Orthopedic Upper Extremity Care

At St. Peter’s Health Orthopedics, our highly specialized and experienced Upper Extremity specialists provide comprehensive care for conditions affecting the shoulder, elbow, hand, and wrist. These joints and structures are essential for nearly every daily activity—from lifting and reaching to gripping, typing, and fine motor tasks.

Pain, stiffness, or weakness in the upper extremity can significantly impact quality of life. Our orthopedic team takes a thoughtful, patient-centered approach, combining advanced diagnostics, conservative care, and surgical expertise to restore function and reduce pain.

Meet our Care Team >>>

Shoulder Care

Expert Treatment for Shoulder Pain and Injury

Shoulder pain can be debilitating—often interfering with sleep and making even simple daily tasks difficult. Common causes of shoulder pain, stiffness, and limited motion include:

•  Arthritis
• Acute injuries
• Repetitive motion from sports or work-related activities

Our team is experienced in diagnosing and treating a wide range of shoulder conditions. Once the source of your pain is identified, we create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific condition, activity level, and goals.

We carefully evaluate whether your shoulder condition will benefit most from non-surgical treatment or surgical intervention, always prioritizing the least invasive option that will provide effective relief.

Common shoulder conditions include:

• Rotator cuff tears
• Shoulder impingement
• Labral tears
• Shoulder instability and dislocations
• Arthritis of the shoulder joint

Hand & Wrist Care

Precision Care for Complex Hand and Wrist Conditions

The hand and wrist are made up of a highly complex system of joints, bones, tendons, and nerves, all of which are engaged constantly throughout daily life. Even minor injuries can significantly affect function.

Our team takes a conservative-first approach when treating hand and wrist conditions, offering a full range of non-operative and surgical options.

We commonly treat:

• Dupuytren’s contracture
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Trigger finger
• Nerve injuries
• Complex hand and wrist fractures
• Arthritis 
• Tendinitis 

Not every condition requires surgery. When appropriate, non-operative treatments such as injections or physical therapy may effectively relieve symptoms and restore function. Our goal is always to reduce pain and help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist.

Elbow Care

Comprehensive Treatment for Elbow Injuries

The elbow is a hinge joint connecting the upper arm (humerus) to the forearm bones (radius and ulna). Ligaments, joints, and muscles work together to allow bending, rotation, and strength of the arm and hand.

Although the elbow can withstand significant stress, it is a common site of injury for people of all ages and activity levels. The most frequent cause of elbow pain is overuse, often related to sports, hobbies, or occupational activities.

Other causes of elbow pain include:

• Tendonitis
• Bursitis
• Arthritis
• Fractures and dislocations
• Nerve irritation or compression

A proper diagnosis and targeted treatment plan from one of our orthopedic providers can help you return to the activities you enjoy—whether that’s playing tennis or simply carrying a gallon of milk without pain.

Our team offers comprehensive elbow care, utilizing the latest advances in diagnosis, treatment, surgery and rehabilitation.

Comprehensive Upper Extremity Treatment Options

After a thorough evaluation, our team develops an individualized treatment plan that may include:

• Non-Surgical & Conservative Care
• Physical therapy and guided rehabilitation
• Activity modification
• Joint or soft tissue injections
• Bracing or splinting

Advanced Surgical Care

When surgery is necessary, our orthopedic surgeons utilize evidence-based techniques designed to improve outcomes and, when possible, shorten recovery time.

Throughout every stage of care, our focus remains on restoring function, relieving pain, and helping you return to daily life with confidence.

Meet Our Upper Extremity Orthopedics Team

Our upper extremity care team includes experienced fellowship trained and Board-certified orthopedic surgeons and advanced practice providers who work collaboratively to ensure seamless care. Together, they provide coordinated care from diagnosis through recovery.

Our Approach to Upper Extremity Care

At St. Peter’s Health Orthopedics, our approach is built on:

• Accurate diagnosis using advanced imaging and clinical evaluation
• Conservative treatment whenever appropriate
• Surgical expertise for complex conditions
• Collaborative, team-based care
• Patient education and shared decision-making

Our goal is to help you move comfortably, function fully, and get back to what matters most in your life.

Why Choose St. Peter’s Health Orthopedics for Upper Extremity Care?

• Access to highly specialized, best-in-class orthopedic specialists
• Comprehensive shoulder, elbow, hand, and wrist care
• Advanced non-operative and surgical treatment options
• Trusted orthopedic care in Helena, Montana
• Patient-focused, team-based approach

Referral Information

No referral is required to make an appointment, but please note that some insurance companies may require a referral. Please check your insurance requirements.