Where Greater Chicago Goes for Shoulder & Elbow Care
Shoulder & Elbow Conditions We Treat at MROrthopedics
Shoulder and elbow pain and other issues can happen suddenly or creep up over time. We understand how even small symptoms like shoulder stiffness or elbow weakness can make everyday tasks feel difficult, which is why we encourage early evaluation and expert care.
Rotator Cuff & Soft Tissue Conditions
- Rotator cuff tears
- Tendinitis and bursitis
- Labral tears (SLAP tears)
- Muscle or tendon strains
Joint & Bone Conditions
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Fractures (shoulder, humerus, elbow)
- Elbow osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)
Instability & Overuse Conditions
- Shoulder dislocations
- Chronic shoulder or elbow instability
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- Throwing injuries
Nerve & Compression Conditions
- Cubital tunnel syndrome
- Nerve entrapments
- Referred shoulder pain
- from neck/nerve issues
Traumatic Injuries
- Acute fractures and dislocations
- Complex ligament tears
- Sports injuries
- Work-related shoulder and elbow injuries
Our experienced team of doctors is here to identify the root cause of your discomfort and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Not sure what’s causing your shoulder or elbow pain? Schedule an expert evaluation today.
How We Diagnose Shoulder & Elbow Conditions
You want answers, fast, and we’re here to get them for you. Our team has a strong background in diagnosing a wide range of upper extremity conditions. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden injury or pain that’s been building for months, we’ll help you understand what’s wrong and how to fix it.
Here’s what you can expect during your initial visit with us:
- Detailed Medical History: We’ll begin by listening to you — how your symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, and how they’re affecting your life. We also review any past injuries, surgeries, or underlying conditions.
- Physical Examination: Your provider will evaluate your range of motion, strength, joint stability, alignment, and tenderness. We’ll guide you through specific movements to pinpoint where the issue is.
- On-Site Imaging: We offer X-rays in most of our offices to quickly evaluate your bones and joint alignment. If needed, we’ll order advanced imaging like MRI, CT scans, or ultrasounds for a more detailed look, especially in complex cases like rotator cuff tears or nerve compression.
- Functional Testing: For active patients or sports-related injuries, we look at how your arm and shoulder perform during real-life movements like lifting, throwing, or pushing. This helps us understand not just the injury, but how it affects your performance and daily life.
Thanks to our comprehensive, people-first approach, most patients receive a diagnosis and initial treatment recommendations in a single visit. At MROrthopedics, you’re not navigating a hospital system; you’re working directly with a tight-knit team that prioritizes your time, comfort, and recovery.
We’re here to help you get the answers and relief you deserve. Schedule your evaluation with a trusted Greater Chicago orthopedic expert today.
How We Treat Shoulder & Elbow Conditions at MROrthopedics
Once we’ve diagnosed the problem, the next step is treatment. We utilize non-surgical options whenever possible. The following are the non-surgical procedures we offer at MROrthopedics:
Bracing & Immobilization
- Bracing and immobilization help stabilize the shoulder or elbow during healing from injury, surgery, or overuse.
- We offer custom-fit braces and slings to reduce pain, support recovery, and prevent further damage.
Steroid Injections
- Steroid injections offer targeted relief for shoulder and elbow pain caused by inflammation, arthritis, or tendon irritation.
- Our specialists use image-guided techniques to deliver medication precisely where it’s needed.
Physical Therapy
- Physical therapy is a key part of recovery from many shoulder and elbow conditions.
- At MROrthopedics, our in-house therapists work closely with your orthopedic specialist to restore strength, flexibility, and function.
PRP Injections
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections use your body’s own healing cells to reduce inflammation and support tissue repair in the shoulder or elbow.
- Often used for tendon injuries or arthritis, PRP is a regenerative, non-surgical option for patients seeking advanced, natural pain relief and improved joint function.
While our goal is to avoid surgical procedures, there are times when more in-depth treatment is needed. These are the minimally invasive treatments and surgical procedures offered by our team:
Want to learn more about the treatments we provide for shoulder and elbow pain? Schedule an appointment with our orthopedic experts to learn more about your options.
Shoulder Arthroscopy
- Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat joint issues like rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, and impingement.
- Our surgeons use small incisions and advanced techniques to reduce recovery time, minimize pain, and restore shoulder function with precision and care.
Elbow Arthroscopy
- Elbow arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery used to treat conditions like loose bone fragments, arthritis, and tendon damage.
- At MROrthopedics, our specialists use small incisions and advanced tools to relieve pain, restore motion, and help you return to daily activities with less downtime and a smoother recovery.
Rotator Cuff Repair
- Rotator cuff repair restores function and relieves pain caused by torn shoulder tendons.
The surgeons at - MROrthopedics use advanced techniques, including minimally invasive arthroscopy, to reattach torn tendons and strengthen the joint.
Labral Repair & Stabilization
- Labral repair and stabilization address tears in the cartilage that supports your shoulder joint, often caused by trauma or repetitive motion.
- We use arthroscopic techniques to restore joint stability, reduce pain, and prevent dislocations.
Fracture Fixation
- Fracture fixation is used to realign and stabilize broken bones in the shoulder or elbow.
- At MROrthopedics, our specialists use both surgical and non-surgical methods, such as casting, plates, or screws, to promote proper healing, restore joint function, and get you back to daily life as safely and quickly as possible.
Elbow Ligament Reconstruction (including Tommy John surgery)
- Elbow ligament reconstruction, which is often needed after sports injuries or overuse, restores stability and strength to a damaged joint, particularly in cases like UCL tears.
- Our surgeons repair or replace torn ligaments so that athletes and active patients can safely return to throwing, lifting, and high-performance movement.
Shoulder Replacement (total or partial)
- Total or partial shoulder replacement is a surgical option for severe arthritis or joint damage.
- In a total replacement, both the ball and socket are replaced; in a partial, usually only the ball (humeral head) is replaced.
- Replacement surgery may be needed when all other treatments are no longer effective.
Revision Surgery
- Revision surgery is performed when a previous shoulder or elbow procedure fails or complications arise.
- Our specialists will evaluate the cause of your ongoing pain or limited function and provide corrective treatment, whether it involves replacing implants, addressing scar tissue, or repairing failed repairs.
Meet Our Shoulder & Elbow Doctors in the Greater Chicago Area
At MROrthopedics, our shoulder and elbow specialists combine advanced surgical expertise with a patient-first approach. From minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques to joint replacement and arthritis management, our physicians bring decades of experience to every case. Trusted across Chicagoland, Drs. Heller, Ho, and Maday are dedicated to restoring mobility, relieving pain, and helping you return to the activities you love
Dr. William Heller
M.D.
Dr. Michael Maday
M.D.
Dr. Erling Ho
M.D.
See Why Patients Trust Our Orthopedic Shoulder & Elbow Specialists
Reliable Shoulder & Elbow Pain Relief Starts Here
Don’t let shoulder or elbow pain be something you just power through. At MROrthopedics, expert care is close to home. With same- or next-day appointments at multiple Chicagoland locations, you’ll never wait weeks or months for answers. Our team offers comprehensive treatment from diagnosis through recovery. Whether you need physical therapy, injections, or surgery, you’ll receive coordinated, personalized care every step of the way.
Call or schedule online today to begin your recovery with a trusted shoulder and elbow specialist in Chicago. Relief, confidence, and renewed strength are within reach.
Why can’t I raise my arm above shoulder level without pain?
Difficulty lifting your arm above shoulder level is often linked to issues like a rotator cuff tear, shoulder impingement, tendonitis, or arthritis. These conditions can cause pain, weakness, or stiffness that limits movement.
My elbow hurts when I grip a coffee mug—do I need a doctor?
Elbow pain when gripping objects like a coffee mug is often linked to tendon irritation, commonly called tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow. While mild cases may improve with rest, persistent pain is a sign you should see a specialist.
Is it normal for shoulder pain to get worse after resting?
Shoulder pain that feels worse after resting is not uncommon. Conditions like rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, or arthritis may cause stiffness and discomfort when the joint is inactive. While mild soreness can improve with movement, ongoing pain is a signal to seek care.
How long should I wait before seeing a doctor for shoulder or elbow pain?
If shoulder or elbow pain lasts more than a few days, limits movement, or interferes with daily activities, it’s time to see a doctor. Sudden injuries, swelling, or weakness should be evaluated right away.