Shoulder pain occurs in the shoulder joint or the surrounding soft tissues including the muscles, ligaments, tendons and bursae. Shoulder pain that comes from the joint often gets worse with arm or shoulder movement. Shoulder pain can also be referred pain from a problem or health condition that affects the neck, chest or stomach.
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Shoulder pain occurs in the shoulder joint or the surrounding soft tissues including the muscles, ligaments, tendons and bursae. Shoulder pain that comes from the joint often gets worse with arm or shoulder movement. Shoulder pain can also be referred pain from a problem or health condition that affects the neck, chest or stomach.
Shoulder pain can vary from a constant dull ache to a sudden intense pain. Depending on the cause of your shoulder pain, as well as pain, you may notice some redness, heat or swelling in the area.
Shoulder pain may also come and go with movements. For example, you may feel no pain when your arm is by your side, but moving your arm backwards or raising it above your head can cause a sharp pinching pain. The type of pain you're experiencing, and what seems to make it better or worse, can help your consultant narrow down and identify the cause.
In many cases, shoulder pain will resolve itself within two weeks. If it persists for any longer it’s important to see a specialist for investigations and treatment.
There is a wide range of things that can cause shoulder pain, from wear and tear or injury to longer-term medical conditions.
Common problems that can cause shoulder pain include:
Bursitis
Broken collar bone
Impingement
Strains and sprains
Tendon rupture
Torn cartilage
Polymyalgia rheumatica
Avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis)
At OneWelbeck, our consultants can make a diagnosis of shoulder pain and identify the cause by asking you questions about your symptoms, doing a physical examination and running some tests.
Tests you may need to have to diagnose the cause of your shoulder pain include blood tests, imaging scans such as X-rays, MRI or CT scans, nerve studies such as electromyography (EMG) or a minimally invasive procedure called an arthroscopy.
The best treatment for shoulder pain depends on its cause. Your OneWelbeck consultant will explain your treatment options to you and will recommend the most appropriate next steps to ensure you make the best possible recovery.
Treatment options for shoulder pain include medications such as pain relief and anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, injections, and surgery.
We boast a truly integrated team of orthopaedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, podiatric surgeons, rheumatology specialists, paid medicine consultants and hand therapy specialists. All of these services work together in one place, enabling us to give patients the best care possible.