Dr. Samuel Koo

04/29/2026

Shoulder impingement occurs when bone spurs irritate the rotator cuff, especially during overhead movement. This can lead to pain in the front of the shoulder, weakness, and difficulty with activities like lifting, sports, or even sleeping comfortably.

The good news is that most patients improve with non-surgical treatment, including physical therapy, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes steroid injections.

Early evaluation is important—catching symptoms early can help prevent progression to more serious rotator cuff injury.

If you’re experiencing persistent shoulder pain, a specialist can help determine the right treatment plan.

Samuel Koo, MD, MPH is a fellowship-trained shoulder specialist in Kirkland, WA who performs more than 375 shoulder surgeries each year. Schedule today!

04/27/2026

It’s Patient Experience Week! 🌟💛

Every patient interaction matters. From your first visit to follow-up care, our team is committed to listening, supporting, and providing personalized orthopedic care that puts you first.

Thank you for trusting us with your health! 🦴🤝

04/23/2026

After shoulder replacement surgery, recovery starts with structured rest and safe movement. Patients are encouraged to rest for 1–2 weeks, but also to walk every hour to reduce the risk of blood clots and support circulation.

Pain management is essential during this phase. Take medications exactly as prescribed and with food to help reduce nausea. Ice the shoulder frequently—about 30 minutes each hour while awake—to control swelling and discomfort.

Most patients will wear a sling for 3–4 weeks, depending on their procedure, and sleeping in a recliner is often recommended for comfort during early recovery.

Careful adherence to post-op instructions helps set the foundation for a successful healing process.

Access Dr. Samuel Koo’s comprehensive post-op protocols for shoulder surgery recovery, including medication, physical therapy, and activity guidelines.

04/21/2026

Shoulder pain, catching, or a sense of instability can sometimes point to a labral tear—an injury to the cartilage ring that helps stabilize your shoulder joint. These injuries are common after dislocations, repetitive overhead activity, or gradual wear and tear.

At our Seattle-area practice, patients from Seattle, Kirkland, Redmond, and Bellevue receive expert evaluation and advanced treatment options tailored to their needs.

When conservative care like physical therapy and anti-inflammatory treatment isn’t enough, arthroscopic labral repair may help restore stability and function—getting you back to the activities you love.

Dr. Samuel Koo, MD, MPH in Kirkland, WA provides expert labral tear treatment with minimally invasive techniques to restore shoulder function , book today!

04/17/2026

Overhead sports place significant stress on the shoulder—whether you’re a baseball player, tennis athlete, swimmer, or weekend warrior. Repetitive motion can lead to injuries such as rotator cuff irritation, SLAP tears, biceps tendonitis, and instability.

Our article, “Treatment For Shoulder Injuries Due To Sports” (May 19, 2025), breaks down the most common sports-related shoulder conditions and how they develop.

Samuel S. Koo explains how early recognition and proper treatment can help prevent more serious injury and support a faster recovery.

If you’re active in the shoulder—this is a must-read.

Overhead sports are fun, but can wreak havoc on the health of your shoulder. Here are some treatment options that may help!

04/15/2026

Dr. Koo treats each patient with integrity and empathy, treating each patient as if he were caring for his wife or children.

04/13/2026

The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade—and when it becomes irritated or arthritic, it can be a major source of shoulder pain.

Patients often describe discomfort at the top of the shoulder that worsens when reaching across the body, lifting, or performing overhead activity. Common causes include wear-and-tear osteoarthritis or injury from a fall directly onto the shoulder.

For patients in Seattle, Kirkland, Bellevue, and Redmond, specialized evaluation can help identify the exact source of pain and guide effective treatment options—from conservative care to minimally invasive procedures.

Samuel Koo, MD, MPH is a fellowship-trained shoulder specialist in Kirkland, WA who performs more than 375 shoulder surgeries each year. Schedule today!

04/09/2026

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is an advanced, non-surgical treatment designed to support the body’s natural healing process. Using a concentrated sample of your own platelets, PRP delivers growth factors that may help stimulate tissue repair in injured tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and muscles.

In shoulder conditions such as rotator cuff tendinitis, bursitis, and impingement, PRP is often considered when symptoms persist despite conservative care.

Patients from Kirkland and surrounding communities including Seattle, Bellevue, and Redmond are turning to regenerative options like PRP to support healing and potentially delay or avoid surgery.

If you're experiencing shoulder pain, PRP injections may help to prevent surgery. To discuss your options with an expert in Seattle, contact Dr. Koo today!

04/07/2026

Happy World Health Day! 🌍💪

Your musculoskeletal health plays a big role in overall well-being. Staying active, stretching regularly, and paying attention to joint and bone health helps you live your best life—every day.

Let’s celebrate health by moving safely and caring for our bodies! 🦴💛

04/05/2026

Happy Easter! 🐣🌷

We hope your day is filled with joy, family, and a little movement—whether it’s a gentle walk, a game of backyard egg hunt, or just stretching after a long week. Your bones and joints will thank you!

04/02/2026

Understanding your surgery is an important step in feeling confident and prepared. Our Shoulder Surgery FAQs are designed to answer common questions patients have before their procedure.

Questions about the surgery include:
💉 What types of anesthetics are used for shoulder surgery, and how is the right option chosen?
⚖️ Is one type of anesthesia better than another?
🧠 How is the decision made for each patient’s anesthesia plan?
💊 What arrangements are made for post-operative pain medication?
⏱️ How long does the surgery typically take?

We encourage patients in the Seattle area and surrounding communities to review these FAQs before their visit to feel fully informed and prepared.

Find answers to common questions about shoulder surgery, including anesthesia, recovery time, and return to work. Learn more at Dr. Samuel Koo’s clinic.

03/30/2026

Happy National Doctors’ Day! 👨‍⚕️ Today we honor the dedication, skill, and compassion of physicians who keep us moving and living pain-free. Dr. Samuel Koo is proud to serve patients across Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, and Redmond with expert shoulder care.