Expert Shoulder Pain Treatment in Lakeway, Texas

Specialized Care for Lake Travis Area Athletes

Dr. Matt Centofonti provides advanced shoulder pain treatment for Lakeway and Lake Travis residents, combining expert diagnosis with proven techniques that restore function and eliminate pain.

If shoulder pain is limiting your golf game, swimming, tennis, or daily activities in the Lakeway area, specialized treatment can help you return to full function. Dr. Matt Centofonti understands the unique shoulder demands of Lake Travis activities and provides comprehensive care that addresses root causes, not just symptoms.

Whether your shoulder pain stems from rotator cuff injuries, impingement, golf swing mechanics, water sports, or daily wear and tear, our approach combines advanced chiropractic techniques with sport-specific expertise to deliver lasting results.

Located just 8 minutes from Lakeway in Spicewood, we specialize in helping Lake Travis area residents overcome shoulder pain and return to the activities they love.

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Why Shoulder Pain is Common in Lakeway’s Active Community

The Complex Anatomy of Your Shoulder | The Most Mobile Joint in Your Body

Your shoulder is the most mobile joint in your body, allowing for incredible range of motion in multiple directions. This mobility comes at the cost of stability, making your shoulder vulnerable to injury and dysfunction.

Key Shoulder Structures:

• Rotator cuff muscles – Four muscles that stabilize and move your shoulder blade and arm
• Shoulder blade (scapula) – Provides the stable base for shoulder movement
• Shoulder joint (glenohumeral) – Ball and socket joint allowing arm movement
• Acromioclavicular (AC) joint – Connection between shoulder blade and collar bone
• Surrounding muscles – Including deltoid, latissimus dorsi, and pectoral muscles
• Bursa – Fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction during movement

Why Shoulder Problems Develop: The shoulder must balance tremendous mobility with enough stability to generate power and control movement. Lake Travis activities place significant demands on this complex system.

Lake Travis Lifestyle Factors Contributing to Shoulder Pain | How Lakeway’s Active Culture Affects Your Shoulders

Water Sports and Lake Activities:

• Swimming strokes creating repetitive overhead stress
• Water skiing forces and sudden directional changes
• Boating positions causing prolonged static shoulder stress
• Dock activities involving repetitive reaching and lifting

Golf Culture in Lake Travis Area:

• Swing mechanics creating repetitive rotation and acceleration forces
• Practice volume at area courses leading to overuse
• Equipment factors including club fitting and swing technique
• Course conditions affecting setup positions and swing patterns

Tennis and Racquet Sports:

• Serving motion placing extreme stress on rotator cuff
• Repetitive swinging in tennis, pickleball, and racquet sports
• Court surfaces at Lake Travis area facilities
• Competitive play increasing intensity and volume

Active Lifestyle Challenges:

• Weekend warrior syndrome – Intense activity after sedentary work weeks
• Seasonal activity increases – Sudden increases in outdoor activities
• Cross-training demands – Multiple sports stressing shoulders differently
• Age-related changes in active Lake Travis population

Demographics and Activity Patterns | Shoulder Pain Across Lakeway’s Population

Active Professionals (30-50):

• Golf enthusiasm combined with desk work posture
• Fitness activities and gym workouts stressing shoulders
• Work stress affecting muscle tension and posture
• Time constraints leading to inadequate warm-up and recovery

Lake Travis Retirees and Active Seniors (55+):

• Degenerative changes in rotator cuff and joint structures
• Increased activity time with retirement leisure
• Previous injury effects accumulating over decades
• Medication effects potentially affecting healing and pain perception

Youth and Competitive Athletes:

• Sport specialization in swimming, tennis, baseball
• Growth-related changes affecting shoulder mechanics
• Training intensity increases for competitive performance
• Injury prevention needs for long-term athletic development

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Comprehensive Shoulder Care for Lakeway Residents

Rotator Cuff Injuries | The Most Common Shoulder Problem in Active Adults

Rotator Cuff Tendinitis: Inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons from repetitive overhead activities common in Lake Travis sports.

• Symptoms: Pain with overhead activities, night pain, weakness with lifting 
• Common Causes: Golf swings, swimming, tennis serves, reaching activities 
• Lakeway-Specific Triggers: Frequent golf at area courses, Lake Travis water sports, tennis leagues

Rotator Cuff Tears: Partial or complete tears in rotator cuff muscles from acute injury or gradual wear.

• Symptoms: Sharp pain, significant weakness, inability to lift arm overhead 
• Acute Causes: Sudden forceful movements, falls, lifting injuries 
• Degenerative Causes: Age-related wear, repetitive stress, poor posture

Rotator Cuff Impingement: Pinching of rotator cuff tendons between bones during overhead movements.

• Symptoms: Pain with overhead reaching, night pain, gradual onset weakness 
• Contributing Factors: Poor scapular mechanics, muscle imbalances, repetitive overhead activities
• Treatment Focus: Restore normal shoulder blade movement, address muscle imbalances

Shoulder Joint Problems | Issues Affecting the Ball and Socket Joint

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): Gradual loss of shoulder motion due to capsular tightening and inflammation.

• Symptoms: Progressive loss of motion, significant stiffness, deep aching pain 
• Common Progression: Pain phase, stiffening phase, recovery phase 
• Risk Factors: Age over 40, diabetes, previous shoulder injuries, prolonged immobilization

Shoulder Arthritis: Degenerative changes in the shoulder joint causing pain and stiffness.

• Symptoms: Deep joint pain, morning stiffness, reduced range of motion 
• Activity Impact: Difficulty with golf swing, swimming strokes, daily reaching 
• Management Focus: Maintain motion, reduce pain, optimize function

Shoulder Instability: Looseness or dislocation of the shoulder joint from injury or repetitive stress.

• Symptoms: Feeling of shoulder “slipping out,” apprehension with certain positions 
• Causes: Acute dislocation, repetitive overhead sports, ligament laxity 
• Sports Impact: Common in swimming, tennis, volleyball, throwing sports

Activity-Specific Shoulder Injuries | Lake Travis Recreation and Sports Injuries

Golfer’s Shoulder: Shoulder problems specifically related to golf swing mechanics and volume.

Golf-Specific Issues:

• Swing mechanics creating excessive shoulder stress
• Practice volume at Lake Travis area courses
• Equipment factors including club fitting and grip size
• Course conditions affecting setup and swing patterns

Swimmer’s Shoulder: Overuse injuries from repetitive swimming strokes and training volume.

Swimming-Specific Factors:

• Stroke mechanics and breathing patterns
• Training volume and intensity increases
• Pool conditions at Lake Travis area facilities
• Competition demands for youth and masters swimmers

Tennis Shoulder: Injuries from repetitive serving and groundstroke motions.

Tennis-Specific Considerations:

• Serving technique and shoulder acceleration
• Racquet factors including weight, string tension, grip size
• Court surfaces at Lakeway and Lake Travis facilities
• Match play versus practice demands

Water Sports Injuries: Shoulder problems from Lake Travis water activities.

Water Sport Factors:

• Water skiing forces and directional changes
• Wakeboarding impact and repetitive stress
• Boating activities and equipment handling
• Swimming in open water conditions

Advanced Shoulder Care in Lakeway Area

Comprehensive Shoulder Assessment | Understanding Your Specific Shoulder Problem

Detailed History and Analysis:

• Pain pattern mapping – Location, intensity, activities that aggravate or relieve
• Activity analysis – Golf swing, swimming stroke, tennis technique, work demands
• Injury history – Previous shoulder problems, treatments, and outcomes
• Lifestyle assessment – Lake Travis activities, fitness goals, work requirements

Advanced Physical Examination:

• Range of motion testing – Active and passive movement in all directions
• Strength assessment – Rotator cuff, scapular stabilizers, and surrounding muscles
• Special orthopedic tests – Specific tests for rotator cuff, impingement, instability
• Postural analysis – Shoulder blade position, head posture, spinal alignment
• Neurological screening – Nerve function and cervical spine contribution

Functional Movement Assessment:

• Sport-specific movements – Golf swing analysis, swimming stroke evaluation
• Daily activity simulation – Reaching, lifting, overhead activities
• Scapular movement patterns – How your shoulder blade moves during arm motion
• Compensatory patterns – Identifying adaptations that contribute to pain

Specialized Treatment Techniques | Advanced Methods for Shoulder Recovery

Precision Chiropractic Adjustments: Specific adjustments to restore normal shoulder, shoulder blade, and spinal mechanics.

Adjustment Techniques:

• Glenohumeral adjustments – Restoring normal shoulder joint mechanics
• Acromioclavicular corrections – Addressing AC joint dysfunction
• Scapular mobilization – Improving shoulder blade movement patterns
• Cervical and thoracic spine – Addressing spinal contributions to shoulder pain

Advanced Soft Tissue Therapy: Targeted treatment of shoulder muscles, tendons, and fascial restrictions.

Soft Tissue Methods:

• Rotator cuff specific work – Precision treatment of injured cuff muscles
• Myofascial release – Addressing fascial restrictions limiting shoulder movement
• Trigger point therapy – Eliminating painful muscle knots and referral patterns
• Instrument-assisted techniques – Advanced tools for precise tissue mobilization

Movement Restoration and Rehabilitation: Specific exercises and movements to restore normal shoulder function and prevent re-injury.

Rehabilitation Components:

• Range of motion restoration – Gentle stretching and mobilization exercises
• Rotator cuff strengthening – Progressive strengthening for injured muscles
• Scapular stabilization – Addressing shoulder blade control and positioning
• Functional integration – Connecting rehabilitation to specific activities and sports

Sport and Activity-Specific Treatment | Tailored Approaches for Lake Travis Activities

For Lake Travis Golfers:

• TPI-certified assessment – Golf-specific movement screen and analysis
• Swing mechanics evaluation – Identifying shoulder stresses in golf swing
• Equipment considerations – Club fitting factors affecting shoulder health
• Course strategy – Managing shoulder health during frequent play

For Swimming and Water Sports:

• Stroke analysis – Identifying technique factors contributing to shoulder pain
• Training modification – Adjusting volume and intensity during recovery
• Equipment factors – Paddle sports equipment, swimming aids, flotation devices
• Water conditions – Adapting to Lake Travis open water versus pool swimming

For Tennis and Racquet Sports:

• Serving technique – Biomechanical analysis of serving motion
• Equipment optimization – Racquet weight, grip size, string tension
• Playing surface – Adapting to different court surfaces in Lake Travis area
• Match versus practice – Managing competitive demands during recovery

For Active Professionals:

• Workstation ergonomics – Computer setup, phone use, meeting positions
• Exercise integration – Gym workouts and fitness activities that support shoulder health
• Travel considerations – Managing shoulder health during business travel
• Stress management – Addressing tension patterns affecting shoulder function

Lake Travis Area’s Shoulder Specialist

Understanding Lake Travis Athletic Culture | Local Expertise for Local Activities

Lake Travis Activity Expertise: Dr. Matt understands the specific shoulder demands of Lake Travis life – from championship golf courses to competitive swimming to weekend water sports. This local knowledge informs treatment approaches that work with your Lakeway lifestyle.

Community Integration:

• Lake Travis golf courses – Familiar with local courses and their demands
• Swimming facilities – Understanding of Lake Travis High School aquatics and Masters programs
• Tennis and racquet clubs – Knowledge of local facilities and playing conditions
• Water sports culture – Experience with Lake Travis boating and water activities

Professional Qualifications:

• Doctor of Chiropractic with advanced shoulder and extremity training
• Sports medicine specialization understanding athletic shoulder injuries
• TPI Level 2 certification providing golf-specific shoulder expertise
• Former collegiate baseball player – Personal experience with overhead athlete demands

Advanced Training and Expertise | Specialized Shoulder Knowledge and Techniques

Shoulder Specialization:

• Advanced extremity techniques – Specialized training in shoulder joint manipulation
• Soft tissue expertise – Advanced methods for rotator cuff and shoulder muscle treatment
• Movement analysis – Understanding how shoulder pain affects overall function
• Sport-specific knowledge – Expertise in golf, swimming, tennis, and water sports injuries

Continuing Education:

• Latest shoulder research – Current with advances in shoulder pain treatment
• Advanced technique training – Specialized courses in shoulder rehabilitation
• Sports medicine conferences – Staying current with athletic injury management
• Professional networks – Connections with other shoulder specialists when needed

Convenient Spicewood Location for Lakeway Residents | Just 8 Minutes from Lakeway

Easy Access Advantages:

• Quick drive from anywhere in Lakeway via Lakeway Blvd
• No Austin traffic or downtown parking challenges
• Free parking and ground-level facility access
• Authentic athletic environment within CrossFit Lake Travis

Scheduling Convenience:

• Early morning appointments before Lake Travis activities
• Lunch break sessions for working professionals
• Evening availability for families and after-work appointments
• Weekend options accommodating recreational and competitive athletes

Your Path to Shoulder Recovery

Initial Consultation and Assessment (45-60 minutes) | Comprehensive Evaluation Specific to Your Shoulder Problem

Detailed Consultation:

• Pain and activity analysis – Understanding how shoulder pain affects your specific activities
• Lake Travis lifestyle assessment – Golf, swimming, water sports, tennis demands
• Goal setting – Return to activities, pain relief, performance improvement
• Treatment education – Explaining your shoulder condition and recovery process

Comprehensive Shoulder Examination:

• Complete shoulder evaluation – Range of motion, strength, stability testing
• Sport-specific assessment – Golf swing analysis, swimming stroke evaluation
• Postural and movement analysis – Identifying contributing factors
• Neurological testing – Ruling out nerve involvement from neck or shoulder

Initial Treatment Session:

• Gentle techniques appropriate for your shoulder condition and pain level
• Immediate relief strategies when possible and safe
• Movement instruction for home care and protection
• Activity modification guidance for Lake Travis activities

Progressive Treatment Sessions (20-30 minutes) | Targeted Care Building on Each Visit

Progress Evaluation:

• Pain and function tracking using objective shoulder measures
• Range of motion improvement documentation and progression
• Strength gains assessment and advancement
• Activity tolerance evaluation and modification

Targeted Treatment Application:

• Specific adjustments based on shoulder examination findings
• Advanced soft tissue therapy for rotator cuff and shoulder muscle restrictions
• Exercise progression as pain decreases and strength improves
• Sport-specific integration preparing for return to Lake Travis activities

Education and Activity Integration:

• Home exercise programs supporting shoulder recovery
• Activity modification for golf, swimming, tennis, and water sports
• Equipment recommendations for clubs, racquets, swimming aids
• Technique guidance for safe return to activities

Treatment Timeline and Recovery Expectations | Realistic Goals for Lake Travis Athletes

Acute Shoulder Injuries (Recent Onset):

• Initial pain relief often within 1-3 visits
• Range of motion improvement typically within 1-2 weeks
• Return to light activities generally within 2-4 weeks
• Full activity return usually within 4-8 weeks depending on demands

Chronic Shoulder Problems (Long-Standing):

• Initial improvements may take 3-5 visits
• Meaningful function gains typically within 4-6 weeks
• Significant improvement may require 8-12 weeks
• Maintenance strategies often beneficial for high-demand activities

Factors Affecting Recovery:

• Activity demands – Golf frequency, swimming volume, competitive requirements
• Age and condition – Overall health, previous injuries, tissue quality
• Compliance with treatment – Home exercises, activity modification, appointment consistency
• Lifestyle factors – Stress, sleep, nutrition, overall fitness level

Keeping Your Shoulders Healthy for Lake Travis Activities

Activity-Specific Prevention Strategies | Protecting Your Shoulders During Favorite Activities

Golf Prevention for Lake Travis Courses:

• Proper warm-up routines before play and practice
• Swing mechanics – Working with local golf professionals on technique
• Equipment considerations – Club fitting, grip size, shaft flex
• Practice habits – Volume management, rest intervals, technique focus

Swimming and Water Sports Protection:

• Stroke technique – Proper mechanics reducing shoulder stress
• Training progression – Gradual increases in volume and intensity
• Recovery protocols – Rest periods, cross-training, technique work
• Equipment factors – Proper fitting gear, stroke aids, flotation devices

Tennis and Racquet Sports Safety:

• Serving technique – Proper mechanics reducing rotator cuff stress
• Equipment optimization – Racquet weight, grip size, string tension
• Playing schedule – Managing frequency and intensity
• Court surface adaptation – Adjusting technique for different surfaces

Water Recreation Guidelines:

• Boat positioning – Avoiding prolonged static shoulder positions
• Equipment handling – Proper lifting and carrying techniques
• Activity rotation – Varying water activities to avoid overuse
• Safety considerations – Proper gear and technique for water sports

Workplace and Daily Life Strategies | Protecting Shoulders in Professional Environment

Ergonomic Considerations:

• Computer workstation – Monitor height, keyboard position, mouse placement
• Phone use – Avoiding prolonged shoulder elevation and neck bending
• Meeting postures – Proper seating and arm support during long meetings
• Travel factors – Laptop use, airline seats, hotel room setup

Daily Activity Guidelines:

• Lifting techniques – Proper body mechanics for daily tasks
• Sleep positions – Pillow support and positions protecting shoulders
• Exercise habits – Gym workouts that support rather than stress shoulders
• Stress management – Techniques reducing muscle tension and guarding

Exercise and Conditioning Recommendations | Building Shoulder Strength and Flexibility

Rotator Cuff Strengthening:

• Progressive resistance exercises for cuff muscles
• Scapular stabilization – Strengthening shoulder blade muscles
• Postural muscles – Supporting proper shoulder alignment
• Functional exercises – Movements that mimic activity demands

Flexibility and Mobility:

• Shoulder range of motion – Maintaining flexibility in all directions
• Chest and front shoulder stretching – Counteracting forward posture
• Thoracic spine mobility – Supporting proper shoulder blade movement
• Hip and core flexibility – Supporting overall movement efficiency

Warning Signs and When to Seek Help | Recognizing Serious Shoulder Problems

Immediate Professional Attention Needed:

• Severe pain following acute injury or trauma
• Complete loss of motion or inability to move shoulder
• Significant weakness or inability to lift arm
• Numbness or tingling in arm or hand suggesting nerve involvement

Professional Treatment Recommended:

• Pain lasting more than a few days without improvement
• Night pain interfering with sleep consistently
• Activity limitation due to shoulder pain or weakness
• Recurring episodes of shoulder pain affecting quality of life
• Progressive weakness or loss of function over time

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Serving the Lake Travis Athletic Community

Primary Service Areas

Lakeway (8 minutes from our clinic):

• Golf-related shoulder injuries – Treatment for avid Lake Travis area golfers
• Water sports medicine – Specialized care for Lake Travis recreational activities
• Tennis and racquet sports – Support for local leagues and competitive players
• Active family care – Comprehensive shoulder treatment for all family members

Lake Travis Region:

• Comprehensive area coverage – Serving all lakeside communities
• Water recreation injuries – Boating, skiing, swimming-related shoulder problems
• Seasonal activity support – Managing increased summer activity demands
• Community athletics – Supporting local sports teams and leagues

Spicewood (Our location):

• Immediate access to specialized shoulder pain care
• Advanced treatment techniques in authentic athletic environment
• Comprehensive evaluation and treatment services
• All shoulder conditions treated with expert techniques

Austin Area Access:

• West Austin – Convenient alternative to downtown providers
• Professional scheduling – Accommodating work and travel demands
• Comprehensive care – Advanced techniques not available at typical clinics
• University community – Supporting UT students, staff, and faculty

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Community-Specific Shoulder Pain Patterns

Lake Travis Golf Community:

• Course-related injuries – Problems from frequent play at area courses
• Practice facility overuse from extensive range time
• Competition demands – Tournament and league play stresses
• Equipment-related problems from poor club fitting or technique

Swimming and Aquatics Community:

• Lake Travis High School – Supporting Cavalier swimming and diving teams
• Masters swimming – Age-group competitive swimmer support
• Recreational swimming – Open water and pool activity injuries
• Aquatic therapy – Water-based rehabilitation and conditioning

Tennis and Racquet Sports:

• Private clubs – Supporting members at area tennis facilities
• Public courts – Community players and recreational leagues
• Competitive players – Tournament and high-level recreational support
• Youth development – Supporting junior players and development programs

Water Recreation Community:

• Boating enthusiasts – Weekend and frequent Lake Travis boaters
• Water sports athletes – Skiing, wakeboarding, tubing participants
• Dock and marina workers and frequent users
• Lake Travis events – Supporting participants in area water sport events

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Common Shoulder Pain Questions from Lake Travis Residents

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Schedule Your Shoulder Assessment Today

Don’t let shoulder pain keep you from enjoying Lake Travis life.

Whether you’re dealing with golf-related shoulder problems, swimming injuries, tennis elbow, rotator cuff pain, or any other shoulder issue that’s limiting your activities, Dr. Matt’s specialized approach can help you return to full function and the activities you love.

What You’ll Receive:

• Comprehensive shoulder evaluation identifying the specific cause of your pain
• Lake Travis activity integration – treatment designed around golf, swimming, water sports
• Advanced treatment techniques including TPI-certified golf assessment when appropriate
• Activity-specific rehabilitation preparing you for safe return to your favorite activities
• Prevention strategies to avoid future shoulder problems

Perfect for Lake Travis Residents:

• Golfers with swing-related shoulder pain or performance limitations
• Swimmers dealing with stroke-related overuse injuries
• Tennis players with serving or groundstroke-related problems
• Water sports enthusiasts with boating or skiing-related injuries
• Active professionals whose shoulder pain affects work and recreation
• Anyone whose shoulder pain is limiting their Lake Travis lifestyle

Advanced Shoulder Pain Treatment Available
Just 8 Minutes from Lakeway
Same-Day Appointments Often Available

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Specialized Care for Lake Travis Athletes

“Specialized shoulder pain treatment for Lake Travis area athletes and active residents”

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For comprehensive shoulder care, consider combining treatment with:

• Advanced Soft Tissue Therapy – Targeted rotator cuff and shoulder muscle treatment
• Movement Analysis – Identifying movement patterns affecting shoulder function
• Golf Performance – TPI assessment for golf-related shoulder problems
• Sports Chiropractic – Performance-focused shoulder and spine care

Conveniently located in Spicewood, just 8 minutes from Lakeway, serving the shoulder pain treatment needs of Lake Travis area residents and athletes.

Richard Rosedale, Ravi Rastogi, Josh Kidd, Greg Lynch, Georg Supp & Shawn M Robbins (2020) A study exploring the prevalence of Extremity Pain of Spinal Source (EXPOSS), Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 28:4, 222-230, DOI: 10.1080/10669817.2019.1661706