Shoulder Pain Specialist in Nassau County, NY
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body — and that mobility comes at a cost. Shoulder injuries and degenerative conditions are among the most common causes of chronic upper body pain, and they rarely improve on their own without proper diagnosis and targeted treatment.
At his Garden City and Lake Success offices, Dr. Edward Rubin evaluates and treats the full spectrum of shoulder pain using minimally invasive, non-surgical techniques — every procedure performed personally by Dr. Rubin himself.
What Causes Shoulder Pain?
Shoulder pain can originate from the joint itself, the surrounding tendons and bursa, or from nerve roots in the cervical spine that refer pain into the shoulder. Accurate diagnosis is essential because the treatment differs significantly depending on the source.
Common causes Dr. Rubin treats include:
- Rotator cuff tears and tendinopathy — partial or full tears of the rotator cuff tendons, or chronic degeneration without structural tear
- Shoulder bursitis — inflammation of the subacromial bursa, causing pain with overhead movement
- Glenohumeral osteoarthritis — breakdown of the cartilage within the shoulder joint
- Acromioclavicular (AC) joint arthritis — degeneration of the joint at the top of the shoulder
- Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) — progressive stiffening and pain from capsule inflammation
- Biceps tendinopathy — degeneration or inflammation of the long head of the biceps tendon
- Cervical radiculopathy — pain referred from a compressed nerve root in the neck (C5, C6)
- Labral tears — tears in the fibrocartilage ring that stabilizes the shoulder socket
Common Symptoms
- Aching pain in the front, side, or back of the shoulder
- Pain that worsens with reaching overhead, behind the back, or across the body
- Pain at night, especially when lying on the affected shoulder
- Weakness when lifting the arm or carrying objects
- A clicking, popping, or catching sensation with shoulder movement
- Stiffness and limited range of motion
- Pain radiating down the upper arm toward the elbow
How Dr. Rubin Treats Shoulder Pain
PRP Therapy (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
PRP therapy uses growth factors concentrated from your own blood, injected precisely into the affected tendon, bursa, or joint. It is particularly effective for rotator cuff tendinopathy, partial tears, and early glenohumeral arthritis — stimulating tissue healing and reducing chronic inflammation.
Subacromial Corticosteroid Injections
For shoulder bursitis and rotator cuff impingement, a corticosteroid injection into the subacromial space reduces inflammation quickly and effectively, restoring painless range of motion.
Glenohumeral Joint Injections
For shoulder arthritis, a direct injection into the glenohumeral joint with corticosteroid or viscosupplementation (hyaluronic acid) can provide months of meaningful relief and help patients delay or avoid joint replacement surgery.
AC Joint Injections
Targeted corticosteroid injections directly into the acromioclavicular joint relieve pain from AC arthritis — a common source of pain at the top of the shoulder with overhead activity.
Cervical Nerve Root Blocks
When shoulder pain is referred from a compressed nerve root in the cervical spine, a cervical nerve root block addresses the true source of pain — providing both diagnostic confirmation and therapeutic relief.
Trigger Point Injections
For muscle-based shoulder and upper trapezius pain, precise trigger point injections break the cycle of spasm and referred pain.
FAQs About Shoulder Pain
How do I know if my shoulder pain is from my neck or my actual shoulder? Cervical radiculopathy (neck-origin) typically causes pain that radiates from the neck into the shoulder and down the arm, often with accompanying numbness or tingling in the hand. True shoulder pain stays more localized. Dr. Rubin performs a thorough evaluation — including review of any cervical MRI — to differentiate the two.
Is PRP effective for a rotator cuff tear? PRP is most effective for partial-thickness tears and tendinopathy. Full-thickness tears with significant weakness may ultimately require surgical consultation, but many patients with partial tears see meaningful improvement with PRP.
How many injections will I need? This depends on the diagnosis. For bursitis, one or two injections may be sufficient. For arthritis or tendinopathy, a course of PRP (typically 1–3 injections spaced several weeks apart) often produces the best results.
Does insurance cover shoulder injections? Corticosteroid injections and diagnostic nerve blocks are generally covered by major insurance plans including Medicare, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare. PRP is currently not covered by most insurers but is offered at a transparent out-of-pocket fee.
Do I need imaging before my appointment? It is helpful to bring any existing shoulder MRI or X-rays. If you don't have recent imaging, Dr. Rubin can order it at your initial consultation.
Treating Shoulder Pain on Long Island
Dr. Rubin sees patients at two convenient Nassau County locations — Garden City and Lake Success — with procedures performed at affiliated surgical centers including NYU Long Island and Northwell Health. Call 516-492-3100 to schedule your evaluation.