Relief for Shoulder Pain

This occurs when the connective tissue around the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, causing pain and stiffness that makes daily movements more difficult. Unlike many shoulder conditions, frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) causes severe stiffness and loss of range of motion that worsens over time.

Movements, such as reaching overhead or behind the back, become more painful and difficult. Pain feels dull or aching and can worsen at night when lying on the shoulder.

Frozen shoulder is most common in adults age 40 to 60 and in people with diabetes.

The rotator cuff tendons and other soft tissues in the shoulder can become irritated during movement. Repetitive overhead motion, overuse, poor shoulder movement, and inflammation contribute to shoulder impingement.

Shoulder impingement causes pain when lifting or lowering the arm or reaching behind. People whose job requires repetitive lifting, as well as athletes and active adults who swim or play baseball and tennis, are at risk of shoulder impingement.

Over time, the shoulder becomes irritated from overuse, repetitive overhead movement, lifting, and wear and tear. Pain develops on the outside or front of the shoulder. It may worsen when reaching, lifting, or lying on the affected side. Tenderness, swelling, or stiffness can happen after sports or exercise.

Shoulder bursitis and tendinitis often occur together and develop alongside shoulder impingement or rotator cuff injuries.

The cartilage in the shoulder joint wears down over time, causing pain, inflammation, stiffness, and limited range of motion. Pain typically worsens when active.

Shoulder osteoarthritis progresses over time and becomes more common with age. Previous injuries and years of repetitive shoulder use can also increase risk.

The upper arm bone slips either partially or completely out of the shoulder socket, causing a dislocation that changes the shape of the shoulder. Shoulder dislocation can happen from sports injuries, sudden impact, or repetitive overhead motion. Symptoms may include sudden pain, swelling, and limited range of movement.

Athletes and young adults who play contact sports or engage in repetitive overhead activities are prone to repeated shoulder dislocations.

Shoulder pain does not always come from the shoulder itself. Referred pain occurs when pain travels from another part of the body, typically the neck or upper back, to the shoulder. Numbness and tingling along the arm are common with referred pain. Unlike other shoulder conditions, pain typically does not worsen when moving the shoulder.

A physical therapist can help:

• Strengthen muscles that support the shoulder joint
• Improve balance, flexibility, and stability
• Increase range of motion
• Reduce pain and stiffness during movement

Your physical therapist will give you exercises to continue at home.

Sports medicine specialists provide targeted treatments for athletes prone to shoulder injuries. Sport-specific exercises focus on recovery, safely returning to play, and reducing the risk of future injuries.

Injections may be given alongside other treatments to provide temporary pain relief that increases movement and range of motion. They are particularly helpful for shoulder bursitis or tendinitis, shoulder impingement, and shoulder osteoarthrosis.

Corticosteroid injections are the most used for shoulder pain.

While most shoulder conditions can improve without surgery, some may require a minimally invasive procedure. An orthopedic surgeon may recommend:

• Arthroscopic surgery, commonly used for rotator cuff repair and shoulder impingement
• Reverse shoulder replacement for severe rotator cuff damage
• Total shoulder replacement for advanced osteoarthritis or severe joint damage