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Shoulder Care for Strength, Stability, and Range of Motion

Shoulder pain can affect everything from work to sleep. Our specialists diagnose and treat complex shoulder conditions to help you regain comfort and mobility.

Get Back to What Moves You - Regain Comfort, Strength and Motion.

Shoulder pain can make even the simplest activities — like reaching into a cabinet, washing your hair, or lying on your side at night — feel frustrating and limiting. For some people, the pain starts after an accident or sports injury. For others, it builds slowly over time, often linked to wear and tear. No matter the cause, living with shoulder discomfort can keep you from enjoying life to the fullest.

At Bluegrass Orthopaedics, our orthopedic shoulder specialists are here to listen, diagnose, and guide you toward lasting relief.

Shoulder Care - Regain Comfort, Strength and Motion

When to See a Shoulder Specialist

Not every shoulder ache requires a doctor right away — sometimes soreness improves with rest or over-the-counter remedies. But if pain keeps coming back, lingers longer than expected, or interferes with your daily life, it may be time to get checked out. Our goal is to help you catch small problems before they become bigger ones.

You may benefit from seeing a specialist if you notice:

  • Pain that radiates down the arm
  • Aching pain
  • Difficulty lifting or lowering the arm
  • Tenderness
  • Swelling in the shoulder
  • Stiffness
  • Tingling sensation in the arm
  • A clicking or popping sound when you move your shoulder
  • Pain that worsens with overhead motions such as reaching for an item in a cabinet, reaching to buckle your seatbelt, brushing your hair, throwing a baseball.
  • Ongoing pain from a sports related problem
  • Bone-on-bone sensation

Having any of these symptoms may indicate one of the following common shoulder problems or injuries:

Having any of the symptoms above may indicate one of the following common shoulder problems or injuries:

What to Expect at Your Appointment with a Shoulder Specialist

What to Expect at Your Appointment with a Shoulder Specialist

We know it can feel stressful to visit a specialist, especially if you’re unsure what’s causing your pain. That’s why we take the time to explain each step and make sure you feel comfortable and informed. Your first visit is all about learning more about your shoulder and giving you clear answers.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • A conversation about your symptoms, health history, and lifestyle goals.
  • A gentle exam to check movement, strength, and stability.
  • Imaging (like X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound) if needed to see inside the joint. *If you had imaging done previously, please bring this to your appointment.*
  • A personalized treatment plan designed to relieve pain and restore function.

Innovative Treatment Options

No two shoulders — or patients — are alike. That’s why we offer a wide range of treatment options, starting with the least invasive approach possible. In many cases, surgery isn’t necessary, and we can help you feel better with therapies designed to reduce pain and strengthen the joint. If surgery does become the best option, we use advanced techniques that focus on faster recovery and better long-term outcomes.

Some of our treatment options include:

  • Non-surgical care such as physical therapy, injections, bracing, and regenerative medicine (PRP, biologics).
  • Minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery for rotator cuff and labral repairs.
  • Total Shoulder replacement surgery, including reverse shoulder arthroplasty for severe arthritis or complex cases.
  • Comprehensive rehab programs that support healing and help you get back to daily activities sooner.
Innovative Shoulder Treatment Options
Choose Bluegrass Orthopaedics for Shoulder Care

Why Choose Bluegrass Orthopaedics for Shoulder Care?

Choosing the right specialist can make all the difference in your recovery. At BGO, we combine compassionate care with the expertise and technology you’d expect from a leading orthopedic center. We don’t just treat your shoulder — we treat you as a whole person, tailoring our approach to your needs and goals.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Fellowship-trained specialists in shoulder and sports medicine
  • Expertise in both surgical and non-surgical treatments
  • Access to the latest imaging and minimally invasive techniques
  • A team approach that keeps your overall health in focus
  • Personalized care plans to help you get back to work, sports, and life with confidence
  • Orthopedic Clinic and Physical Therapy locations in Georgetown, Lexington, London, Morehead, Nicholasville, Richmond and Somerset, Kentucky.

Meet Our Shoulder Surgeons

Charles "Ched" Crouse, M.D.

Charles "Ched" Crouse, MD

General Orthopedics, Joint Replacement, Sports Medicine, Hip & Knee

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Dr. Ryan Donegan, MD, MS

Ryan P. Donegan, MD, MS

Elbow, Shoulder, Joint Replacement, Sports Medicine

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Dr. Wallace Huff, MD

Wallace L. Huff, JR., MD

Hip, Knee, Shoulder, Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement

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Dr. Victor Marwin, MD

Dr. Victor Marwin, MD, MBA

Hand & Wrist, Elbow, Shoulder & Joint Replacement

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Dr. Owen McGonigle MD

Dr. Owen McGonigle, MD

Sports Medicine, Elbow, Shoulder, Hip, Knee & Joint Replacement

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Hear What Other Patients Have to Say

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Caring Care And Convenient Shoulder Treatment

I feel like they really care about my problems and my damaged shoulder. I like it that you don’t have to wait forever to see my doctor. I enjoy being able to check in on line. I would recommend Dr Donegan to anyone that has damaged their shoulder.

- Debra Hall
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Top-Notch Surgeon For Shoulder Replacements

One of the best doctors you could ever meet. Very friendly, attentive and a great Surgeon. I had reverse shoulder replacement and I consider it successful.

- Tom Gillion
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Highly Recommend Dr. Donegan’s Shoulder Care

As a medical professional, I had a work injury to my shoulder. I know of the competency and quality of care that Dr. Donegan gives his patients. Workers Compensation denied Dr. Donegan. They assigned me a surgeon at UK Orthopedics. This UK surgeon missed 2 major medical steps in my recovery. Dr. Donegan repaired my shoulder with quality recovery. I would highly recommend Dr. Donegan if you have shoulder issues. You will not regret it.

- Rick Warner

Shoulder Orthopaedics - Frequently Asked Questions

When should I see a shoulder specialist instead of treating pain at home?

If your shoulder pain is mild and improves with rest, ice, or over-the-counter medicine, you may not need to see a doctor right away. However, if pain lingers longer than expected, interferes with daily activities, or keeps returning, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment. You should also see a specialist if you notice stiffness, swelling, tingling, or pain with overhead motions.

What are the most common causes of shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain can come from many conditions, including rotator cuff tears, arthritis, bursitis, frozen shoulder, labral tears, dislocations, or fractures. Because multiple issues can cause similar symptoms, an accurate diagnosis from a shoulder specialist is key to finding the right treatment.

What should I expect during my first appointment at Bluegrass Orthopaedics?

At your first visit, our specialists will discuss your symptoms, health history, and lifestyle goals. We’ll perform a gentle exam to check your shoulder’s movement, strength, and stability. If needed, imaging such as an X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound will be ordered. From there, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan to help relieve pain and restore function.

Will I need surgery for shoulder pain?

Not always. Many patients improve with non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, injections, bracing, or regenerative medicine. Surgery is typically considered only when conservative options haven’t provided relief or if the injury is severe. If surgery is needed, our team specializes in minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures and advanced shoulder replacement techniques.

What non-surgical treatment options are available?

Non-surgical care may include:

  • Physical therapy to improve strength and mobility
  • Cortisone or biologic injections to reduce inflammation and pain
  • Bracing or activity modification to protect the joint
  • Regenerative medicine options such as PRP therapy

How long does it take to recover from shoulder surgery?

Recovery time depends on the type of surgery and your individual health. Many arthroscopic procedures allow for faster healing compared to traditional surgery. For shoulder replacement surgery, recovery may take several months, but our comprehensive rehab programs are designed to help you regain strength and function as quickly and safely as possible.

Why choose Bluegrass Orthopaedics for shoulder care?

Our fellowship-trained specialists combine advanced orthopedic expertise with compassionate, patient-focused care. We provide a full spectrum of treatment options — from non-surgical therapies to minimally invasive procedures and total shoulder replacements. With multiple clinic and physical therapy locations across Kentucky, we make it easier for you to access expert care close to home.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Shoulder pain doesn’t have to define your life. Whether you’re an athlete trying to return to your sport, a parent who wants to lift your child without hesitation, or simply someone who misses sleeping through the night without pain, our team is ready to help.

Schedule your appointment with our shoulder specialists today — and take the first step toward relief, strength, and restored motion.

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