Meet James M. Paci, MD

No. Dr. Paci treats competitive athletes, student-athletes, recreational athletes, weekend warriors and active adults. Care is personalized around each patient’s injury, daily activities, sport, competition level and goals.

Shoulder pain with throwing or overhead movements can have several causes, including rotator cuff irritation or tears, shoulder impingement, labral injuries, instability, or inflammation. Repetitive overhead activity can place significant stress on the shoulder. If pain persists, limits your activity, or is accompanied by weakness or a feeling of instability, an orthopedic evaluation can help identify the underlying cause.

Common symptoms of a rotator cuff tear include shoulder pain, particularly when lifting or lowering the arm, weakness, reduced range of motion, and difficulty performing overhead activities. Some people may also experience pain at night or while sleeping on the affected shoulder. A sudden tear may cause immediate pain and weakness, while degenerative tears can develop more gradually.

A UCL, or ulnar collateral ligament, injury involves damage to a ligament on the inner side of the elbow that helps stabilize the joint during throwing and other activities. UCL injuries are particularly common among baseball pitchers because repetitive throwing can place substantial stress on the ligament. Symptoms may include inner-elbow pain, decreased throwing performance, or a feeling of instability.

No. Not every UCL tear requires Tommy John surgery. Treatment depends on factors such as the severity and location of the tear, the patient's age and activity level, symptoms, and goals. Some injuries may improve with rest, rehabilitation, activity modification, or other nonsurgical treatments. Surgery may be considered when the ligament is significantly damaged or symptoms persist despite appropriate nonsurgical care.