Are you experiencing pain in your shoulder? Have you tried everything you can think of, like over the counter medications, prescription drugs, and physical therapy? If nothing has worked, you may have to take more invasive measures.

One type of treatment your doctor may prescribe is shoulder surgery. If you are wondering whether or not this would be a viable option, here are four things you should know about shoulder surgery.

1. Know Which Conditions Shoulder Surgery Can Effectively Treat

There are certain conditions that shoulder surgery is especially effective in treating. Some of these conditions include:

• Bursitis - occurs when the fluid-filled sac near your shoulder joint called the bursa gets inflamed
• Rotator cuff tear - occurs when the rotator cuff tendon gets torn or the tendon isn't fully attached to the humerus
• Shoulder subluxation - occurs when the shoulder becomes partially dislocated
• Osteoarthritis - occurs when the shoulder joint begins to degenerate

If you have shoulder pain, your doctor can determine if you have one of these conditions or another type of condition that may require shoulder surgery.

2. Know About the Different Types of Shoulder Surgery

When it comes to shoulder surgery, there is not one type of surgery that is done for every case. Different types of surgeries are used to treat certain conditions and symptoms. Some of the most common types of shoulder surgeries include:

• Rotator cuff repair
• Shoulder replacement
• Bone spur removal
• Removal of loose cartilage

Shoulder surgery can either be done as an arthroscopy or open surgery. Arthroscopy is minimally invasive and allows the surgeon to see inside the shoulder joint and make necessary repairs. Open surgery is when a surgeon needs more access to the inside of the shoulder, which is done by making an incision.

3. Know About Common Complications After Shoulder Surgery

No surgery is without its risk of complications. Shoulder surgery is no different, and it's wise to be aware of some common complications following the procedure. Some of these complications include:

• Increased pain
• Infection
• Numbness of the arm
• Stiffness of the shoulder

If you notice any of these complications following shoulder surgery, you'll need to let your doctor know right away. If certain complications are left untreated, it could cause more problems down the road.

4. Know How Long You'll Be in Recovery

While recovery times vary depending on the type of surgery, you can expect your total recovery time to take up to six months. To aid your recovery, you will most likely need to wear a sling and also participate in a physical therapy program.