Western Orthopaedics in Denver Blends Innovative Techniques to Provide a Spectrum of Sho...( Regional Shoulder Patients Benefit fr...),Health

Regional Shoulder Patients Benefit from Personalized Attention

DENVER, April 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Armodios Hatzidakis, a shoulder and elbow specialist at Western Orthopaedics, specializes in a spectrum of shoulder procedures including everything from a 45-minute technique called shoulder resurfacing to a reversed shoulder replacement that relieves pain, restores shoulder function and improves range of motion.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, there are a range of non-surgical and surgical options to address various chronic shoulder problems and stages of pain. Patients initially opt for a first-line treatment that includes pain medication and/or physical therapy -- depending on the level of pain and the severity of injury. If initial non-surgical treatment is ineffective for chronic shoulder pain, there are surgical options to consider.

Choosing to proceed with surgery can be a daunting challenge. "Taking the time to listen, to truly listen to each patient is one of the most important factors in making the right decision," says Dr. Hatzidakis. "Today the average physician spends seven minutes with a patient. That is often not enough time to ask the right questions, understand the day-to-day issues and adequately counsel a patient about their care. I'm committed to effective communication with my patients. Whether counseling patients on a host of non-surgical treatments, performing arthroscopic ('scope') surgery or a more complex shoulder replacement, the goal is to offer patients the best option so they can return to pain-free daily living and the activities that they enjoy," added Hatzidakis.

The resurfacing shoulder implant is a conservative and more gradual approach to shoulder replacement. It is typically done on patients with earlier stage shoulder problems and is designed to restore the normal anatomy of the joint while improving range of motion with minima
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