Shoulder Specialists in Delaware

At Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists (DOS), our fellowship-trained shoulder specialists provide advanced surgical and non-surgical treatment for patients of all ages—from weekend warriors to competitive athletes.

DOS is the only completely sub-specialized orthopedic practice in Delaware, giving patients access to focused experts who treat shoulder conditions every day.


Why Choose DOS for Shoulder Care?

The shoulder is one of the body’s most mobile and complex joints. Because it depends on muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bone working together, accurate diagnosis and specialized treatment are essential.

Patients choose DOS for shoulder care because we offer:

  • Fellowship-trained shoulder specialists
  • Expertise in operative and non-operative care
  • Advanced arthroscopic and minimally invasive techniques
  • Complex shoulder reconstruction options
  • Modern shoulder replacement solutions
  • Sports injury treatment and return-to-play guidance
  • Personalized rehabilitation plans
  • Multiple convenient Delaware locations
  • Same-day appointments available when needed
woman playing tennis with shoulder pain

Orthopedic Shoulder Conditions & Treatments

DOS specializes in advanced orthopedic shoulder procedures including:

Shoulder Conditions We Treat

Our specialists diagnose and treat a wide range of shoulder problems, including:

Non-Surgical Shoulder Treatments

Many shoulder conditions improve without surgery. Whenever possible, our team begins with conservative treatment focused on relieving pain and restoring function.

Non-surgical options may include:

  • Activity modification
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Physical therapy
  • Home exercise programs
  • Cortisone injections
  • PRP injections when appropriate
  • Bracing or sling support
  • Sports mechanics evaluation

Surgical Shoulder Procedures

If symptoms persist or the injury is severe, surgery may be recommended. DOS specialists perform advanced procedures tailored to each patient’s condition and goals.

Procedures may include:

  • Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair
  • Labral repair / stabilization surgery
  • Shoulder arthroscopy
  • Biceps tenodesis or repair
  • Fracture fixation
  • Shoulder replacement surgery
  • Reverse shoulder replacement
  • Revision shoulder surgery
  • Tendon transfers and reconstructive procedures

Meet Our Shoulder Specialists

DOS patients have access to experienced physicians including:

dr adriasani delaware orhtopaedic
Damian M. Andrisani, M.D.
Shoulder, Sports Medicine, and Knee
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Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists Dr Joseph J. Mesa MD
Joseph J. Mesa, M.D.
Shoulder, Sports Medicine, and Knee
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Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists Dr Douglas A. Palma MD
Douglas A. Palma, M.D.
Shoulder, Sports Medicine, Knee, and Fracture Care
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Advanced Diagnostics & Imaging

Accurate diagnosis is the first step toward lasting relief. Your physician may recommend:

  • Digital X-rays
  • MRI
  • CT scans when needed
  • Ultrasound in select cases
  • Strength and motion testing
  • Sports-specific functional assessment

These tools help identify the source of pain and guide the most effective treatment plan.

What to Expect During Recovery

Recovery depends on the condition and treatment selected. Some patients improve within weeks using therapy and guided rehabilitation. Others recovering from surgery may need a structured recovery program over several months. Your DOS specialist will guide each phase with the goal of restoring strength, mobility, and confidence.

Convenient Locations

Finding expert orthopedic care has never been more convenient. With multiple locations throughout Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania, DOS provides easy access to fellowship-trained orthopedic specialists, advanced diagnostics, and comprehensive musculoskeletal care — making it easier to get the expert treatment you need, close to home.

Chadds Ford Location
Chadds Ford, PA
100 Wilmington West Chester Pike
Suite 110
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
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Newark 1096
Newark (1096)
1096 Old Churchmans Road
Newark, DE 19713
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Newark (1082)
1082 Old Churchmans Road
Suites 100 & 101
Newark, DE 19713
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Newark Metro
4923 Ogletown Stanton Rd
Suite 300
Newark, DE 19713
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North Wilmington
3401 Brandywine Parkway
Suites 100, 101 & 202
Wilmington, DE 19803
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Middletown DOS office building
Middletown
252 Carter Drive
Middletown, DE 19709
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Stanton office building
Stanton
1941 Limestone Road
Suite 101
Wilmington, DE 19808
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Hear What Our Patients Have to Say

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    Shoulder Surgery

    I first met Dr. Andrisani in Jan of 2017 when I had a left shoulder that was causing discomfort. After an MRI he ordered, he indicated the rotator cup was strained but not detached. He gave me a chortisone shot, which alleviated the discomfort. I was also introduced to the Dr,s enthusiasm for baseball. Later that year l reinsured the same shoulder and returned to Dr. Andrisani, where another MRI indicated a torn rotator cup. He recommended surgery. Surgery was performed as scheduled, during which additional shoulder damage was discovered and corrected. My experience with Dr. Andrisani and everyone of the staff I encountered were professional, courteous and efficient. The post operative treatment was informative and closely coordinated with the physical therapy. My experience with DOS , Dr. Andrisani, and staff exceeded all expectations.

    Smiley Face
    Bob R.
  • quotes
    Very Kind and Caring

    I just want to thank you for the care you’ve given me over the last 5 months since I injured my rotator cuff. You both have been very kind and caring the whole time. You always take the time to answer my questions and explain things to me in detail, using words I can understand. Morgan, you always answered my emailed questions quickly and accurately. You conduct yourself in a very professional manner, but at the same time you are very friendly. Your kindness always came through. Dr. Galinat, you always took the time to answer my questions thoroughly. You explained very technical things in a way I could understand them. I enjoyed talking golf with you. I felt like you really understood how disappointed I was to not be able to play in our annual Myrtle Beach golf outing. I appreciate how you handled my rehabilitation, taking it very slowly and making me wait 3 months to start PT, in spite of my impatience. I see now that was the best course of action.

    Smiley Face
    Darrell D.
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    WONDERFUL

    It has been six months since you operated on my shoulder for a torn rotator cuff. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the very successful outcome I achieved as a result of your expertise. My whole experience with you and your very professional staff has been wonderful. You are to be commended on the practice that you run. Every single person I encountered did an excellent job. All personnel conducted themselves in a very capable manner, my questions were answered on a timely basis, appointment times were kept, and it appeared to me that your staff truly enjoys their work. I have full range of motion, with no pain, and am cautiously working on strengthening exercises. Again, thank you very much!

    Smiley Face
    Henry G.
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    Quick & Thorough!

    Dr Lynch was very thorough and quick to diagnose my shoulder issue. He provided me a treatment and exercises to perform.

    Smiley Face
    Donna R.

Shoulder Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  When should I see a doctor for shoulder pain?

If shoulder pain lasts more than a few weeks, limits motion, causes weakness, affects sleep, or follows an injury, it is time for an evaluation.

Q:  Can a rotator cuff tear heal without surgery?

Some partial tears and tendon irritation improve with therapy, injections, and activity modification. Full tears or persistent weakness may require surgery.

Q:  What causes shoulder pain at night?

Common causes include rotator cuff problems, bursitis, arthritis, or inflammation.

Q:  What is frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder causes pain and progressive stiffness that limits motion. Early treatment can often improve recovery.

Q:  Can I return to sports after shoulder surgery?

Many patients do return to sports or exercise after proper healing and rehabilitation, depending on the injury and procedure.