Overview
Shoulder pain is a common problem that can affect anyone. It can range from mild strains to severe shoulder injuries, and various causes, ranging from wear and tear to sudden trauma. The best treatment will depend on the underlying cause, but can include rest, pain relief, targeted shoulder exercises at home, or specialist care for persistent symptoms.
What is Shoulder Pain?
The shoulder is one of the most flexible joints in the body, made up of bones, cartilage, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that work together to support movement and strength. Shoulder pain occurs when any of these elements become irritated, inflamed, or injured, which can lead to affecting your daily activities. While it can feel worrying, most causes of shoulder pain will improve within about two weeks without the need for intensive medical treatment.
What Causes Shoulder Pain?
Shoulder pain can be due to many causes. Often, it’s linked to overuse of shoulder muscles or repetitive movements, particularly in jobs or sports that involve lifting or throwing. It might also be caused by poor posture, arthritis, frozen shoulder, or rotator cuff injuries. If the pain is sudden, such as after a fall or accident, it might be caused by injuries such as fractures, dislocations, or tendon tears.
How is Shoulder Pain Diagnosed?
In most cases, shoulder pain will go away on its own within a couple of weeks, but if you’re concerned, seeing a doctor can help ease worries and identify the pain’s root cause.
During an appointment, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and examine your shoulder. They may ask you to move your arm around to assess its range of movement, and if the pain worsens while doing so. If your doctor suspects infection or inflammation, they might give you a blood test. They may also send you for imaging tests, such as X-rays and ultrasounds, to help pinpoint the exact cause of shoulder pain. These tests show shoulder problems like joint damage, tendon tears, or other changes inside the shoulder.
What Treatments Are There For Shoulder Pain?
The best course of treatment varies depending on the cause and severity of your symptoms. For many people, simple anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen can help relieve discomfort. Gentle shoulder pain exercises and stretches are useful for restoring movement and strengthening shoulder muscles. In most cases, shoulder pain can be treated at home with rest and self-care measures, though more persistent problems might need specialist interventions such as steroid injections or surgery.
How Can You Prevent Shoulder Pain?
Looking after your shoulders can help reduce the risk of pain returning. You can do this in several ways:
- Maintaining good posture when sitting or working helps ease strain on the joints and muscles.
- Regular stretching and shoulder exercises at home can keep the muscles flexible and strong.
- Avoiding sudden, heavy lifting or repetitive overhead movements where possible.
- Staying active and keeping a healthy weight.
When to Seek Medical Help
Although many types of shoulder pain improve on their own, there are times when medical help is important. Speak to your doctor if:
- The pain is severe
- Comes on suddenly after an injury
- You notice swelling, heat or redness around the joint.
Ongoing pain lasting more than a few weeks, or pain that disturbs your sleep or daily activities, should also be checked. Ignoring these signs can sometimes allow problems to worsen, making treatment more complex later on.
Why Go Private with Mid Ulster Clinic For Shoulder Pain Treatment?
Choosing to treat your shoulder pain with us offers:
- Fast access to experienced GPs, orthopaedic surgeons, and our specialist upper limb orthopaedic surgeon.
- Personalised care plans designed around your symptoms and lifestyle
- Treatment for shoulder pain that’s aimed at helping you return to normal life as quickly and comfortably as possible.
If shoulder pain is affecting your day-to-day life, book a consultation today and take the first step towards relief.
- Medically Reviewed
