Shoulder Pain Isn’t Always Straightforward
Shoulder Pain
Isn’t Always
Straight-forward
Dr. Gregory Drake offers shoulder-only care, focused on accurate diagnosis, conservative treatment, and helping you get back to the activities that matter.
Who We Help
IF YOUR SHOULDER ISN’T GETTING BETTER, YOU’RE NOT ALONE.
We serve patients who:
Have tried physical therapy but still have pain
Were told they might need surgery and want another opinion
Have unclear MRI results or conflicting diagnoses
Had prior treatment or surgery that didn’t work
Want to stay active but aren’t sure what’s safe
What Makes Level Up Different
SHOULDER-FOCUS ONLY
We don’t treat all joints. We focus only on shoulders-because shoulders are complex, and specialization matters.
CONSERVATIVE-FIRST APPROACH
Surgery is not the starting point. We focus on the right diagnosis and the least invasive path that works.
HIGH-TOUCH CARE
You wont feel like a number.
We take time to explain what’s going on and what your options actually are.
CLEAR PATH FORWARD
If surgery is needed, we’ll tell you. If it’s not, we’ll help you avoid it safely.
What We Help With
Rotator cuff tears (including large or chronic tears)
Frozen shoulder (including diabetic patients)
Shoulder arthritis
Throwing and overhead athlete injuries
Pain that persists after PT
Labral / SLAP tears from sports or lifting
Pain after prior shoulder surgery
How We Approach Care
GET THE DIAGNOSIS RIGHT
We combine physical exam, imaging, and experience to understand what’s actually causing your pain.
START WITH THE LEAST INVASIVE OPTION
Most patients don’t need surgery right away—and many don’t need it at all.
BUILD A CLEAR PLAN
You’ll leave knowing what’s going on, what to expect, and what comes next.
Meet Dr. Gregory Drake
Dr. Greg Drake is a fellowship-trained orthopedic shoulder surgeon dedicated to helping patients regain function and return to the activities they love. With advanced fellowship training in shoulder and elbow surgery, he specializes in rotator cuff repairs, shoulder replacements, labral injuries, frozen shoulder, and other complex shoulder conditions.
Dr. Drake believes in exhausting conservative treatment options whenever possible and combines a patient-first approach with minimally invasive surgical techniques when surgery is needed. Having performed hundreds of shoulder procedures each year, he is known for delivering expert care with clear communication and personalized treatment plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need surgery for shoulder pain?
Dr. Gregory Drake does not always recommend surgery. Many shoulder conditions can improve with the right non-surgical approach, depending on the diagnosis. It depends on the condition and its severity. Dr. Drake always explores conservative options first—including physical therapy, injections, and medication. Surgery is only recommended when those options haven’t worked or when the injury won’t heal otherwise.
How long should recovery take?
Recovery varies depending on the condition and treatment path. Some procedures allow a return to normal activity within weeks, while others like rotator cuff or labrum repairs can take 6–12 months for full healing. Dr. Gregory Drake will walk you through a realistic timeline specific to your situation.
What happens if I wait?
Some shoulder conditions worsen over time—tears can grow larger, instability can increase, and certain injuries can reach a point where repair becomes more difficult or impossible. Early evaluation helps keep your options open.
How long should I try physical therapy before considering surgery?
Most patients should see meaningful improvement within several weeks of guided physical therapy. If pain or function isn’t improving, it may be time to re-evaluate the diagnosis and discuss other options with Dr. Gregory Drake.
What if physical therapy didn’t work?
If conservative measures haven’t relieved your pain or restored function, that’s often the signal that a different approach is needed. Dr. Gregory Drake will evaluate your history and help determine whether a more targeted treatment or surgical option makes sense.
Can this heal without surgery
Many shoulder conditions respond well to non-surgical treatment. Partial tears, tendinitis, and arthritis can often be managed with physical therapy, injections, or regenerative treatments like PRP. Dr. Gregory Drake will help you determine what’s right for your specific condition.
Can an MRI miss a shoulder injury?
Yes. Some injuries, especially labral tears, can be subtle and require clinical correlation.
What if my MRI doesn’t match my symptoms?
MRI findings don’t always tell the full story. Dr. Gregory Drake relies on a thorough physical exam alongside imaging to get an accurate picture. In some cases, additional imaging such as contrast MRI may be needed to properly identify the source of your pain.
Should I get a second opinion before surgery?
If you’re unsure or the recommendation feels rushed, a second opinion can help confirm the best path forward. Dr. Gregory Drake is happy to reassess your diagnosis, review your imaging, and walk you through your options so you can make a confident, informed decision.