Shoulder Pain: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

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Join Airrosti’s Brittany Bankson, DC, as she goes over the common causes of shoulder pain. She’ll dig into the signs and symptoms associated with different shoulder injuries. She also describes how Airrosti addresses shoulder pain using targeted manual therapy and active rehab exercises.

WHAT CAUSES SHOULDER PAIN?

The shoulder works with surrounding muscles and tendons to allow for a broad range of motion in the arm. Because of the shoulder’s design, our arms can rotate, push, pull, and lift objects overhead with relative ease. Because we rely on the shoulder for daily movements, wear and tear in the shoulder can often lead to painful shoulder injuries.  The most common injury that people are concerned about are tears in the rotator cuff.

Man with extended arm. Illustrated representation of the structure and musculature of the human arm.

Typical causes of shoulder pain are overuse and trauma. These occur frequently during activities like weightlifting, football, or gymnastics. Common conditions include bursitis, rotator cuff tendonitis/tears, and shoulder impingement.

Most causes of shoulder pain fall into these two categories:

ACUTE

  • Joint Dislocation
  • Fracture
  • Ligament or muscle tear

CHRONIC

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A SHOULDER INJURY?

man holding his shoulder in pain

Symptoms vary depending on the type of shoulder injury. Shoulder injuries will restrict your mobility and likely cause pain when lifting weights or applying pressure. Typically, an injury to the shoulder will be painful and easily aggravated by movement.

Depending on your condition, you may experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Dull, aching pain that worsens with activity
  • Stiffness or reduced mobility
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • An audible clicking sound from the shoulder
  • Pain or difficulty raising your arms
  • Tenderness to the touch
  • Pain that may radiate toward the neck or down the front of the arm
  • Swelling, bruising, or redness

TREATMENTS FOR SHOULDER PAIN

Proper treatment for shoulder problems depends on the precise cause of pain. Your doctor may order tests such as X-Rays and MRIs to diagnose potential causes of pain and help determine the best treatment for your injury. Most times, your doctor may recommend a combination of rest, ice or heat, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or injections for help relieving pain.

While many shoulder conditions can resolve themselves in time with conservative care, some cases can persist for months or even years and restrict your mobility.

HOW AIRROSTI CAN HELP: SHOULDER PAIN DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND PAIN RELIEF

You're in control of your body

Airrosti providers aim to diagnose and treat pain at the source with hands-on manual therapy, combined with targeted active rehab exercises to restore shoulder strength and function. We also give you the tools and resources to address pain as it appears, leaving you to focus on doing the things you love most.

If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, don’t wait. We offer both in-office and telehealth appointments to best suit your needs. Call us at (844) 719-5074 and schedule your appointment today.

Reviewed by Casey Crisp, Doctor of Chiropractic

Disclaimer: Always consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program. If you experience any numbness, tingling or reproduction of your symptoms, please contact your doctor.

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