Shoulder impairment can make everyday activities such as reaching overhead, lifting objects, getting dressed, or sleeping comfortably increasingly difficult. Some conditions develop gradually from inflammation or overuse, while others cause progressive stiffness that limits the shoulder’s range of motion. Early evaluation can help identify the cause of symptoms and guide the most appropriate treatment.
Dr. Brian Cohen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who evaluates and treats shoulder impairment in Columbus, OH. After assessing your symptoms, physical examination findings, and imaging studies, he develops a personalized treatment plan to reduce pain, restore mobility, and improve shoulder function.
Common Types of Shoulder Impairment
Several conditions can affect how the shoulder moves and functions. Two of the most common causes of shoulder impairment include shoulder impingement and frozen shoulder.
Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendons become pinched or irritated as they pass beneath the acromion, the bony projection at the top of the shoulder blade. Repetitive overhead activities, inflammation, or structural changes within the shoulder can reduce the available space, leading to pain and limited movement.
Common symptoms include pain when reaching overhead, weakness, discomfort while sleeping on the affected shoulder, and difficulty lifting the arm. Treatment often begins with activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, or injections. Surgery may be recommended if symptoms persist despite conservative care.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, develops when the shoulder capsule becomes thickened and tight, restricting movement and causing pain. The condition typically progresses through stages, beginning with increasing pain, followed by significant stiffness, and eventually gradual improvement over time.
Patients often experience difficulty reaching overhead, behind the back, or across the body. Treatment may include stretching exercises, physical therapy, medications, injections, or, in selected cases, surgical intervention to improve shoulder motion.
Why Choose Dr. Brian Cohen?
Dr. Brian Cohen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience treating shoulder pain, stiffness, impingement, rotator cuff disorders, and other complex shoulder conditions. He completed medical school and orthopedic surgery residency training at Mount Sinai in New York City, followed by sports medicine fellowship training at Rush Medical School in Chicago.
Throughout his career, Dr. Cohen has performed more than 30,000 orthopedic surgical procedures and completed over 100,000 patient evaluations. His experience allows him to accurately diagnose the cause of shoulder impairment and recommend treatment tailored to each patient’s condition and functional goals.
Dr. Cohen’s patient-first philosophy emphasizes comprehensive evaluation, clear communication, and individualized care designed to relieve pain, restore mobility, and improve quality of life.
Shoulder Impairment Treatment in Columbus, OH
Shoulder impingement, frozen shoulder, and other conditions that limit shoulder motion can interfere with work, exercise, and everyday activities. Dr. Cohen provides individualized evaluation and treatment to help patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and return to the activities they enjoy.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian Cohen, call (614) 788-0375.
