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Trusted Shoulder & Elbow Specialists in Los Angeles

If shoulder or elbow pain is interfering with your daily life, you’re in the right place. Our expert team at LAOSS treats the full spectrum of shoulder and elbow conditions, from mild inflammation to stiffness and joint damage.

Los Angeles orthopedic specialist evaluating a patient for trusted shoulder & elbow specialists. LAOSS board-certified care across eight LA offices

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Board-certified surgeons and podiatrists across eight Los Angeles area neighborhoods.

Book a visitOr call (323) 264-7600

Common shoulder & elbow concerns we treat

  • Pain that limits walking, lifting, or sleep
  • Stiffness, swelling, or reduced range of motion
  • Sports injuries: acute or overuse
  • Arthritis or post-traumatic joint changes
  • Conditions other doctors couldn't resolve

What sets LAOSS apart

  • Same- or next-day appointments at eight Los Angeles-area offices
  • On-site imaging; PT coordinated with your in-network provider
  • Conservative-first care, surgery only when needed
  • Board-certified specialists, not generalists

Key takeaways

  • Shoulder and elbow conditions include rotator cuff tears, labral tears, tendonitis, tennis elbow, and instability.
  • Most patients improve with conservative care: image-guided injections, bracing, and PT with your in-network provider.
  • When surgery is required, our specialists offer arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, instability surgery, and shoulder replacement.
  • In-house ultrasound and X-ray for accurate same-visit diagnosis.

What is shoulder & elbow pain?

Shoulder and elbow pain limits what you can lift, throw, reach for, or sleep on. The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, which makes it especially vulnerable to instability, tendon tears, and impingement. The elbow is the hinge that turns shoulder strength into hand function.

The most common shoulder diagnoses we treat are rotator cuff tears and tendinopathy, biceps tendon issues, frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), shoulder instability/dislocation, AC-joint injuries, and shoulder arthritis. On the elbow side, we treat tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), golfer's elbow, UCL/MCL injuries, distal biceps tears, and elbow stiffness from prior trauma.

Most patients improve with conservative care: targeted injections, image-guided procedures, and physical therapy with your in-network provider. When surgery is needed, our shoulder & elbow surgeons offer arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, labrum repair, tennis-elbow release, and shoulder replacement.

Watch: Anatomy of the Shoulder

The shoulder is a complex structure made of three separate joints. They work together to give the shoulder a tremendous range of motion. Let's take a closer look at the main parts of the shoulder's anatomy.

Animations licensed from ViewMedica · Swarm Interactive
Anatomical illustration of the shoulder and elbow showing the rotator cuff, glenoid, humerus, and ulna
Anatomy of the shoulder & elbow: rotator cuff, glenoid, humerus, ulna, and radius.

Inside the shoulder & elbow.

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, which makes it vulnerable to instability and impingement. The elbow is a hinge that lets you reach, lift, and rotate the forearm. Both rely on tendons and ligaments that can tear or fray over time.

Symptoms and causes of shoulder and elbow pain

Common symptoms

  • Rotator cuff tears
  • Tendinitis and bursitis
  • Labral tears, including SLAP tears
  • Muscle or tendon strains
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
  • Fractures (shoulder, humerus, elbow)

Common causes

  • Overuse from throwing, lifting, overhead work, or other repetitive motion
  • Nerve compression from disc, joint, or soft-tissue swelling
  • High-impact trauma from accidents, falls, or contact sports

How we diagnose shoulder & elbow conditions

You want answers, fast, and we’re here to get them for you. Our team has a strong background in diagnosing a wide range of upper extremity conditions. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden injury or pain that’s been building for months, we’ll help you understand what’s wrong and how to fix it.

Here’s what you can expect during your initial visit with us:

  • Detailed history: when it started, what makes it better or worse, and what you’ve already tried
  • Focused exam of the shoulder and elbow: range of motion, stability, strength, and specific provocation tests
  • On-site imaging at most offices: X-ray for bone, and ultrasound or MRI when soft-tissue detail is needed
  • A written plan with options ranging from conservative care to surgery, in plain English

Thanks to our comprehensive, people-first approach, most patients receive a diagnosis and initial treatment recommendations in a single visit. At LAOSS, you’re not navigating a hospital system; you’re working directly with a tight-knit team that prioritizes your time, comfort, and recovery.

We’re here to help you get the answers and relief you deserve. Schedule your evaluation at the LAOSS office nearest you.

How we treat shoulder & elbow conditions at LAOSS

Once we’ve diagnosed the problem, the next step is treatment. We utilize non-surgical options whenever possible. Here are the non-surgical and surgical treatments we offer at LAOSS:

Conservative care
Step 1

Conservative care first

Non-surgical options designed to relieve pain, restore movement, and avoid the OR when possible.

  • Physical Therapy
  • Bracing & Immobilization
  • Steroid Injections
  • PRP Injections
Surgical care
When needed

Surgical options when needed

Minimally invasive and reconstructive procedures performed by board-certified orthopedic surgeons.

  • Shoulder & Elbow Arthroscopy
  • Rotator Cuff Repair
  • Labral Repair & Stabilization
  • Fracture Fixation
  • Elbow Ligament Reconstruction (including Tommy John surgery)
  • Shoulder Replacement (total or partial) & Revision Surgery

Why experience matters.

Why experience matters

Shoulder & Elbow care is highly technique-dependent. Volume, training, and judgment together determine the outcome you actually feel six months later.

  • Precise diagnosis from imaging and exam
  • Conservative-first care that avoids unnecessary surgery
  • Surgical technique refined over thousands of cases
  • On-site imaging + coordinated PT through your in-network provider

The LAOSS approach

Our shoulder & elbow specialists move stepwise: start with the least-invasive option that fits your situation, escalate only when it doesn't.

  • Same-day imaging at most offices
  • PT coordinated in your insurance network
  • Board-certified surgeons performing the procedures themselves
  • Direct access to your specialist between visits

Am I a candidate?

If most of these match your situation, an evaluation with a shoulder & elbow specialist is the next step.

You may be

You may be a candidate if

These signs typically point toward an in-person evaluation with a shoulder & elbow specialist.

  • Pain or stiffness in the shoulder & elbow that lasts more than a few days
  • Swelling, instability, or noticeable change in function
  • Symptoms that limit walking, lifting, sleep, or work
  • Previous treatment that didn't fully resolve the problem
  • Imaging or exam findings that suggest an underlying issue
Evaluation

What evaluation includes

Your first visit is built to give you an answer the same day, not just another referral.

  • Detailed history: onset, mechanism, what makes it better or worse
  • Hands-on exam focused on the affected joint or region
  • On-site imaging at most offices (X-ray, ultrasound)
  • Clear plan with options ranging from conservative to surgical
  • Same-day or next-day scheduling for any follow-up tests

ImportantSeek urgent evaluation for sudden severe pain, numbness, progressive weakness, or any sign of infection (fever, increasing redness or swelling).

Your shoulder & elbow recovery roadmap.

Recovery is rarely a straight line, but a clear plan with measurable milestones makes the path predictable.

  1. Days 0 to 14

    Right after care

    In the first two weeks we focus on protecting the shoulder & elbow, calming inflammation, and restoring basic motion.

    • Activity modification with clear do/don't guidance
    • Ice and pain control as needed
    • Gentle range-of-motion within safe limits
    • Follow-up scheduled to track healing
  2. Weeks 2 to 8

    Rehabilitation

    Targeted physical therapy rebuilds strength, mobility, and confidence in the shoulder & elbow.

    • Progressive strengthening and neuromuscular work
    • Manual therapy and soft-tissue treatment
    • Sport- or job-specific movement re-training
    • Coordinated PT through your in-network provider
  3. Months 2+

    Long-term care

    Once function is restored, the focus shifts to keeping you there, and catching any recurrence early.

    • Return-to-activity plan with measured benchmarks
    • Home program tailored to your sport or job
    • Maintenance visits or imaging if symptoms change
    • Direct line back to your specialist if needed
Risks & considerations

What to weigh before you decide.

We talk through the risks and benefits with every patient. Informed consent is a conversation, not a form.

General

General considerations

Every orthopedic intervention carries a small set of standard risks. We screen, prepare, and monitor for these on every patient.

  • Infection (rare with modern technique and prophylaxis)
  • Bleeding or bruising at the treatment site
  • Reaction to anesthesia or medications
  • Need for additional procedures in some cases
Specific

Shoulder and elbow considerations

Some risks are tied to the structures we're treating in the shoulder & elbow. We discuss these in detail at your visit so you can weigh them against the benefits.

  • Temporary stiffness or weakness during recovery
  • Incomplete pain relief in a small percentage of cases
  • Nerve or vessel irritation near the treatment area
  • Need for follow-up therapy to fully restore function

Meet our shoulder & elbow doctors in the Greater Los Angeles area

At LAOSS, our shoulder and elbow specialists are board-certified and treat these problems every day. From minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques to joint replacement and arthritis management, our physicians bring decades of experience to every case. Trusted across Los Angeles, Drs. Heller, Ho, and Maday are dedicated to restoring mobility, relieving pain, and helping you return to the activities you love.

Meet your shoulder & elbow specialists.

View all providers
Compare up to 34 providers
  • Accepting new patients

    Sevag Bastian, MD

    Sports Medicine · Shoulder & Elbow

    • Glendale
  • Accepting new patients

    Daniel Acevedo, MD

    Shoulder & Elbow Surgeon

    Speaks English and Spanish

    Habla español

    • Encino
    • Thousand Oaks
  • Accepting new patients

    Matthew Longacre, MD

    Sports Medicine · Knee

    • Glendale
    • Encino
    • Valencia
    • +1 more
  • Accepting new patients

    Hayk Stepanyan, MD

    Total Joint & Sports Medicine

    • Glendale
    • Santa Fe Springs
    • East Los Angeles

Care for shoulder and elbow pain starts here

Don’t let shoulder or elbow pain be something you just power through. With same- or next-day appointments at multiple Los Angeles locations, you’ll never wait weeks or months for answers. The same team handles your diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Whether you need physical therapy, injections, or surgery, we plan it with you and coordinate each step.

Call or schedule online today to see a shoulder and elbow specialist in Los Angeles.

Find care by body area.

Jump to a nearby condition page and compare treatment paths across the body.

From our Google reviews

What patients say

Read all 9,626 reviews on Google
  • “Dr. Stepanyan and staff excellent. My Shoulder replacement was a great success . I would definitely recommend him. 100% satisfied”

    Denise N.Google reviewAug 2026

  • “Very professional and competent, I had a broken left upper arm and my gp recommended LAOSS, I am glad he did. My operation was scheduled within three weeks of injury and was completed with no problems. After care and info was accurate, the arm healed after the total left shoulder replacement surgery and after therapy I have almost full use of the arm. …”

    Michael E.Google reviewWilshireFeb 2026

  • “I was seen promptly, and the staff were friendly and professional. Doctor Acevedo has taken excellent care of my shoulder.”

    Brian B.Google reviewJan 2026

  • “Came in with elbow pain and Jayson and his staff quickly put my mind at ease. He is thorough, patient and extremely kind. Highly recommend”

    Michael D.Google reviewMar 2026

Selected 5-star reviews from Google, shown as written. Individual results vary.

Common shoulder & elbow questions

  • Difficulty lifting your arm above shoulder level is often linked to issues like a rotator cuff tear, shoulder impingement, tendonitis, or arthritis. These conditions can cause pain, weakness, or stiffness that limits movement.

Don't wait on pain.

Book a visit with a shoulder & elbow specialist at any of our eight Los Angeles-area offices.

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21 specialists · 8 offices
Greater Los Angeles
On-site X-raySame visit
Most insurers acceptedIn-network
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