Elbow and Shoulder
Your arms help you do your life’s work, engage in hobbies and hug your loved ones. When elbow or shoulder concerns get in your way, our experts are there for you. We’re a regional leader and treat the most complex conditions. Get the expert care you deserve and start feeling better.
BJC HealthCare works with Washington University physicians, BJC Medical Group, and providers across the region to deliver extraordinary care. We start with listening. Orthopedists pay careful attention to your concerns and treatment goals. This information enables us to tailor therapies that help you achieve the best possible results.
Highlights of our program include:
- Expertise: Orthopedists with advanced training and decades of experience guide your care. If surgery is necessary, we often use minimally invasive techniques involving small incisions and less tissue disruption. We use research-based methods that help you regain mobility, reduce pain and return to daily activities faster.
- Non-surgical options: Many patients get better without surgery, even when other shoulder or elbow pain treatments have failed. Care may include custom braces, physical therapy or cortisone injections. Explore physical medicine and physical therapy.
- Elite-level sports medicine: You deserve high-quality care even if you’re not a pro hockey player. Our surgeons serve as team doctors for the NHL’s St. Louis Blues and the St. Louis CITY SC. They treat your shoulder and elbow pain with the same attention they give the pros. Learn more about sports medicine.
- Connected care: You benefit from the recommendations of orthopedists, physiatrists, physical- and occupational therapists and specially trained nurses. We communicate regularly, helping you get the most out of each appointment. We manage all the details, whether it’s surgery, outpatient rehab or diagnostic imaging.
Our team has expertise in treating a wide range of shoulder and elbow conditions. Common elbow and shoulder conditions we treat include:
- ArthritisThis condition occurs when there is inflammation and stiffness. It may be due to rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or post-traumatic arthritis.
- Bone spursThese are unusual growths that develop slowly near joints. They may restrict natural movement or cause bones to rub against nearby tissue.
- BursitisFluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion your muscles and tendons become swollen. It occurs when repetitive motions irritate the bursae.
- FractureThere are many types, like stress fractures, which are small. Open fractures can break the bone in two, causing it to poke through the skin's surface.
- Frozen shoulderShoulder pain and stiffness occur when thick bands of tissue develop, preventing natural movement.
- Nerve entrapment syndromeNearby structures trap a nerve in this group of conditions, including cubital tunnel syndrome.
- Rotator cuff tearShoulder tendons that hold muscles in place to help you move your arms partially or completely tear.
- Sports injuriesThese injuries, such as sprains, strains, bursitis or tendonitis, occur in active people.
Rehabilitation following treatment is the key to a successful, functional outcome and pain relief. If surgery is performed, rehabilitation usually begins in the inpatient setting and continues on an outpatient basis.
Schedule your appointment
Call (314) 362-9355 or (800) 392-0936 to schedule your appointment with a specialist.