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Shoulder and Elbow Doctor – Buffalo, NY

Live Receptionist for Appointments: M-F 9 am – 5 pm: 716-204-3200

Dr. Matthew DiPaola

Dr. Matthew DiPaola

Buffalo, NY Shoulder and Elbow Doctor

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How to Address a Labrum Tear from Someone Who Treats Them…and Has One.

The question arises: do you have to fix a torn labrum?

I’m a surgeon. I make my living doing surgeries. And what I’m about to tell you may cause me to lose potential surgeries. But I think it’s important to tell you anyway.

When I was 18 and playing college football, I injured my shoulder. I tore my labrum: a SLAP tear. My shoulder has never been the same. Since then it has bothered me while doing certain exercises – incline bench presses and dips to name two. However, I have never had surgery on that shoulder. I played four years of college football and made All Ivy League with that shoulder.

Do I wish I had gotten surgery on it? Sometimes. It does prevent me from doing certain things and flares up from time to time. But I haven’t. I live with it.

My point is not to tell you how you should treat your labrum tear in this little piece. That’s an individual decision based on factors unique to you and is best made after further exploring the options in a clinical setting.

My point is to say that some people do live with these injuries. Only you know how bad your torn labrum is hurting you and if it’s preventing you from doing the things you love like picking up your baby, throwing a baseball or sleeping at night.

What I can tell you is that these injuries usually don’t go away completely. I always know that I had the shoulder injury. Heck I still might get it fixed at some point (if I could get someone to take over my practice for a while that is). And there are safe, effective, precise, minimally invasive techniques to fix labrum tears. The decision of whether to have surgery for a labrum tear however is a subjective one. It depends on what you can live with and each labrum tear may affect someone differently.

If you have had a torn labrum or think you may have had a torn labrum and would like to restore more pain free shoulder motion and strength in your shoulder, please contact us for more information or for a personal consultation.

 

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Recent Posts

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  • Buffalo, NY Team Wins Award for Research on Shoulder Replacement Surgery
  • Unstable Shoulder: will an operation always work?
  • Slipping on Ice Can Lead to Serious Shoulder Injury in Buffalo, NY
  • Do Rotator Cuff Tears Get Bigger Over Time?

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Buffalo New York Canada lateral epicondylitis patients physical therapy and rotator cuff rotator cuff rotator cuff surgery rotator cuff tear shoulder pain shoulder surgery smoking tennis elbow

Meet Dr. DiPaola

Matthew DiPaola MD 2020

Matthew DiPaola, M.D

Dr. DiPaola is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon and shoulder and elbow specialist. He has attained extensive training in the treatment of shoulder and elbow conditions and dedicates his practice to treating shoulder and elbow dysfunction with the most advanced surgical and non surgical … Read more about Matthew DiPaola, M.D

Contact Dr. DiPaola

Please contact me for an appointment or … Click here for more options about Contact Me

Are You Confused About Rotator Cuff Tears?

What are they? What is the right treatment for your rotator cuff? Why did your brother-in-law get surgery for his and you are only doing therapy? If you’re reading this you may already know how painful rotator cuff tears are. You yourself may have difficulty sleeping or lifting your arm overhead. … Read more about Are You Confused About Rotator Cuff Tears?

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If you are looking to:

  • Find out why your shoulder won't stop hurting at night
  • Wake up energized from a good night’s sleep again
  • Know if your shoulder pain is a sign of something serious, or if you can safely ignore it
Click Here to Make An Appointment

At your visit I will personally see you and:

  • Listen to your unique needs and goals
  • Review your imaging tests
  • Perform a physical exam
  • Fully explain your options
  • Answer your questions
...and get you on the road to a better night’s sleep.

In Good Health,
Matthew DiPaola M.D.

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Phone

Appointments: 716-204-3200

Email

mdipaola@buffalo.edu

Address

4949 Harlem Rd, Amherst, NY  14221
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