Understanding Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain is common and has many possible causes — impingement, rotator cuff problems, frozen shoulder, instability or arthritis. Because the shoulder is the body's most mobile joint, pinpointing the exact source is essential to effective treatment.
A careful assessment identifies what is driving your pain, so the least-invasive effective treatment can be chosen. The great majority of shoulder pain is managed without surgery once the cause is clear.
Symptoms to look for
Causes & risk factors
- Rotator cuff problems or impingement
- Frozen shoulder or shoulder arthritis
- Instability from a previous dislocation
- Bursitis or tendinitis from overuse
How it's diagnosed
A careful examination to localise the source of pain.
Imaging (X-ray, ultrasound or MRI) as needed to confirm the cause.
What happens if it's left untreated
- Progressive stiffness or weakness if the cause is untreated
- Compensating movements that create new problems
- Reduced sleep and quality of life
How we treat it
What to expect
Most shoulder pain improves with a targeted, largely non-surgical plan. Recovery time depends on the underlying cause, which is exactly why an accurate diagnosis matters so much.
How to protect yourself
Frequently asked questions
If pain persists beyond a few weeks, disturbs sleep, or limits daily activity, an expert assessment is worthwhile to find the cause.