Shoulder tears are among the most common causes of shoulder pain, weakness, and loss of mobility. They can develop suddenly after a fall or sports injury, or gradually over time as tendons and cartilage wear down with age and repetitive use. Depending on the location and severity of the tear, symptoms may make it difficult to lift your arm, reach overhead, sleep comfortably, or participate in work and recreational activities.
Dr. Brian Cohen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who evaluates and treats shoulder tears in Columbus, OH. After identifying the specific structure involved and the extent of the injury, he develops a personalized treatment plan that may include conservative care or surgical repair when appropriate.
Types of Shoulder Tears
Several different structures within the shoulder can tear, each affecting the joint in different ways. Dr. Cohen evaluates the source of your symptoms to determine the most appropriate treatment.
Rotator Cuff Tears
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that stabilize the shoulder and help lift and rotate the arm. Rotator cuff tears may occur suddenly following an injury or develop gradually due to age-related degeneration and repetitive overhead activities. Treatment depends on the size of the tear, the patient’s symptoms, and functional goals.
SLAP Tears
A SLAP tear is an injury to the superior (upper) portion of the labrum where the biceps tendon attaches to the shoulder socket. These tears commonly occur in athletes who perform repetitive overhead motions, as well as after falls or sudden traction injuries. Symptoms may include pain with overhead activity, catching sensations, or decreased shoulder performance.
Labrum Tears
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket and helps keep the upper arm bone securely positioned within the joint. Labral tears can result from shoulder dislocations, trauma, repetitive motion, or degeneration. Depending on the location and severity of the tear, treatment may range from physical therapy to arthroscopic surgical repair.
Why Choose Dr. Brian Cohen?
Dr. Brian Cohen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience treating rotator cuff injuries, labral tears, shoulder instability, 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 includes both nonsurgical treatment and advanced arthroscopic shoulder procedures designed to restore stability, reduce pain, and improve function.
Dr. Cohen’s patient-first philosophy emphasizes accurate diagnosis, clear communication, and treatment tailored to each patient’s injury, activity level, and long-term goals.
Shoulder Tear Treatment in Columbus, OH
Whether caused by an acute injury or gradual wear over time, shoulder tears can significantly affect comfort, strength, and mobility. Dr. Cohen evaluates each patient’s condition to determine the most appropriate treatment and help restore shoulder function.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian Cohen, call (614) 788-0375.
