Common questions, answered directly.
Straightforward answers about Dr. Knudsen's practice, treatment approach, and what to expect. For anything specific to your situation, a visit is the best next step.
What happens at a first visit?
Every visit starts with a thorough history and exam, a review of any prior imaging, and a clear explanation of the diagnosis and treatment options — surgical and non-surgical — in plain language.
See what to expect before your visit →Where does Dr. Knudsen see patients?
Dr. Knudsen sees patients at multiple locations across Westchester. Some offices offer online scheduling; others book by phone only.
View locations →How do I schedule an appointment?
Call the office at (212) 305-4565 to schedule at any location, or book online directly wherever it's offered — look for "Online Booking Available" on the Contact page.
View locations & booking options →Who is Dr. Knudsen, and what does he treat?
Dr. Michael L. Knudsen is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder and elbow surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian / Columbia University Medical Center. His practice covers the full range of shoulder and elbow conditions — from rotator cuff tears and shoulder arthritis to elbow ligament injuries and fractures — treated with both surgical and non-surgical approaches.
Read Dr. Knudsen's full bio →What's the difference between a shoulder and elbow specialist and a general orthopedist?
A shoulder and elbow specialist completes additional fellowship training focused specifically on this joint, which builds deeper experience with its more complex or less common conditions, including revision and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Knudsen completed his shoulder and elbow fellowship at Columbia University Medical Center after his orthopedic surgery residency.
Does Dr. Knudsen only treat athletes?
No. Dr. Knudsen serves as team physician for Iona University Athletics and has treated athletes at the professional, collegiate, and recreational level, but most of his practice is made up of active adults, workers, and older patients managing everyday shoulder and elbow conditions.
More on his sports medicine background →What makes Dr. Knudsen's practice different?
His practice combines fellowship-trained shoulder and elbow expertise, academic medicine at Columbia, and a patient-centered approach — clear communication, individualized treatment plans, and shared decision-making focused on getting patients back to the activities that matter most to them.
What shoulder conditions does Dr. Knudsen treat?
Rotator cuff tears, shoulder arthritis, instability and dislocation, labral tears, biceps tendon injuries, frozen shoulder, fractures, and complex or revision cases following a prior surgery.
Browse all shoulder & elbow conditions →What elbow conditions does Dr. Knudsen treat?
Elbow arthritis and stiffness, UCL injuries, distal biceps and triceps tendon ruptures, tennis and golfer's elbow, fractures, cubital tunnel syndrome, and elbow instability.
Browse all shoulder & elbow conditions →Does every rotator cuff tear need surgery?
No. Many rotator cuff tears are managed successfully without surgery. The right approach depends on the size and pattern of the tear, the patient's symptoms, strength, activity level, and goals — Dr. Knudsen discusses both surgical and non-surgical options as part of the evaluation.
More on rotator cuff tears →Is Dr. Knudsen a shoulder replacement surgeon?
Yes. Dr. Knudsen performs anatomic total shoulder replacement, reverse total shoulder replacement, and revision shoulder replacement for patients with shoulder arthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, complex fractures, or a prior shoulder replacement that has failed.
More on shoulder arthritis & replacement →Does Dr. Knudsen perform reverse shoulder replacement?
Yes. Reverse shoulder replacement is one of his core areas of expertise — used for shoulder arthritis with rotator cuff damage, complex fractures, and shoulder replacements that have failed.
More on reverse shoulder replacement →Does Dr. Knudsen treat shoulder instability and labral tears?
Yes. Treatment ranges from arthroscopic labral repair to more involved stabilization surgery, depending on the injury pattern, activity level, and risk of the shoulder dislocating again.
More on shoulder instability & dislocation →What if a prior shoulder surgery didn't work?
Revision surgery is more involved than a first-time procedure, but it's often possible. Dr. Knudsen evaluates persistent pain, instability, or stiffness after a prior shoulder surgery to determine whether the cause is mechanical, related to the rotator cuff, or due to infection, and builds a plan from there.
More on painful or failed shoulder replacement →Does Dr. Knudsen offer non-surgical treatment?
Yes. Non-surgical care — physical therapy, activity modification, corticosteroid or PRP injections, and bracing — is often the first step for many shoulder and elbow conditions. Surgery is generally reserved for cases where conservative treatment hasn't been enough.
How does Dr. Knudsen decide whether surgery is needed?
He weighs the diagnosis, imaging findings, severity of symptoms, prior treatment, and each patient's activity goals, then discusses both surgical and non-surgical paths so the decision is made together, not handed down.
When should I see a shoulder and elbow specialist?
Consider a specialist evaluation for shoulder or elbow pain that's persistent, disrupts sleep, limits motion or strength, follows an injury or dislocation, or hasn't improved with initial treatment from a primary care doctor or physical therapist.
Search by symptom →Still have a question?
Call (212) 305-4565 or reach out through the contact page — Dr. Knudsen's team is happy to help.