remember, a visit with a specialist early may shorten overall recovery time.”
2425 Highway 121
Bedford, Texas 76021
10932 N Riverside Dr
Fort Worth, Texas 76244
(817) 540-4477
TXOrtho.net
By Clare Heekin Lynch
