Shoulder Pain
What is Shoulder Pain?
Pain in the shoulder may suggest an injury, which is more common in athletes participating in sports such as swimming, tennis, pitching, and weightlifting. The injuries are caused due to the over usage or repetitive motion of the arms.
In addition to pain, shoulder injuries also cause stiffness, restricted movements, difficulty in performing routine activities and popping sensation.
What are the Most Common Causes of Shoulder Pain?
Some of the common shoulder injuries that cause pain and restrict the movement of the shoulders include:
Sprains and strains
A sprain is the stretching or tearing of ligaments (tissues that connect adjacent bones in a joint). It is a common injury and usually occurs when you fall or suddenly twist your shoulder. A strain is the stretching or tearing of muscle or tendon (tissues that connect muscle to bone). It is common during sports. Strains are usually caused by twisting or pulling of the tendons.
Dislocations
A shoulder dislocation is an injury that occurs when the end of the bone is forced out of its position. It is often caused by a fall or direct blow to the joint while playing a contact sport.
Tendinitis: It is an inflammation of a tendon, a tissue that connects muscles to bone. It occurs because of injury or overuse.
Bursitis
It is an inflammation of a fluid-filled sac called bursa that protects and cushions your joints. Bursitis can be caused by chronic overuse, injury, arthritis, gout or infection.
Rotator cuff injury
The rotator cuff consists of tendons and muscles that hold the bones of the shoulder joint together. Rotator cuff muscles allow you to move your arm up and down. Rotator cuff injuries often cause a decreased range of motion.
Fractures
A fracture is a break in the bone that commonly occurs because of injuries, such as a fall or a direct blow to the shoulder.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of shoulder arthritis, characterized by progressive wearing away of the cartilage of the joint.
Treatment for Shoulder Pain
Early treatment is important to prevent more serious shoulder injuries. Initial care often includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Your doctor may recommend specific exercises to improve range of motion, prevent stiffness, and strengthen the shoulder muscles. Passive manipulation, massage therapy, and techniques to enhance blood circulation can also support healing.
For persistent or severe shoulder pain, advanced options such as corticosteroid joint injections to reduce inflammation or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to promote tissue repair and recovery may be considered. Complementary therapies like acupuncture, TENS, and ultrasound therapy can be incorporated to further manage pain and support rehabilitation.
