Shoulder Pain

Regenerative medicine & pain doctor for lake oswego & greater portland

Shoulder Pain Treatment in Lake Oswego, OR

Shoulder pain can affect nearly every part of daily life. Reaching overhead, lifting, sleeping on one side, getting dressed, exercising, working, or carrying everyday items can become difficult when the shoulder is painful, stiff, weak, or unreliable.

At Maple Medical in Lake Oswego, we help patients explore thoughtful, non-surgical options for shoulder pain and limited mobility. Your symptoms may be related to the rotator cuff, shoulder impingement, frozen shoulder, labrum concerns, biceps tendon irritation, arthritis, bursitis, overuse, soft tissue injury, or another non-spine musculoskeletal issue.

The first step is not choosing a treatment. The first step is understanding what may be causing your shoulder pain and which options may fit your condition, goals, and activity level.

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Why Shoulder Pain Can Be Difficult to Understand

The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body. That mobility allows you to reach, lift, rotate, throw, push, pull, and move your arm in many directions. It also means several different structures can contribute to pain.

Shoulder symptoms may come from the joint itself, the rotator cuff tendons, the biceps tendon, the labrum, the joint capsule, surrounding soft tissue, inflammation, overuse, or changes in strength and movement mechanics.

Two patients can describe similar shoulder pain but need very different plans. One person may have tendon irritation. Another may have stiffness from frozen shoulder. Another may have arthritis, impingement, or pain related to a previous injury.

That is why Maple Medical focuses on evaluation and treatment planning before recommending a procedure.

 

Shoulder Symptoms That May Need a Closer Look

You may want to schedule a consultation if shoulder pain is affecting:

  • Reaching overhead
  • Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling
  • Sleeping comfortably
  • Reaching behind your back
  • Getting dressed
  • Golf, tennis, pickleball, swimming, yoga, strength training, or other activities
  • Work-related movement
  • Range of motion or shoulder stiffness
  • Strength or confidence using your arm
  • Pain that keeps returning after rest or basic care
  • Symptoms that have not improved as expected with medication, injections, physical therapy, or activity changes

 

Some patients come to Maple Medical with a known diagnosis. Others only know that their shoulder is limiting them. Both are appropriate reasons to begin with a consultation.

 

Common Shoulder Concerns We Evaluate

Shoulder pain can involve several possible conditions or pain patterns. During your consultation, Dr. Blatz may discuss whether your symptoms could be related to:

  • Rotator cuff irritation or injury
  • Shoulder impingement
  • Frozen shoulder or restricted range of motion
  • Biceps tendon irritation
  • Labrum-related concerns
  • Shoulder arthritis
  • Bursitis or soft tissue inflammation
  • Overuse from sports, exercise, or work
  • Pain after a fall or prior injury
  • Weakness, stiffness, or changes in movement mechanics

A careful evaluation can help determine whether your symptoms may fit Maple Medical’s regenerative medicine care model or whether another type of care may be more appropriate.

 

Rotator Cuff Pain and Tendon-Related Shoulder Problems

Rotator cuff concerns are one of the most common reasons patients seek care for shoulder pain. Pain may show up when reaching overhead, lifting away from the body, lying on the affected side, exercising, or returning to sports.

Tendon-related shoulder pain can become frustrating because it may improve with rest, then return when activity increases again. When the tendon has been irritated for a long time, a more targeted plan may be needed to support tissue response, guide activity, and coordinate recovery.

Depending on your evaluation, Dr. Blatz may discuss PRP therapy, shockwave therapy, EMTT, image-guided care, physical therapy coordination, at-home support, or another non-surgical option.

 

Frozen Shoulder, Impingement, and Limited Motion

Some shoulder problems are less about sharp pain and more about stiffness, restriction, or loss of normal movement.

Frozen shoulder can make it difficult to reach overhead, reach behind your back, or move the arm away from the body. Shoulder impingement may cause pain with lifting or reaching in certain positions. Labrum or biceps tendon concerns may create deeper discomfort, catching, or pain with specific movements.

These issues can overlap, which is why guessing based on symptoms alone can be misleading. A consultation can help clarify what may be contributing to your shoulder pain and what next steps may make sense.

 

How Maple Medical Evaluates Shoulder Pain

At Maple Medical, shoulder pain care begins with a detailed conversation and condition-focused evaluation.

Dr. Blatz will review your symptoms, previous care, imaging history, activity level, medical history, and goals. He may evaluate range of motion, areas of tenderness, strength, shoulder mechanics, and how your symptoms respond to certain movements or positions.

When appropriate, ultrasound may be used to support evaluation, treatment planning, or image-guided care. If you already have imaging, reports, records, or notes from previous treatment, those materials can help support a more complete conversation.

The goal is to help you understand what may be happening and which treatment options may be appropriate for your situation.

 

Treatment Options for Shoulder Pain

Your treatment plan depends on your consultation and evaluation. Maple Medical may recommend one therapy or a coordinated plan depending on your condition, goals, and clinical needs.

 

PRP Therapy

PRP therapy uses platelet-rich plasma from your own blood. It may be considered for certain shoulder concerns involving tendons, ligaments, joints, or soft tissue when a targeted regenerative option is appropriate.

 

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy uses acoustic energy to stimulate tissue response in targeted areas. It may be considered when tendon or soft tissue irritation is part of the shoulder pain pattern.

 

EMTT

EMTT, or electromagnetic transduction therapy, is a non-invasive energy-based treatment that may be used as part of a broader musculoskeletal recovery plan.

 

Cell Therapy: MFAT & BMAC

Many patients searching for stem cell therapy are looking for biologic treatment options that use material from their own body. At Maple Medical, cell therapy may include MFAT, or microfragmented adipose tissue, and BMAC, or bone marrow aspirate concentrate, depending on the patient’s condition and evaluation.

 

Ultrasound-Guided Injections

When appropriate, ultrasound guidance may be used to help visualize the treatment area and guide certain injections with greater precision.

 

Physical Therapy Coordination

Shoulder recovery often depends on strength, mobility, stability, and movement retraining. Maple Medical may coordinate with physical therapists or work alongside your current provider when appropriate.

 

At-Home Support

Depending on your treatment plan, Dr. Blatz may recommend at-home red light therapy, activity guidance, follow-up care, or maintenance recommendations to support your overall recovery plan.

 

What to Expect During Your Consultation

Your consultation is designed to help you better understand your shoulder pain and the options that may fit your needs.

Dr. Blatz will discuss your symptoms, prior care, activity goals, medical history, and any imaging or records you provide. If regenerative medicine or another non-surgical option may be appropriate, he will explain why that treatment may fit your condition and what the process may involve.

If another type of care is a better fit, he will guide you honestly.

Many regenerative medicine treatments are not covered by insurance. Our team will review expected costs before treatment begins.

 

Shoulder Pain Care in Lake Oswego and the Portland Area

Maple Medical is located in Lake Oswego and serves patients from Portland and nearby communities who are looking for a more personalized, non-surgical approach to shoulder pain.

Patients often come to Maple Medical because they want to keep moving, sleep more comfortably, return to activity, or better understand their options before considering more invasive care.

Take the Next Step

If shoulder pain is limiting your sleep, movement, exercise, work, or quality of life, Maple Medical can help you explore your options with a personalized consultation.

Our Lake Oswego team will help you better understand what may be causing your shoulder pain and whether regenerative medicine or another non-surgical option may be appropriate for your needs.

answers to your Questions

FAQs About Shoulder Pain

What causes shoulder pain?
Shoulder pain may be related to rotator cuff irritation, shoulder impingement, frozen shoulder, biceps tendon irritation, labrum concerns, arthritis, bursitis, overuse, soft tissue injury, or prior trauma. A consultation can help clarify what may be contributing to your symptoms.
You may want to schedule a consultation if shoulder pain affects reaching, lifting, sleeping, work, exercise, sports, or daily movement. It may also be helpful if symptoms keep returning or have not improved as expected with conservative care.
Some shoulder conditions may be managed with non-surgical care, depending on the cause, severity, symptoms, and goals. Dr. Blatz will help you understand whether regenerative medicine, energy-based therapy, image-guided care, physical therapy coordination, or another option may be appropriate.
Depending on your evaluation, treatment options may include PRP therapy, shockwave therapy, EMTT, Cell Therapy: MFAT & BMAC, ultrasound-guided injections, physical therapy coordination, at-home red light therapy, follow-up care, or other supportive recommendations.
If you already have imaging, reports, records, or notes from previous care, please bring them with you or ask our team how to share them before your visit. If you do not have imaging, Dr. Blatz can help you understand what next steps may make sense after learning more about your symptoms.

Moving You Toward Pain Relief & Recovery

get back to doing what you love. Our Role Is to Guide You There.

01

Book a Consultation

Schedule a convenient time to visit our Lake Oswego, OR office, just 15-min South of Portland, to meet with Dr. Blatz and our care team.

02

Understanding Your Needs

Dr. Blatz takes the time to listen and understand your goals, ensuring that your care begins with a clear picture of your health and desired outcomes.

03

Comprehensive Planning

Your treatment goes beyond a single procedure. Combining orthobiologic and shockwave therapies, Dr. Blatz addresses your pain and promotes recovery holistically.

04

Supportive Partnerships

In collaboration with physical therapists and other specialists, your plan includes ongoing support to strengthen your recovery and optimize results.

05

Lasting Results

Your care doesn’t end with treatment. Through follow-ups and maintenance, Dr. Blatz ensures you continue to thrive, supporting long-term wellness with a focus on prevention and strength.
Dr. Brice Blatz standing inside Maple Medical

Meet the doctor

DR. BRICE BLATZ

Dr. Brice Blatz is a double board-certified physician in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine with more than a decade of experience in non-surgical pain relief, regenerative medicine, and musculoskeletal care. He serves as a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Sports Medicine at Stanford University, where he helps train the next generation of physicians in advanced ultrasound, orthobiologics, and image-guided treatment techniques.

As President of the American Society for Medical Shockwave Treatment and core faculty for The Orthobiologic Institute, Dr. Blatz is recognized as a leader in regenerative and energy-based therapies, including focused and radial shockwave, PRP, stem cell treatments, and ultrasound-guided procedures.

Inspired by a long-held dream to bring personalized, innovative care to Lake Oswego, he founded Maple Medical as a boutique medical experience where advanced medicine, compassion, and patient empowerment come together to address pain, restore function, and support lasting wellness.

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what patients are saying

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John Swan
10 days ago
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Dr. Blatz listens to his patients and is thorough in his analysis. Those are hard to find qualities in my experience with healthcare.
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dorine bright
49 days ago
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I have used Dr. Blatz several times since 2021 for knee, SI joint, and most recently for tears in my shoulder. I have had PRP with stem cell injections, shock wave and EMTT therapy. I live in SW Washington yet the drive to Lake Oswego is not a problem for me since I have full trust in Dr. Blatz's work. The team at Maple Medical is excellent in my opinion. Cole is responsive to every message- Annee is superb at shockwave therapy focusing on patient comfort yet accomplishing goals specific to therapy needs. Lexi also put me at ease with my procedure and works seamlessly with Dr. Blatz. I consider Dr. Blatz to be an important part of my medical care team along with his staff. In conversations with other people, I have heard various results about experiences in offices that would be closer to my area that provide these services. It has been my experience that Dr. Blatz spends the time with you to answer your questions even throughout the procedure! His knowledge of PRP and his love of his work is evident. I have had excellent results from Dr. Blatz and his team and will continue to use them if the need arises.
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Debbie Lampson
58 days ago
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Mary Fox profile picture
Mary Fox
106 days ago
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Dr. Blatz has given me the best chance to live my life pain free and with the ability to physically do the things I haven’t been able to. He is extremely knowledgeable, patient and kind. I am grateful for all the information he provided when asked, from literature to detailed explanations. I felt so grateful to have found a provider for my condition who is such an expert in his field along with an attentive, caring bedside manner. His entire office staff is just as caring. They are all knowledgeable and excellent at what they do. The connections with each felt personal and the level of communication so reassuring.
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Charlene McCarthy
121 days ago
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I had a stem cell procedure done by Dr. Blatz on one of my knees. Long story short, I had a long history of degenerative issues. I had done lots of PT, am too young for certain other interventions, but it still continued to worsen. After the procedure done by Dr. Blatz, I was able to do simple things like sit and stand and walk on stairs with no pain in my knee (this was after having nearly 10 years of pain). Not only that, but he knew my goals of keeping up certain activities and I progressed back into those activities as he said I would. Having Dr. Blatz do that procedure was 100% the best decision. He and his staff also closely monitored my recovery and rehab. Also, at this point, I think I have interacted with everyone at his office. They are all great. His office is very responsive. He fit me in same day recently on very short notice for an unrelated new injury, and he got the MRI I needed very quickly and the appropriate referrals that I needed. Also, the shockwave treatment they do was great at reducing pain levels for me during recovery.
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Amy Fleming
164 days ago
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I’ve had a great experience with Maple Medical and Dr. Blatz. He is extremely thorough in his assessments and takes the time to really understand the root cause of injuries rather than just treating symptoms. I have used shockwave and EMTT treatments and have had excellent results for recovery and pain improvement. His knowledge, attention to detail, and personalized approach really stands out. Highly recommend for anyone looking for thoughtful, cutting-edge care focused on recovery and long-term healing.
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Mike Doolin
183 days ago
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I am a professional guitarist. I was unable to play guitar for 15 months due to an injury to my left wrist. I had seen many other doctors and therapists, from chiropractors to acupuncturists to orthopedic surgeons, and nobody could treat my wrist injury. I found Dr Blatz by searching for PRP therapy. He treated my wrist, and in 4 weeks the injury was healed. It's been 2-1/2 years now and I've been playing guitar regularly again all that time without pain. Dr Blatz restored my music career!
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tracy coultas
183 days ago
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Maple Medical is the definition of concierge patient care. Cutting edge science meets Every member of the team truly cares about your wellness and treats you with compassion. I had stem cell treatment with Dr Blatz and continue my care with Annee for ESWT and EMTT. I have increased mobility, decreased pain, and improved posture. I cannot say enough nice things about the whole team. Schedule a consultation and see for yourself. It’s evident from the first meeting that you made the right choice.
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Tyler King
259 days ago
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Brice and his team are outstanding. They've helped me get clarity on several injury related issues and provided shockwave therapy that noticeably improved my recovery. Professional, knowledgeable, and results driven. I'm very grateful for their care.
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Bob Lewicki
281 days ago
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My experience with Maple Medical has been great. The front desk folks, Cole & Lexi, are uniformly helpful.......Dr Blatz has been a wonderful ally. He doesn't over-promise and is realistic in our conversations. He has explained that my condition is a stubborn one (Don't I know it!) but from the start told me he believed they could help me and they have. He also is very positive and good humored. The condition has been with me for years so you don't get overnight success and I have had to be patient and now am seeing positive results....... Annee is my clinician and performs the shockwave treatment. She has been very professional and approachable at the same time. Some days it's not a walk in the park but the discomfort is fleeting. For instance, I drive to and from my appointments with no problem and the condition is in my foot. Professional, smart, honest, people is a great place to start. I am now back walking at a pace and distances that is very satisfying and am encouraged that it will continue on a positive trajectory.