Shoulder Specialist in Frisco, TX

Shoulder pain can derail sleep, work, and sports. Nathan Boes, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine and Shoulder Reconstruction, providing comprehensive shoulder care to patients in Frisco and the North Dallas area. Dr. Boes emphasizes conservative, non-surgical care first, reserving surgery for when it’s truly the best option for long-term function.

Care for patients from Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Prosper, Little Elm, The Colony, and surrounding North Dallas communities.

Common Shoulder-Related Conditions & Injuries

AC Joint Injury
Sprain or separation where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade causing top-of-shoulder pain.

Arthritis
Cartilage wear of the glenohumeral or AC joint leading to stiffness and aching pain.

Biceps Tendon Injury
Partial tears or instability of the long head biceps causing front-of-shoulder pain.

Biceps Tendonitis
Inflammation/irritation of the biceps tendon aggravated by lifting or overhead motion.

Clavicle Fracture
Collarbone break from falls or sports with swelling and painful motion.

Dislocated Shoulder
Ball slips out of socket; often linked to labral injury and future instability.

Failed Shoulder Stabilization and Bone Loss
Recurrent dislocations after prior surgery, often with glenoid/ humeral bone loss.

Fractured Shoulder
Breaks of the proximal humerus, glenoid, or scapula impacting function and alignment.

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Painful stiffness with limited motion that develops over months.

Impingement
Pinching of rotator cuff/bursa under the acromion causing pain with overhead activity.

Instability
Recurrent slipping/“giving-way” from laxity, labral tears, or bone loss.

Labral & SLAP Tears
Damage to the rim of cartilage (labrum); SLAP involves the superior/biceps anchor.

Rotator Cuff Tear
Partial or full-thickness tendon tears causing weakness and night pain.

SC Joint Injury
Sprain or dislocation where the collarbone meets the breastbone; pain near the chest.

Snapping Scapula Syndrome
Grinding/clicking at the shoulder blade due to bursal irritation or bony contour.

Shoulder-Related Treatments & Procedures

Arthroscopy & Soft-Tissue Procedures

Arthroscopy — minimally invasive camera-guided treatment for rotator cuff, labrum, and impingement.
Subacromial Decompression — relieves impingement by addressing bursal irritation and bone spurs when appropriate.
Rotator Cuff Repair — reattaches torn tendon(s) to improve strength and pain.
Rotator Cuff Repair Revision — addresses persistent/ recurrent cuff tears after prior surgery.
Biceps Tenodesis — repositions the biceps tendon to reduce pain from SLAP/biceps pathology.
Capsulolabral Reconstruction — repairs/reshapes the capsule and labrum to restore stability.
Superior Capsular Reconstruction — graft procedure for select irreparable cuff tears to restore shoulder mechanics.

Stabilization & Bone Procedures

Arthroscopic Stabilization for Instability — minimally invasive tightening/repair for recurrent dislocations.
Bankart Repair — repairs the anterior-inferior labrum for traumatic instability.
Latarjet Procedure — transfers bone to the front of the socket to treat instability with bone loss.
Bone Graft Surgery — augments glenoid/humeral bone defects (e.g., grafts for complex instability).
Shoulder Stabilization Revision — corrective surgery for recurrent instability after a previous repair.

Shoulder Replacement & Complex Reconstruction

Shoulder Replacement — Biologic — soft-tissue/biologic resurfacing options for carefully selected cases.
Shoulder Replacement — Total (Anatomic) — replacement that relies on an intact rotator cuff.
Shoulder Replacement — Reverse — designed for cuff-deficient shoulders or complex arthritis.
Revision Arthroplasty — addresses pain, loosening, or dysfunction after a prior replacement.
AC Joint Repair — stabilization or reconstruction for separations causing persistent pain/dysfunction.
AC Joint Repair Revision — corrective surgery for ongoing pain/instability after prior AC repair.

Personalized Treatment Plans for Every Patient

Evaluation & Diagnosis

A focused approach to identify the true pain source:

Detailed history & targeted physical exam
X-rays as needed; MRI/ultrasound when indicated
Personalized plan that aligns with your activity level and goals (work, sport, daily life)

Non-Surgical Care Comes First

Activity modification & ergonomic guidance
Anti-inflammatory strategies as appropriate
Guided physical therapy for mobility, rotator cuff & scapular strengthening
Image-guided injections (when appropriate)
Bracing/taping and sport-specific load management

Surgical Expertise (When Indicated)

When symptoms persist despite optimal non-operative care, Dr. Boes offers advanced surgical solutions:

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (including partial-thickness augmentation when appropriate)
Labral repair & stabilization (Bankart, SLAP)
Biceps tenodesis/tenotomy
Debridement for impingement or calcific tendinitis
AC joint procedures (e.g., distal clavicle excision)
Shoulder reconstruction, including shoulder replacement options in appropriately selected cases

Sports Medicine for Overhead & Throwing Athletes

Trained at Steadman Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas, Dr. Boes cared for professional and collegiate athletes (Colorado Rockies Baseball, Clemson Tigers, Greenville Triumph, Greenville Drive) and spent additional time in Auckland, New Zealand, treating rugby and cricket athletes. This high-performance background informs return-to-play decisions for athletes in Frisco and North Dallas—from student-athletes to weekend warriors.

When to See a Shoulder Specialist

Pain that limits sleep or daily activities
Weakness, loss of motion, or repeated “giving way”
Pain with overhead work or throwing Catching, clicking, or painful popping
Failure to improve with rest and basic care over 2–6 weeks

Next step: Request an evaluation with Dr. Nathan Boes in Frisco, TX.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Why Choose Dr. Boes for Shoulder Care

Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon (American Board of Orthopedic Surgery)
Fellowship-Trained in Sports Medicine & Shoulder Reconstruction
High-volume shoulder experience across arthroscopy, stabilization, and reconstruction
Elite sports pedigree (Steadman Hawkins fellowship; care for MLB, NCAA, and pro teams)
Academic & leadership roles: member AAOS, AANA, AOSSM, ASES; ASES Advocacy Committee; ASES National Shoulder & Elbow Week DFW—Chair; AOSSM Council of Delegates—Texas
Recognitions: Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA); ASES Mark Frankle Fellow for Healthcare Advocacy
Educator & researcher: actively publishes and teaches residents/fellows
Step-wise philosophy: non-surgical first, surgery when it meaningfully improves function
Localized, coordinated care: streamlined access to imaging, therapy, and follow-ups in Frisco

Shoulder Care & Treatment: Frequently Asked Questions

Do all rotator cuff tears need surgery?

No. Many partial-thickness and some full-thickness tears can improve with targeted physical therapy, load modification, and injections when appropriate. Surgery is considered when pain or weakness persists, the tear pattern suggests poor healing potential, or functional goals (work/sport) are limited.

What is the difference between a SLAP tear and a Bankart tear?

Both involve the labrum. A SLAP tear affects the top (superior) labrum near the biceps anchor; a Bankart tear affects the front-lower (anterior-inferior) labrum and is often linked to recurrent dislocations. Treatment ranges from rehab to arthroscopic repair.

How long does recovery take after rotator cuff repair?

Timelines vary by tear size and tissue quality. Desk work may resume in 1–2 weeks (arm supported), with progressive therapy over months. Many patients reach strong functional recovery by 4–6 months, with continued gains thereafter.

Can I avoid surgery for shoulder impingement?

Often, yes. Scapular & rotator cuff strengthening, flexibility work, activity adjustments, and selective injections frequently relieve symptoms. Surgery is considered for pain that persists despite optimal non-operative care.

What is biceps tenodesis and when is it used?

Biceps tenodesis repositions the biceps tendon to relieve pain from biceps tendinitis or certain SLAP tears. It’s commonly performed arthroscopically and paired with rehab focused on gradual strengthening.

What does “shoulder reconstruction” mean?

It refers to procedures that restore stability or joint function—from complex labral/ligament repairs to shoulder replacement for advanced arthritis. Dr. Boes tailors reconstruction to your anatomy, goals, and tissue quality.

How do you decide between anatomic vs. reverse shoulder replacement?

Choice depends on rotator cuff integrity, arthritis pattern, and functional goals. In general, anatomic replacement relies on a functioning cuff; reverse may be better when cuff function is poor or in certain complex conditions.

I’m an overhead athlete. When can I throw again after surgery?

Return-to-throw is protocol-based and individualized. After stabilization or labral procedures, a graduated throwing program typically begins once strength, motion, and control benchmarks are met—often several months post-op.

What imaging do I need for shoulder pain?

X-rays evaluate bone alignment and arthritis; MRI or ultrasound assess soft tissues like the rotator cuff and labrum. Not every patient needs an MRI; Dr. Boes orders imaging judiciously based on exam findings.

Can calcific tendinitis be treated without surgery?

Yes. Many cases improve with therapy, anti-inflammatories, and selective injections. For persistent pain, arthroscopic debridement can be considered.

How soon can I drive after shoulder surgery?

You must be off narcotic pain medicine, able to control the vehicle safely, and cleared for the motion/strength needed. This timing varies by procedure—discuss your case with Dr. Boes.

Do you treat frozen shoulder?

Yes. Most cases respond to a combination of targeted therapy, time, and anti-inflammatories. Resistant cases may benefit from image-guided injections or, rarely, surgical release.

Will I get a custom rehab plan?

Absolutely. Your plan is tailored to your diagnosis, surgery (if any), and personal goals, with close coordination between Dr. Boes and your physical therapist.

Do you see patients outside Frisco?

Yes. Patients commonly travel from Plano, McKinney, Allen, Prosper, Little Elm, The Colony, and across North Dallas/DFW.

Hear What Dr. Boes' Other Patients Have to Say

Kind, Sharp, Helpful

Dr. Boes patiently listened to all of my concerns and put on a good path to less pain without surgery. He also referred me to, and got me in to see, a spine specialist that I had been trying to see for a long time. He seems kind, really sharp. Was extremely helpful!

Andrew E.

Highly Recommended

Dr. Boes and his team were wonderful. They took excellent care of my son and gave a great recommendation for his post surgery recovery. Thank you guys! I highly recommend Dr. Boes and his team for all your needs.

Chasity H.

Knowledge, kindness and expertise

I saw Dr Boes for continued pain with my shoulder from an old injury, he was great at listening and discussing my options while we navigating treatment and a successful surgery.
I appreciate his knowledge, kindness and expertise.

Lisa S.

Take the First Step Toward Shoulder Relief

Whether you’re an athlete recovering from an injury or an adult seeking lasting pain relief, Dr. Nathan Boes offers expert surgical solutions in Frisco, TX.