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Shoulder Specialists in New York & New Jersey

Shoulder pain can compromise your sleep, mobility, and quality of life. Our leading shoulder specialists in New York and New Jersey deliver highly personalized care for rotator cuff tears, shoulder arthritis, instability, and sports injuries, from advanced nonsurgical treatment to arthroscopic surgery and shoulder replacement.

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Same-day requests On-site imaging Specialist care Multiple treatment options
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Specialist care Multiple treatment options
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Why an Orthopedic Shoulder Specialist Matters for Accurate Diagnosis

Shoulder conditions are often difficult to diagnose because pain may originate in the rotator cuff, labrum, cartilage, bursa, nerves, or neck. A shoulder specialist evaluates how your symptoms, strength, movement, and imaging fit together before recommending treatment. This precise approach helps identify the true source of pain, avoid unnecessary procedures, and create a care plan focused on restoring lasting function with confidence and clarity.

Meet Dr. Charles Ruotolo, MD
Dr. Charles Ruotolo: Fellowship-Trained Shoulder Surgeon

Dr. Charles Ruotolo is a board-certified orthopedic shoulder surgeon in New York and founder of Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. Fellowship-trained in shoulder surgery and sports medicine, he treats rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, instability, arthritis, and complex conditions through advanced arthroscopic repair, reconstruction, and shoulder replacement.

His expertise extends beyond the operating room. As an Arthroscopy Association of North America instructor, Dr. Ruotolo teaches advanced shoulder arthroscopy to other orthopedic surgeons. He has published research on shoulder injuries and healing and is recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor and Newsday Top Doctor.

 

Credentials & Experience

  • Board-certified orthopedic surgeon and AAOS Fellow
  • Fellowship-trained in shoulder surgery and sports medicine
  • Instructor of Arthroscopy for the AANA
  • Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at NYITCOM
  • Castle Connolly and Newsday Top Doctor

The Shoulder Surgeon Other Surgeons Learn From

AANA
Shoulder Arthroscopy Instructor
NUMC Residency Founder Castle Connolly
Castle Connolly Top Doctor
Best of Long Island Best Orthopedist

Dr. Charles Ruotolo’s credentials represent an uncommon level of distinction in shoulder surgery, surgical education, and orthopedic leadership. He teaches advanced arthroscopy to surgeons through AANA, established NUMC’s orthopedic residency program, and has earned Castle Connolly Top Doctor and Best of Long Island recognition for the expertise that defines his clinical practice.

Advanced Shoulder Expertise, Available Across Long Island

Consult With Dr. Charles Ruotolo

Meet with a nationally recognized shoulder surgeon and arthroscopy educator at one of four convenient Long Island locations.

Syosset

115 Eileen Way Syosset, NY 11791

Massapequa

5500 Merrick Road Massapequa, NY 11758

East Meadow

2339 Hempstead Turnpike East Meadow, NY 11554

Deer Park

2103 Deer Park Avenue Deer Park, NY 11729

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Shoulder specialists

Meet our shoulder specialists

Board-certified orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine physicians treating rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability, arthritis, fractures, and shoulder replacement across Long Island and the tri-state area.

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How the Shoulder Moves and What Causes Pain

The shoulder combines exceptional mobility with precise stability. The rounded head of the upper arm rests in a shallow socket, giving you the freedom to reach overhead, rotate, lift, throw, push, and pull.

That movement relies on a finely coordinated system. The rotator cuff guides and powers the joint, while the labrum, capsule, and ligaments maintain stability. Cartilage cushions the bones; the biceps tendon, bursa, and shoulder-blade muscles support smooth, controlled motion.

If any structure becomes inflamed, torn, stiff, unstable, or worn by arthritis, the shoulder may compensate in ways that spread pain or limit function. Because symptoms often overlap, an expert evaluation is essential to identify the true source of the problem and determine the right treatment for you.

Healthy shoulder function depends on:

  • Strong rotator cuff tendons for controlled movement
  • An intact labrum and ligaments for joint stability
  • Smooth cartilage for comfortable, low-friction motion
  • Coordinated shoulder-blade, muscle, and nerve function

Effective treatment begins by identifying which part of this finely balanced system is no longer functioning properly.

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How Shoulder Pain Develops

Some shoulder injuries happen suddenly, while others develop gradually through repetitive use, instability, stiffness, or age-related changes. Understanding how your symptoms began helps your shoulder specialist identify the underlying condition and recommend the right treatment.

Shoulder Injuries & Instability

Falls, sports collisions, heavy lifting, and throwing injuries can cause shoulder instability, rotator cuff tears, labral tears, biceps tendon injuries, AC joint damage, or fractures. Sudden shoulder pain, weakness, bruising, deformity, popping, or a dislocation should be evaluated promptly by an experienced orthopedic shoulder specialist.

Shoulder Overuse, Stiffness & Arthritis

Repetitive overhead activity and age-related wear can cause shoulder impingement, rotator cuff tendinitis, bursitis, frozen shoulder, biceps tendon pain, and shoulder arthritis. Symptoms often begin with night pain, stiffness, weakness, or limited range of motion, then gradually interfere with sleep, work, exercise, and daily activities.

 
 
 

How We Find the Source of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can originate from the joint, rotator cuff, labrum, biceps tendon, or even the neck. A focused evaluation and carefully selected imaging reveal what is causing your symptoms and guide the right treatment.

A Focused Shoulder Examination

We begin by understanding when your symptoms started and which movements trigger pain, weakness, stiffness, or instability. Your specialist then evaluates motion, strength, stability, and nerve function to identify the structures involved.

 

Imaging Selected With Purpose

X-rays reveal arthritis, fractures, bone spurs, alignment, and joint-space changes. MRI or ultrasound evaluates the rotator cuff, labrum, biceps tendon, and other soft tissues, while CT supports planning for complex fractures, bone loss, or shoulder replacement.

 

A Diagnosis Built Around You

Your examination and imaging are interpreted together, never in isolation. The final plan considers the injured structure, tissue quality, previous treatment, activity demands, and your goals for sleeping comfortably, returning to work, exercising, or competing.

 
 
 
  • Shoulder Treatment Matched to Your Diagnosis

Once we identify the source of your shoulder pain, care progresses from focused nonsurgical treatment to advanced shoulder surgery only when necessary.

  • Physical Therapy

A personalized therapy program restores mobility, builds strength, and improves shoulder function without unnecessary intervention.

  • Guided Injections

Ultrasound-guided injections deliver treatment precisely to the affected joint, bursa, or tendon sheath when appropriate.

  • Arthroscopic Repair

Minimally invasive surgery can repair rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, instability, and impingement while preserving healthy tissue.

  • Shoulder Replacement

For advanced arthritis or irreparable joint damage, anatomic or reverse shoulder replacement can relieve pain and restore dependable function.

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Shoulder Conditions We Treat

Shoulder symptoms often overlap. A careful evaluation determines whether the main problem is a tendon, the labrum, joint stiffness, instability, cartilage loss, a fracture, or referred pain from outside the shoulder.

Rotator Cuff Tears, Tendinitis & Impingement

Rotator cuff problems commonly cause pain along the front or outer shoulder, night pain, weakness, and difficulty lifting the arm. Treatment depends on whether the tendon is inflamed, partially torn, completely torn, acutely injured, or chronically retracted—not simply on the presence of a tear on MRI.

  • In the neck, this most commonly affects C5–C6
  • In the lower back, this most commonly affects L4–L5 or L5–S1
  • Symptoms include chronic neck or back pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion
  • When conservative care no longer provides relief, disc replacement addresses the structural source of the problem
Labral Tears, Dislocations & Shoulder Instability

The labrum and ligaments help keep the ball centered in the socket. A traumatic dislocation or repetitive overhead activity can cause a tear, catching, pain with throwing, or repeated episodes of slipping. Care may include rehabilitation, arthroscopic stabilization, labral repair, or additional procedures when bone loss is present.

 
  • In the neck, this most commonly affects the shoulder, arm, or hand
  • In the lower back, this most commonly affects the buttocks, leg, or foot
  • Symptoms include sharp, radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected limb
  • Disc replacement is recommended when one or two discs are confirmed as the direct source of nerve compression and pain
Frozen Shoulder, Biceps & AC Joint Problems

Frozen shoulder causes progressive pain and loss of both active and passive motion. Biceps tendon problems often create pain in the front of the shoulder, while AC joint arthritis or separation tends to hurt at the top of the shoulder. The examination separates these conditions so treatment reaches the correct structure.

  • In the neck, this most commonly affects the arms, causing pain and stiffness that radiates downward
  • In the lower back, this most commonly affects the legs, with pressure extending through the hips and feet
  • Symptoms include nerve compression, pain, weakness, and progressively limited spinal mobility
  • Restoring disc height reestablishes the natural spacing your spine needs to move and function without pain
Arthritis, Fractures & Failed Prior Surgery

Cartilage loss, complex fractures, irreparable rotator cuff damage, recurrent tearing, stiffness after surgery, or a painful prior implant require a more advanced evaluation. Options may include reconstruction, tendon transfer, anatomic shoulder replacement, reverse shoulder replacement, or revision surgery when appropriate.

  • Applicable to both prior cervical and lumbar discectomy procedures
  • After a discectomy, the remaining disc tissue can deteriorate further, causing symptoms to return or worsen
  • Disc replacement addresses the collapsed segment directly, restoring the height and stability lost over time
  • For appropriate candidates, replacement preserves motion and reduces stress, transferring to adjacent segments
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Why Choose Total Orthopedics for Shoulder Care?

Our coordinated approach brings diagnosis, nonsurgical care, advanced surgery, and rehabilitation together, so every recommendation reflects your shoulder, your goals, and the precise level of treatment you need.

What Distinguishes Our Approach
  • Fellowship-trained shoulder specialists treat rotator cuff tears, instability, arthritis, and sports injuries.
  • Advanced imaging distinguishes damage involving tendons, cartilage, bone, ligaments, and surrounding nerves.
  • Treatment spans physical therapy, guided injections, arthroscopy, reconstruction, and shoulder replacement options
  • Conservative care comes first when it can restore function safely and effectively
  • Minimally invasive shoulder surgery preserves healthy tissue and limits disruption during recovery
  • Complex tears, failed repairs, fractures, and advanced arthritis receive condition-specific treatment planning
  • Structured rehabilitation supports strength, mobility, and a confident return to activity safely
  • Locations across New York and New Jersey make specialist shoulder care more accessible

When Is Advanced Shoulder Treatment Recommended?

Advanced treatment may be considered when a confirmed shoulder condition continues to limit comfort or function despite appropriate care. Your specialist evaluates the following factors before confidently recommending the next clinical step.

  • Your diagnosis is confirmed through shoulder examination and appropriate diagnostic imaging studies.
  • Physical therapy, medication, rest, or injections have not provided lasting shoulder relief.
  • Your bone, tendon, and cartilage health supports the recommended treatment and recovery.
  • Your shoulder has a repairable structural problem affecting strength, stability, or movement.
  • Your overall health supports treatment, rehabilitation, and a safe return to activity.
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Shoulder Care FAQ

Questions about shoulder pain and treatment

Clear answers about shoulder symptoms, diagnosis, nonsurgical care, surgery, replacement, and recovery.

An orthopedic shoulder specialist treats conditions affecting the rotator cuff, labrum, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and shoulder joint. Persistent pain, weakness, stiffness, clicking, or instability should be evaluated to determine the precise cause.

The most common causes of shoulder pain include rotator cuff tears, tendinitis, impingement, bursitis, frozen shoulder, arthritis, labral tears, instability, fractures, and biceps tendon injuries. A focused examination helps identify which structure is causing the symptoms.

Common rotator cuff tear symptoms include shoulder weakness, night pain, difficulty lifting the arm, and pain with overhead movement. An orthopedic shoulder specialist may use an examination, X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI to confirm the diagnosis.

Shoulder pain may worsen at night because sleeping positions place pressure on inflamed tendons, bursae, or arthritic joints. Rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, frozen shoulder, and shoulder arthritis commonly cause nighttime pain that disrupts sleep.

See a shoulder specialist when pain lasts several weeks, repeatedly returns, affects sleep, or limits lifting and movement. Sudden weakness, visible deformity, severe pain, or a shoulder that feels dislocated requires prompt medical evaluation.

Many shoulder conditions can be treated without surgery. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include activity modification, medication, physical therapy, rehabilitation, or image-guided injections designed to reduce pain and restore movement.

A rotator cuff tear does not always require surgery. Physical therapy, medication, activity modification, and injections may improve pain and function, while surgery may be recommended for traumatic tears, significant weakness, or symptoms that continue despite treatment.

Shoulder arthroscopy may be recommended when a confirmed structural injury continues causing pain, weakness, or instability despite nonsurgical care. It can treat rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, impingement, biceps problems, and damaged tissue within the shoulder.

Total shoulder replacement recreates the natural ball-and-socket joint and typically requires a functional rotator cuff. Reverse shoulder replacement changes the joint mechanics and may be used for irreparable cuff tears, severe arthritis, complex fractures, or failed previous surgery.

Shoulder surgery recovery depends on the procedure, injury severity, tissue quality, age, and rehabilitation plan. Some patients regain useful movement within weeks, while rotator cuff repair, reconstruction, or shoulder replacement recovery may continue for several months.

Some failed shoulder surgeries can be treated with revision surgery, reconstruction, tendon repair, or shoulder replacement. The appropriate treatment depends on the previous procedure, current imaging, tissue quality, bone loss, stiffness, instability, and remaining shoulder function.

Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine provides specialized shoulder care across New York, Long Island, and New Jersey. Services include diagnosis, physical therapy, image-guided treatment, shoulder arthroscopy, rotator cuff repair, reconstruction, and shoulder replacement.