Shoulder Pain

Overview

Shoulder pain is extremely common and can originate from the joint, the rotator cuff muscles and tendons, the surrounding bursa, or the neck. Understanding the source is essential to effective treatment.

Common Symptoms

• Pain with overhead movements.
• Weakness or difficulty lifting.
• Night pain and difficulty sleeping on the shoulder.
• Stiffness and reduced range of movement.

Possible Causes

Rotator cuff problems, impingement, stiffness (frozen shoulder), arthritis and injuries are common causes.

Evaluation

A focused history and examination, sometimes with imaging, helps identify the cause of the pain.

Treatment Options

Many shoulder problems improve with physiotherapy and activity modification. Surgery, including arthroscopy, is considered when appropriate.