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Shoulder Pain Treatment in Long Island from an Orthopedic Shoulder Specialist
Shoulder Pain Treatment & Shoulder Injury Treatment for Athletes and Active Adults
At Steele Orthopedics, we understand how shoulder pain can limit everything from sports and exercise to work and everyday activities. Shoulder specialist Dr. Barbara Steele provides personalized shoulder pain treatment for athletes and active adults, with a focus on relieving pain, restoring mobility, and getting you back to the activities you love.
- Shoulder Injury Treatment: Expert care for rotator cuff injuries and tears, labral tears, frozen shoulder, bursitis, shoulder instability, dislocations, and other causes of shoulder pain.
- Surgical & Non-Surgical Shoulder Pain Treatment: Treatment options include PRP therapy, steroid injections, coordination with physical therapy, and minimally invasive arthroscopic shoulder surgery when necessary.
- Fast, Accurate Diagnosis: Same-day X-rays and access to additional imaging, including MRIs when needed, help identify the cause of your shoulder pain and determine the right treatment plan.
Dr. Steele is a highly trained orthopedic shoulder specialist, shoulder doctor, and board-certified orthopedic surgeon with Ivy League credentials. She combines advanced surgical and non-surgical expertise with compassionate, personalized care to guide each patient from diagnosis through recovery.
Not sure what’s causing your shoulder pain? We can help.
Steele Orthopedics provides shoulder pain treatment tailored to the diagnoses and activity levels of patients throughout Long Island who are dealing with shoulder injuries or pain. Dr. Barbara Steele, an experienced shoulder specialist and orthopedic surgeon, is here to help you get back to living pain-free, whether you're an athlete or just looking to return to your everyday routine. Dr. Steele provides comprehensive diagnostic evaluations, shoulder pain treatment plans based on your diagnosis and lifestyle, and second opinions for a wide range of shoulder conditions, including:
Rotator Cuff Injuries & Rotator Cuff Tendons Treatment
At Steele Orthopedics, we offer a range of advanced treatments for rotator cuff tears, tailored to relieve pain and restore shoulder function. Whether you're dealing with a strained rotator cuff, tendonitis, or a torn shoulder muscle, our approach focuses on finding the best way to heal your injury and get you back to your daily activities. Non-surgical options include local steroid injections for pain management, which can reduce inflammation in the shoulder joint, and PRP therapy to promote natural healing. For more severe cases, arthroscopic shoulder surgery may be recommended to repair damaged rotator cuff tendons with precision and minimal recovery time. Dr. Steele works closely with each patient to determine the most effective treatment plan for their shoulder pain and ensure the best possible outcome for their shoulder health.
Frozen Shoulder
We provide comprehensive care for frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, to help patients regain shoulder mobility and reduce discomfort. Steele Orthopedics’ adhesive capsulitis treatment plans are tailored to each patient. A conservative treatment plan might combine non-surgical steroid injections to reduce inflammation with physical therapy to improve the range of motion. In more severe cases that don’t respond to injections or physical therapy, arthroscopic surgery may be recommended. Our goal is to provide the most effective remedies and management test strategies to help you achieve lasting relief.
Labral Tears
A labral tear can be caused by overuse, trauma, falls, or repetitive motion and lead to symptoms like pain, limited range of motion, and instability. We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of labral tears, including SLAP ( Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior) tears, to help patients regain shoulder strength and mobility. Based on how severe the labral tear is, treatments may include physical therapy, targeted exercises, steroid injection, PRP therapy, or arthroscopic surgery to repair the torn labrum and restore shoulder function. To ensure the best prognosis and a smooth recovery, Dr. Steele works closely with each patient to create a personalized treatment plan.
Bursitis
Inflammation of the shoulder bursa is typically caused by injury, overuse, falls, or arthritis and often leads to pain, swelling, and limited shoulder mobility. At Steele Orthopedics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating bursitis to provide effective relief. Treatment options may include steroid injections and physical therapy. In more severe cases, a minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery called a bursectomy may be needed to remove inflamed bursal tissue. Our goal is to alleviate discomfort, restore mobility, and help patients return to their daily activities pain-free.
Shoulder Instability
Steele Orthopedics provides expert care for shoulder instability, also known as glenohumeral instability, a condition where the soft tissues or bones around the shoulder joint fail to keep the humeral head securely centered in the glenoid socket. This instability can lead to subluxation or complete dislocation, often causing pain, weakness, and a sense of shoulder laxity. Treatment options for glenohumeral instability are tailored to each patient's needs, and may include physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles or arthroscopic repair to address damaged ligaments and restore joint stability. Dr. Steele's personalized approach ensures that every patient receives the most effective care to regain shoulder function and prevent future dislocations.
Surgical Interventions for Shoulder Injuries
Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery from an Experienced Shoulder Surgeon
Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is a minimally invasive surgery involving only a few small one-centimeter incisions around the shoulder, during which a small camera is inserted into the shoulder. Small instruments are used to repair or remove torn tissue. Patients go home the same day with a sling. Dr. Steele uses arthroscopic shoulder surgery to treat conditions such as labral tears, rotator cuff tears, bursitis, and shoulder dislocations:
- Labral debridement (removing torn labral tissue)
- Labral repair (repairing torn labral tissue)
- Rotator cuff debridement (removing torn rotator cuff tissue)
- Rotator cuff repair (repairing torn rotator cuff tears)
- Bursectomy/soft tissue subacromial decompression (removing inflamed bursal tissue)
- Biceps tendon debridement (removing torn biceps tendon tissue)
- Biceps tendon tenotomy (cutting a torn biceps tendon)
- Biceps tendon tenodesis (reattaching the biceps tendon in a different location)
- Chondroplasty (shaving down the unstable cartilage)
- Synovectomy (removing inflamed synovial tissue)
Non-Surgical Interventions for Shoulder Pain
PRP Therapy
Dr. Steele provides platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, an innovative non-surgical treatment that harnesses the body's natural healing processes. This advanced approach involves PRP injections, in which platelet-rich plasma is derived from the patient's own blood. Dr. Steele then injects the enriched plasma into the affected area.
PRP Therapy is a highly effective treatment for addressing shoulder injuries such as rotator cuff tears, labral tears, and frozen shoulder. By delivering concentrated platelets directly to the injury site, this treatment helps reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and accelerate recovery. Regenerative plasma therapy offers a cutting-edge solution for patients seeking to heal shoulder injuries without surgery.
Steroid Injections
Corticosteroid (cortisone) injections can treat a variety of joint conditions, including bursitis, arthritis, rotator cuff tears, labral tears, and frozen shoulder. Targeted steroid injections deliver pain relief directly to the affected area, reducing inflammation and alleviating discomfort.
Dr. Steele's patients often notice rapid reductions in pain and improved mobility, allowing them to return to their daily activities with greater ease. Steroid injections can be effective for managing joint pain and enhancing overall quality of life.
Meet Dr. Barbara Steele – Shoulder Specialist, Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine Doctor
Dr. Barbara Steele is a board-certified orthopedic surgery and sports medicine specialist with over 15 years of experience diagnosing and treating knee, shoulder, and sports-related musculoskeletal injuries. Dr. Steele is a former Division I athlete at Brown University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with Honors, and she combines her athletic background with world-class medical training. She completed her MD with Honors in Research at Weill Cornell Medical College, followed by an orthopedic surgery residency at Westchester Medical Center, where she served as Chief Resident at a Level I trauma center. Her advanced fellowship training in sports medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) included working with team doctors for the Philadelphia 76ers and collegiate athletes.
Dr. Steele’s personal experience as an athlete who underwent her first orthopedic surgery to overcome an ACL and meniscus tear she sustained while playing with an amateur women’s soccer team in New York City has shaped her empathetic approach to patient care. Not only is she a skilled and experienced orthopedic specialist, but she also understands firsthand the challenges of recovery and is dedicated to helping patients—from athletes returning to their sport to parents wanting to stay active with their kids—regain their quality of life. Known for her personalized care, state-of-the-art techniques, and meticulous attention to detail, Dr. Steele ensures every patient receives a clear diagnosis, a thorough explanation of treatment options, and a personalized recovery plan.
Why Patients Choose Steele Orthopedics for Shoulder Pain Treatment on Long Island
Steele Orthopedics is dedicated to providing expert, compassionate care for shoulder pain and injuries. From our specialized knowledge in treating shoulder conditions to our patient-focused approach, we deliver personalized orthopedic and sports medicine solutions designed to restore mobility and relieve pain.
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Expert Shoulder Specialist & Shoulder Surgeon
Dr. Steele is highly regarded as an expert in diagnosing and treating shoulder injuries. She provides advanced care customized to each of her patients' unique needs. With extensive training in both non-surgical and surgical techniques, Dr. Steele is a shoulder doctor committed to helping individuals recover from shoulder pain and regain the strength and mobility needed to return to their favorite activities. She performs advanced arthroscopic procedures designed to restore shoulder function while minimizing recovery time.
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Top Academic Training
Dr. Steele’s Ivy League education and fellowship training in sports medicine and orthopedic care highlight her dedication to providing top-tier treatment for shoulder pain and injuries.
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Relatable and Experienced
Having personally undergone multiple knee surgeries, Dr. Steele brings a unique perspective to the treatment of orthopedic pain and injury. With firsthand experience in recovery and rehabilitation, she connects with her patients and guides them through their healing journey, helping them prevent future injuries.
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Caring and Compassionate Approach
Dr. Steele takes a patient-centered, compassionate approach to treating shoulder pain and injuries. As one of the few female orthopedic surgeons and shoulder doctors in the region, she offers a unique perspective. She’s dedicated to providing clear communication, taking the time to thoroughly explain diagnoses and treatment options so patients feel informed and confident in their care decisions.
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Convenient Access to Imaging Services
Steele Orthopedic streamlines shoulder pain treatment with easy access to imaging services. Patients can benefit from same-day X-rays and expedited MRI scheduling. This ensures prompt imaging and swift diagnosis, allowing for efficient and effective care tailored to each patient's needs.
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Meticulous Surgical Care
Dr. Steele applies exceptional precision and attention to every aspect of shoulder pain treatment to achieve the best possible outcomes. She personally consults with patients before and after procedures, reviews imaging results in detail, and thoroughly explains each step of the treatment process. This personalized approach reflects the high standard of care that sets our practice apart.
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Advanced Shoulder Pain Treatment from an Experienced Shoulder Doctor
With expertise in both non-surgical and surgical methods Dr Steele focuses on patient-centered care, thoroughly exploring all treatment options. Dr. Steele takes a hands-on approach by personally reviewing imaging results rather than relying solely on radiology reports, and recommends surgery only when it’s necessary.
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Patient-Focused Care from Consultation to Shoulder Pain Recovery
From initial consultation to full recovery, Dr. Steele ensures her patients feel supported at every stage of their shoulder pain treatment. She offers clear guidance and attentive post-operative care to promote healing and restore mobility.
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Flexible Scheduling and Short Wait Times for Shoulder Pain Treatment
At Steele Orthopedics, we recognize the need for flexibility and provide convenient scheduling options to accommodate patients’ busy lives. We prioritize patients' time, with efficient appointments and minimal wait times to ensure a seamless care experience.
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Trusted Network of Specialists
Dr. Steele collaborates with a trusted network of professionals that includes physical therapists, pain management doctors, and other orthopedic specialists to provide comprehensive and effective care for shoulder pain. This team-based approach ensures patients receive the well-rounded support they need for a successful recovery.
Serving Shoulder Pain Patients Across Long Island, Queens & Northern New Jersey
Steele Orthopedics offers convenient office locations to serve patients across Long Island, including Queens and Nassau Counties, Greater New York City, and Northern New Jersey:
- New Hyde Park
- Floral Park
- Great Neck
- Manhasset
- Roslyn/Roslyn Heights
- Hempstead
- Mineola
- Albertson
- Williston Park/East Williston
- Bellerose
- Oceanside
- Garden City
- Coming Soon to Newark, NJ
Compassionate Care, Clear Answers, Better Outcomes
Getting care at Steele Orthopedics starts with a quick call to schedule your appointment, often available within the week, with insurance verified in advance by our office. During your visit, you’ll meet directly with Dr. Steele for a thorough evaluation. If needed, same-day X-rays or scheduled MRIs are warranted, with Dr. Steele personally reviewing all imaging for an accurate diagnosis.
She’ll provide a clear explanation of your condition and create a personalized treatment plan for you that prioritizes conservative care—only recommending surgery when necessary. Throughout your recovery, Dr. Steele offers post-surgical follow-ups and coordinates with physical therapists to ensure a smooth rehabilitation process.
From Diagnosis to Recovery—You’re in the Right Hands
Comprehensive Evaluation & Diagnosis
Customized Treatment Plan
Guidance Through Recovery & Rehabilitation
Shoulder Pain Treatment FAQs: Answers from a Shoulder Specialist
We treat a wide range of shoulder conditions at Steele Orthopedics, including rotator cuff tears, labral tears, bursitis, shoulder instability, tendonitis, arthritis, and sports-related injuries. As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and shoulder injury specialist, Dr. Barbara Steele will carefully diagnose your injury and build a personalized treatment plan tailored to your diagnosis, symptoms, and recovery goals. Dr. Steele prioritizes non-surgical treatment and will recommend surgery only when necessary.
If your shoulder pain is interfering with your daily activities or began following an injury, you should get evaluated by a shoulder specialist. Pain that doesn’t get better with rest or causes instability, stiffness, or weakness could indicate a condition such as a rotator cuff tear, labral tear, bursitis, tendonitis, or arthritis. At Steele Orthopedics, Dr. Barbara Steele will evaluate your shoulder pain and build a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Early diagnosis and treatment will provide you with the most treatment options and help you feel better as quickly as possible.
Your shoulder pain treatment plan will depend on what’s causing your pain, but at Steele Orthopedics, we offer plenty of options. Dr. Barbara Steele always prefers conservative care, including PRP injections, steroid injections, bracing, and coordinated physical therapy to help your shoulder heal naturally. When a condition such as a rotator cuff tear, labral tear, bursitis, instability, or tendonitis requires more extensive treatment, she offers minimally invasive arthroscopic shoulder surgery for a smoother recovery. At Steele Orthopedics, you’ll receive care that’s tailored to your diagnosis, symptoms, and recovery goals, with surgery recommended only when it’s truly the best answer.
At Steele Orthopedics, surgery is rarely the first step in treating a shoulder injury. Dr. Barbara Steele turns to conservative, non-surgical care for shoulder pain whenever possible, including PRP injections, steroid injections, bracing, and coordinated physical therapy. Shoulder conditions like bursitis, tendonitis, and mild rotator cuff injuries can often be managed without surgery. For conditions like significant rotator cuff tears and labral tears, minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery is only recommended when it’s truly the best path to recovery.
The only way to know definitively whether you have a rotator cuff injury is to get evaluated by a shoulder doctor. Dr. Barbara Steele is a shoulder specialist who can assess your symptoms, order and personally review imaging of your shoulder, diagnose the cause of your shoulder pain, and build a treatment plan tailored to your diagnosis and goals. Schedule a visit so you can start on the path to recovery as soon as possible.
Steele Orthopedics accepts most major insurance plans, including:
- United Healthcare (UHC)
- Oxford
- Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
- Cigna
- Aetna
- Medicare
- 1199
- No-Fault Insurance
If you do not see your insurance listed, please contact our office. Our team will be happy to verify your coverage and benefits before your appointment.
Schedule an Appointment with Steele Orthopedics
At Steele Orthopedics, we specialize in treating knee, shoulder, and sports-related injuries with a focus on personalized, compassionate care. Whether you’re an athlete, an active individual, or simply looking to regain mobility and reduce pain, Dr. Barbara Steele and her team are committed to supporting you every step of the way.
From same-day X-rays and non-surgical treatments like PRP, gel injections, and steroid injections to advanced surgical care, we provide personalized solutions that meet your unique needs. With top-notch training, extensive experience, and a relatable approach shaped by her own sports injury recovery journey, Dr. Steele ensures each of her patients receives expert care.
Take the first step on your healing journey today.