Whether you’re struggling to lift your arm, throw a baseball, reach overhead, or simply sleep comfortably at night, shoulder pain can have a major impact on your daily life. 

The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the body, allowing an incredible range of motion—but that flexibility also makes it more vulnerable to injury. 

At his Century City orthopedic practice, Dr. Eric S. Millstein provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for shoulder injuries using the latest minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques whenever possible. As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and fellowship-trained sports medicine specialist, Dr. Millstein helps athletes, active adults, and patients of all ages recover from shoulder injuries while minimizing pain and restoring function. 

His philosophy is simple: listen carefully, make an accurate diagnosis, discuss every treatment option, and create a personalized plan that helps patients return to the activities they enjoy. 

When Should You See a Shoulder Specialist? 

Many shoulder injuries worsen if left untreated. 

You should consider an orthopedic evaluation if you experience: 

• Shoulder pain lasting longer than a few weeks 

• Pain while lifting your arm 

• Weakness in the shoulder 

• Clicking or popping 

• Shoulder instability 

• Pain while sleeping 

• Limited range of motion 

• Pain after a sports injury 

• Difficulty reaching overhead 

• Shoulder stiffness 

Early diagnosis often leads to better outcomes and may help prevent more serious injuries. 

Common Shoulder Conditions Dr. Millstein Treats 

Because shoulder pain can have many different causes, identifying the exact source of the problem is essential. 

Some of the most common conditions include: 

Rotator Cuff Tears 

The rotator cuff consists of four muscles and tendons that stabilize your shoulder. 

A tear may occur because of: 

• Sports injuries 

• Falls 

• Heavy lifting 

• Age-related degeneration 

Common symptoms include: 

• Pain lifting the arm 

• Shoulder weakness 

• Difficulty sleeping 

• Pain reaching overhead 

• Clicking sensations 

Many rotator cuff injuries can be treated arthroscopically using minimally invasive techniques. 

Shoulder Impingement 

Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons become compressed beneath the acromion during arm movement. 

Patients often notice: 

• Pain reaching overhead 

• Pain while throwing 

• Weakness 

• Reduced motion 

• Nighttime shoulder pain 

Treatment frequently begins with conservative care before surgery is considered. 

Frozen Shoulder 

Also known as adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder causes progressive stiffness and pain. 

Many patients develop: 

• Severe shoulder stiffness 

• Difficulty reaching behind the back 

• Pain dressing 

• Limited mobility 

• Pain during everyday activities 

Early treatment can improve mobility and reduce recovery time. 

Shoulder Arthritis 

As cartilage wears away, the shoulder joint becomes painful and stiff. 

Symptoms often include: 

• Chronic shoulder pain 

• Grinding sensations 

• Limited motion 

• Pain at rest 

• Difficulty lifting objects 

Treatment ranges from conservative management to shoulder replacement surgery for advanced arthritis. 

Shoulder Instability 

Repeated shoulder dislocations or looseness can damage the ligaments and labrum. 

Patients commonly experience: 

• Shoulder slipping out of place 

• Weakness 

• Pain during sports 

• Apprehension with overhead movements 

Arthroscopic stabilization may be recommended depending on the severity. 

SLAP Tears 

A SLAP tear affects the cartilage (labrum) at the top of the shoulder where the biceps tendon attaches. 

This injury commonly affects: 

• Baseball players 

• Tennis players 

• Weightlifters 

• Swimmers 

• Active adults 

Symptoms often include: 

• Deep shoulder pain 

• Clicking 

• Weakness 

• Loss of throwing velocity 

AC Joint Injuries 

The acromioclavicular (AC) joint connects the collarbone to the shoulder blade. 

These injuries frequently occur after: 

• Falls 

• Bicycle accidents 

• Football injuries 

• Contact sports 

Treatment depends on the severity of the injury and the patient’s activity level. 

Biceps Tendon Injuries 

Damage to the biceps tendon may cause: 

• Front shoulder pain 

• Weakness 

• Cramping 

• A popping sensation 

• Difficulty lifting 

Depending on the injury, treatment may involve physical therapy, injections, or minimally invasive surgical repair. 

Personalized Shoulder Treatment Options 

Not every shoulder injury requires surgery. 

Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may include: 

• Physical therapy 

• Activity modification 

• Anti-inflammatory medications 

• Cortisone injections 

• Rehabilitation 

• Arthroscopic shoulder surgery 

• Rotator cuff repair 

• Labral repair 

• Shoulder stabilization 

• Shoulder replacement surgery 

Every treatment plan is customized based on your goals, lifestyle, and the nature of your injury. 

Advanced Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery 

Dr. Millstein specializes in arthroscopic shoulder surgery, a minimally invasive approach that uses a small camera and specialized instruments to treat shoulder injuries through tiny incisions. 

Arthroscopic surgery is commonly performed for: 

• Rotator cuff tears 

• SLAP tears 

• Labral injuries 

• Shoulder instability 

• Shoulder impingement 

• Biceps tendon injuries 

Potential benefits include: 

• Smaller incisions 

• Less tissue disruption 

• Reduced postoperative discomfort 

• Faster recovery 

• Smaller scars 

• Earlier rehabilitation 

Whenever possible, Dr. Millstein uses tissue-preserving techniques to optimize recovery while restoring shoulder function. 

Why Choose Dr. Eric S. Millstein? 

Experience matters when it comes to shoulder surgery. 

Dr. Eric S. Millstein is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine and arthroscopy from the prestigious Southern California Orthopedic Institute. He has extensive experience treating shoulder injuries ranging from sports-related trauma to advanced arthritis. 

Patients appreciate his thoughtful approach to care. Rather than rushing to surgery, Dr. Millstein believes in educating patients about every available treatment option and developing a plan tailored to their individual needs and activity goals. 

Whether you’re a competitive athlete, weekend golfer, tennis player, pickleball enthusiast, or simply want to live without shoulder pain, his goal is to restore function, reduce pain, and help you get back to the activities you enjoy. 

Expert Shoulder Care in Century City and Los Angeles 

You don’t have to accept shoulder pain as part of getting older—or living an active lifestyle. 

Dr. Eric S. Millstein proudly provides comprehensive shoulder care for patients throughout Century City, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Culver City, Brentwood, West Hollywood, and the greater Los Angeles area. 

Whether you’re dealing with a rotator cuff tear, frozen shoulder, shoulder arthritis, instability, or a sports injury, you’ll receive personalized care focused on restoring movement and helping you return to the life you love. 

Schedule a consultation today to learn which shoulder treatment option is right for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the most common cause of shoulder pain? 

Rotator cuff injuries, shoulder impingement, arthritis, frozen shoulder, and labral tears are among the most common causes of shoulder pain. A thorough evaluation can determine the exact source of your symptoms. 

Do all rotator cuff tears require surgery? 

No. Many partial tears and less severe injuries can improve with physical therapy, medications, and activity modification. Surgery is typically considered for larger tears, persistent pain, or significant weakness. 

What is arthroscopic shoulder surgery? 

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a tiny camera and specialized instruments to diagnose and treat shoulder conditions through small incisions. 

How long does it take to recover from shoulder surgery? 

Recovery depends on the procedure performed, but many patients gradually regain strength and motion over several months with a structured rehabilitation program. 

When should I see an orthopedic shoulder specialist? 

If shoulder pain lasts more than a few weeks, limits your daily activities, causes weakness, or follows an injury, it’s important to schedule an evaluation with an orthopedic specialist.