Restoring Movement, Reclaiming Life
When shoulder pain limits your swing, restricts your reach, or disrupts your sleep, it’s not just an injury—it’s a barrier between you and the life you want to lead. As someone who’s moved from the football fields of Oklahoma to the forefront of sports medicine, Dr. James C. Walter understands that every shoulder injury represents a story interrupted. At Texas Orthopaedic Associates in Plano, Dr. Walter brings an athlete’s perspective to treating shoulder conditions, and medical precision when shoulder surgery is necessary.
Whether you’re a competitive athlete looking to return to your sport, a weekend warrior hoping to enjoy your recreational activities, or simply wanting to pick up your grandchild without pain, shoulder health is crucial to your quality of life. Dr. Walter combines advanced diagnostic techniques with personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs and goals. His comprehensive approach incorporates the latest evidence-based procedures with rehabilitation strategies designed to not only resolve current symptoms but strengthen the shoulder to prevent future injuries.
Minimally Invasive Shoulder Surgery
Dr. Walter is committed to providing advanced and minimally invasive solutions for a wide range of shoulder conditions. Shoulder arthroscopy is an advanced shoulder surgery technique that allows Dr. Walter to diagnose and treat problems within the shoulder joint using small incisions and specialized instruments. This approach often results in less pain, faster recovery times, and reduced scarring compared to traditional open surgery, enabling you to return to your active life with greater comfort and mobility.
Rotator Cuff Repair
The rotator cuff serves as the shoulder’s unsung hero—four muscles working together to provide stability and movement. When tears occur, they can range from minor fraying to complete ruptures. Advanced arthroscopic techniques allow for repair through small incisions that minimize trauma to surrounding tissue. Effective treatment focuses not just on reattaching tendons, but on addressing the root causes of the injury to prevent future problems.
Bankart Stabilization
Shoulder dislocations can be traumatic events that leave lasting instability. This procedure addresses injuries to the labrum and ligaments that naturally keep the shoulder in place. This technique is performed with precision to restore stability while preserving natural range of motion. Many patients return to contact sports and overhead activities with confidence that their shoulder will remain secure.
Labral Repair
The labrum—a ring of cartilage that deepens the shoulder socket—often tears during falls or repetitive overhead motions. These tears can cause catching, clicking, and pain that undermines confidence in shoulder function. Minimally invasive labral repairs preserve this critical structure, allowing for natural, pain-free movement and preventing early arthritis.
Decompression
Shoulder impingement occurs when the space for rotator cuff tendons becomes too narrow, leading to pinching and inflammation. Through decompression surgery, the bone is carefully reshaped to create adequate space for tendons to glide freely. This procedure often provides immediate relief from the pain that has limited activities.
Distal Clavicle Excision
The AC joint at the top of the shoulder can develop painful arthritis, particularly after previous injuries. By precisely removing a small portion of the collar bone end, this source of pain can be eliminated while preserving shoulder strength and function. Many patients experience dramatic pain relief and return to activities they’d previously abandoned.
Loose Body Removal
Loose fragments of bone or cartilage floating in the shoulder joint can cause sudden locking, catching, and pain. Using arthroscopic techniques, these fragments can be meticulously located and removed while addressing any underlying damage. This precise intervention can provide immediate mechanical relief and prevent further damage to joint surfaces.
Shoulder Manipulation Under Anesthesia (Frozen Shoulder)
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) can feel like the shoulder is literally locked in place. After exploring conservative treatments, manipulation under anesthesia may be necessary to break up restrictive scar tissue. This procedure is typically combined with targeted injections and immediate physical therapy to restore motion and prevent recurrence. The relief patients experience—often being able to raise their arm above their head for the first time in months—can be truly life-changing. The recovery journey matters not just from a medical perspective, but with understanding of what it means for patients to return to the activities that define them.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Don’t let shoulder pain limit your potential or keep you from the activities you love. Schedule your personalized consultation with Dr. James C. Walter today and take the first step toward reclaiming your shoulder health and returning to the active lifestyle you deserve.
At your initial appointment, Dr. Walter will conduct a thorough evaluation, discuss your symptoms and goals, and develop a customized treatment plan designed specifically for your condition. With convenient appointment times, a patient-centered approach, and a dedication to minimizing recovery times, the team at Texas Orthopaedic Associates makes your journey to recovery as smooth as possible. Many insurance plans are accepted, and the friendly office staff will help navigate any coverage questions you may have.