Shoulder · Sports Medicine

Strength and motion, restored.

Rotator cuff, labrum, and instability — arthroscopic shoulder care for throwers, lifters, and everyday motion.

Request an Appointment(509) 460-5588
What we treat

Common shoulder conditions.

Most shoulder problems can be addressed arthroscopically, through small incisions.

Rotator Cuff Tears

Arthroscopic repair to rebuild strength and end the night pain.

Labral Tears (SLAP / Bankart)

Repair for throwers and after shoulder dislocations.

Shoulder Instability

Stabilizing shoulders that slip or dislocate.

AC Joint Injuries

Separations and arthritis at the top of the shoulder.

Frozen Shoulder

Restoring motion when the shoulder stiffens up.

Shoulder Arthritis

From biologics to joint replacement when needed.

How Dr. Kelly treats the shoulder
  • Arthroscopic rotator cuff & labral repair
  • Instability stabilization
  • Biologics — PRP & viscosupplementation
  • Throwing-athlete return programs
  • Joint replacement when appropriate
The approach

Built for throwers and lifters.

Dr. Kelly repairs the shoulder arthroscopically whenever possible, preserving healthy tissue and speeding recovery — with rehab plans tuned for overhead athletes and active adults alike.

Questions

Shoulder FAQs.

Do all rotator cuff tears need surgery?
No. Many partial tears improve with activity changes, therapy, and injections. Surgery is considered when pain and weakness persist or a tear is large or enlarging. Dr. Kelly reviews your imaging and goals before recommending anything.
How long is recovery after rotator cuff repair?
Most patients wear a sling about 4 to 6 weeks, begin physical therapy early, and regain functional strength over 3 to 6 months. Full strength for heavy or overhead activity can take up to a year, depending on tear size.
What is a labral or SLAP tear?
The labrum is a rim of cartilage that deepens the shoulder socket. SLAP and Bankart tears often occur in throwers or after a dislocation and can cause catching, pain, or a sense the shoulder may slip. Many are repaired arthroscopically.
When should I see a shoulder surgeon?
Consider an evaluation for shoulder pain that wakes you at night, weakness reaching overhead, a shoulder that slips or dislocates, or pain that has not improved after a few weeks of rest and therapy.

Let’s get you back in the game.

Request an appointment with Dr. Kelly at Tri-City Orthopedics — Kennewick, Richland & Pasco.

Procedure Deep Dives

Detailed Guides for Each Procedure

Rotator Cuff Repair

Not all tears need surgery. Learn who is a candidate, what arthroscopic repair involves, and the week-by-week recovery timeline from sling to return to overhead sport.

Rotator Cuff Repair Guide

Shoulder Dislocation & Bankart Repair

After a shoulder dislocation, young athletes face a 70–90% re-injury rate without surgery. Understand candidacy, the Bankart repair procedure, and return to contact sport.

Shoulder Stabilization Guide