Shoulder pain is common because the shoulder moves in many directions, making it easy to strain or injure. When muscles, tendons, or soft tissues become irritated or inflamed, the shoulder can ache or feel stiff.
This pain can make everyday tasks like reaching, throwing, or even sleeping uncomfortable. Understanding what causes shoulder pain helps doctors find the right treatment so people can recover, move comfortably, and keep their shoulders strong and healthy.
Rotator Cuff Injury and Arm Pain
The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles and tendons that help stabilize the shoulder and allow you to lift and rotate your arm. Overuse, repetitive motion, or sudden injury can strain or tear these tissues, especially in athletes or people who do physical work.
Common symptoms include:
- Weakness when lifting the arm
- Pain during movement or at rest
- A clicking, popping, or catching feeling in the shoulder
Mild injuries often heal with rest, anti-inflammatory medicine, and physical therapy. More serious tears may require imaging tests or surgery, followed by a rehabilitation program to regain strength and movement.
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Shoulder impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendons are compressed between the shoulder bones, leading to irritation and inflammation during overhead or behind-the-back movements. The pain often worsens with activity and limits the range of motion.
Treatment focuses on easing inflammation and improving shoulder movement. Physical therapy helps strengthen muscles and improve posture. If pain continues, a doctor might recommend injections or minor procedures to relieve pressure on the tendons.
Bursitis and Shoulder Swelling
The shoulder contains small, fluid-filled sacs called bursae that cushion the joint. When these sacs become inflamed from overuse or pressure, bursitis causes swelling, tenderness, and pain that worsens with movement.
Common signs of bursitis include swelling or warmth around the shoulder, pain when lifting or reaching, and tenderness to the touch.
Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medicine usually help. If pain lasts, a doctor might drain fluid or give an injection. Once it eases, gentle exercises can rebuild strength and stability.
Arthritis of the Shoulder
Arthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the shoulder bones wears down, causing stiffness and pain. Osteoarthritis often develops with age or after injury, while rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease, can also affect the joint.
Common symptoms include aching, limited motion, and grinding during movement. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and improving flexibility. NSAIDs, physical therapy, and joint injections can ease discomfort. In severe cases, joint replacement surgery may restore mobility and reduce losses from chronic pain.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Frozen shoulder happens when connective tissue around the joint thickens and tightens, restricting movement. It usually develops gradually after immobility, surgery, or injury and progresses through freezing, frozen, and thawing stages.
Stiffness and pain worsen over time, making movement difficult. Physical therapy with gentle stretching is key to recovery. Heat therapy, ultrasound, and anti-inflammatory medication can ease discomfort. In severe cases, a doctor may recommend hydrodilatation or arthroscopic surgery to release the tightened tissue and restore motion.
Shoulder Tendinitis and Muscle Irritation
Tendinitis occurs when the tendons that connect muscle to bone become irritated from overuse. Repetitive overhead movements or poor posture can cause the tendons to fray and swell. This condition often overlaps with impingement or rotator cuff issues.
Treatment usually starts with rest, better posture, and physical therapy to fix muscle imbalances. Ice and supportive tape can ease pain while the shoulder heals. Getting help early keeps inflammation from becoming long-term and helps restore strength and flexibility.
When to Seek Professional Help
Ongoing shoulder pain often signals an underlying problem that needs attention. While mild soreness may fade with rest, persistent discomfort may require tests such as an MRI or ultrasound to identify the exact cause and guide treatment.
At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, patients receive detailed evaluations and customized care plans to improve movement and ease pain. Treatment options may include physical therapy, guided injections, or regenerative medicine to support natural healing and lasting relief. Contact us today to get started with an initial appointment.