shoulder doc in Atlanta?

Anyone know a good shoulder doc in the Atlanta area? Preferably one who leans toward physical therapy first, I can still climb reasonably well but there are specific movements I can't do and I can't do pushups all the way to the ground without pain. Unfortunately, an MRI is probably a good idea.

Thanks.

I've heard good things about this guy they call doctor x, he's got some long last name that starts with x. He either is or used to be the head of Emory's orthopedic program. Sorry for responding with what sounds like some kind of secret code, but it's all I know about the guy right now. A friend of mine had very good sucess with him, I'll ask him if I can reach him.

That being said, you're in an early stage and want to try minimally invasive first, good plan and that's the normal protocol. If I were you I'd have my regular doc (if you have one) set me up with some appointments with a physical therapist and see how that goes first. If you don't have a regular doc and don't want to find one now, try one of the walk in clinics and they'll probably be willing to do a PT referral after checking your symptoms. An MRI may not be necessary and in my experience its an OK but overrated diagnostic tool.

Edit to add this disclaimer: the above is just my personal opinion and I'm not qualified to give medical advice.

Thanks for the feedback Rad. I did some searching on the Emory orthopaedic site, the doc you mention might be this guy (John W. Xerogeanes, M.D.). He's listed as chief orthopaedist and team physician for Georgia Tech and Emory, sounds like a great candidate.

I agree that it might be worth just going to physical therapy first. I had success with that approach when I had trouble with my right shoulder (which is doing fine now, seemed to just be impingement issues that better muscle balance has alleviated). My current issue is with my left shoulder and while it has some similar symptoms, if feels like there are some chronic problems that might have more serious causes. Some days are worse than others, but one regular symptom is that I can't lift my left arm straight up if I point my thumb up (there's pain and little power), but I can if I chicken wing my elbow out first so the shoulder rotates to the position differently.

Thanks again!

That must be him. I think it's hard to go wrong with just about anyone at Emory. Since it's a teaching hospital, you will see or be seen by doctors in training, but they should be supervised by quality people.

I had shoulder surgery with a guy in Gainesville who appeared quite good, but closed his practice and left the state earlier this year due to some problems. I think he did an OK job for me, although I'm not 100% and my surgery was in the fall of 2007. I will say that it's not a limiting factor in my climbing and overall my shoulder is mostly pain free and functional. Looking back at it I do wish I'd done more research up front.