Understanding Shoulder Pain: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Is shoulder pain holding you back from lifting your kids or grandkids, or from fully enjoying life? If so, we’re here to help.

Shoulder pain is a very common complaint and can be challenging to treat effectively. It is, in fact, the third most common musculoskeletal complaint seen by doctors, accounting for nearly 5% of all doctor visits—only neck and lower back pain are more frequent.

Causes of Shoulder Pain

In younger individuals, shoulder pain is often caused by injuries or accidents. However, as we age, natural wear and tear on the shoulder joint and rotator cuff tendons can lead to persistent discomfort.

Common causes of shoulder pain include:

• Overuse: Repetitive motions, such as those performed by athletes, painters, or people whose jobs require overhead activities, can lead to strain and injury.
• Injury: A fall or accident can cause structural damage, impacting the shoulder’s ability to function correctly.
• Aging: Over time, the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the shoulder naturally degenerate, making them more vulnerable to injury.
• Tendonitis: Inflammation or irritation of the tendon can lead to a reduction in blood supply, increasing the risk of partial or complete tears.
• Bursitis: The bursa, a lubricating sac that allows tendons to move smoothly, can become inflamed, leading to pain as it fills with fluid.
• Impingement: When raising your arm to shoulder height, the tendon and bursa may rub against the bone above (the acromion), causing sharp pain.

Symptoms of Shoulder Pain

Common signs include:

• Pain, numbness, or tingling radiating from the shoulder down to the fingers.
• Pain when lifting the arm to the side or front.
• Discomfort when reaching for or lifting objects.
• Pain when lying on the affected shoulder, especially at night.

Treatment Options

The good news is that with proper care, painful shoulders can improve, allowing you to return to your daily activities. However, recovery times vary. While some people respond quickly to treatment, others may experience a more gradual resolution of their symptoms.

Treatment may include:

• Dry needling
• Trigger point therapy
• Deep tissue manipulation
• Active release therapy
• Neuromyofascial therapy
• Exercise therapy

If shoulder pain is impacting your quality of life, it’s essential to seek treatment. A personalised care plan can address the underlying causes and help you regain full function, so you can get back to doing what you love.