Shoulder Pain – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints and can interfere with sleep, work and everyday movements. The causes vary, and in most people the right physiotherapy and exercise lead to improvement.
What shoulder pain is
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body. That freedom of movement depends on the muscles and tendons around the joint, especially the rotator cuff, which is why the shoulder is easy to overload. Pain can come from tendons, bursae, the joint itself, or from the neck and upper back.
The pain is often felt when lifting the arm, reaching behind the back, or at night when lying on the affected side. Sometimes it spreads into the upper arm. The exact source is best identified through a thorough assessment of movement and strength.
In most people shoulder pain improves with suitable loading, therapy and changes in daily habits. Recovery time depends on the cause and on how long the problem has been present.
Common causes
- overload or injury of the rotator cuff
- subacromial impingement (tendons being pinched)
- repetitive overhead movements
- prolonged sitting with a rounded posture
- frozen shoulder or bursa inflammation
- neck problems that refer pain to the shoulder
How it feels
- pain when lifting the arm
- pain at night when lying on the shoulder
- stiffness and limited movement
- a feeling of weakness when lifting objects
- clicking or catching during movement
- pain that spreads into the arm or neck
How we can help
We start with a thorough assessment of the shoulder, neck and posture to work out what is causing the pain. We combine manual therapy, therapeutic massage, therapeutic exercise and equipment such as shockwave, laser, ultrasound or TECAR to ease symptoms. If needed, we will refer you to a specialist for further investigation.
When to see a doctor
Seek urgent medical care for sudden shoulder pain with shortness of breath, chest pressure or sweating, and for visible deformity after a fall or injury. See a doctor also if there is fever with a red, warm shoulder, a sudden loss of strength, or pain that does not improve after a few weeks.
This page is for information only and does not replace an assessment by a specialist.