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Shoulder Pain 101: Understanding Common Causes and Effective Treatments

Shoulder pain can be a real obstacle to living an active, pain-free life—especially for those who enjoy sports, physical activities, or simply want to stay mobile while working and taking care of daily tasks. As one of the most mobile and frequently used joints in the body, the shoulder is also highly susceptible to injuries and degenerative conditions over time. In this post, we’ll explore the most common causes of shoulder pain, how these issues are diagnosed, and the treatments that can help you get back on track.

At Associated Orthopedists of Detroit, our specialized team is ready to guide you to better shoulder health, enabling you to return to your favorite activities sooner and stronger.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

  1. Rotator Cuff Injuries: The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that keep your shoulder stable. Overuse, repetitive motions, or acute trauma can lead to rotator cuff tendinitis or tears. Symptoms often include pain while lifting the arm overhead, weakness, and difficulty sleeping on the affected side.

  2. Bursitis: Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between tissues in your shoulder. When they become inflamed—often due to repetitive motions, injury, or infection—it leads to bursitis. You may notice sharp pain when moving or pressing on the outside of the shoulder.

  3. Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: In this condition, the rotator cuff tendons get “impinged” between the bones of the shoulder. This leads to inflammation, pain, and decreased range of motion. Activities like lifting or reaching overhead can become difficult or excruciating.

  4. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): Frozen shoulder typically occurs when the tissues around the shoulder joint stiffen up, forming scar tissue. This results in restricted motion and chronic pain. It’s more common in individuals with certain conditions like diabetes or after prolonged periods of limited shoulder movement.

  5. Arthritis: Various forms of arthritis—such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis—can affect the shoulder. Over time, cartilage wears away, leading to bone-on-bone friction, pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

  6. Labral Tears: The labrum is a ring of cartilage surrounding the shoulder socket, stabilizing the ball of your upper arm. Acute trauma (such as sports injuries) or repetitive overhead activities can lead to labral tears, often accompanied by a catching or locking sensation and deep shoulder pain.

Signs You Should Seek Professional Help

  • Persistent Pain: If shoulder discomfort lasts for more than a few days without improvement, it’s time to consult a specialist.

  • Reduced Range of Motion: Inability to move your shoulder or arm as you normally would—especially difficulty raising your arm overhead.

  • Weakness and Instability: If your shoulder frequently feels weak or appears unstable, don’t ignore the signs.

  • Nighttime Discomfort: Pain that disrupts your sleep or requires changing sleeping positions.

  • Swelling and Redness: Visible swelling or redness can indicate inflammation or infection.

Seeking help promptly can prevent further damage, speed up recovery, and reduce the likelihood of chronic issues.

Diagnosis and Evaluation

When you visit Associated Orthopedists of Detroit, our team conducts a thorough evaluation to identify the root cause of your shoulder pain. The diagnostic process often includes:

  1. Medical History and Physical Exam: We’ll discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, and any previous injuries. A physical exam will assess muscle strength, range of motion, and specific points of tenderness.

  2. Imaging Tests

    • X-rays: Reveal potential bone abnormalities like fractures or arthritis.

    • MRI/Ultrasound: Offer detailed images of soft tissues including rotator cuff tendons and the labrum.

    • CT Scan: Provides a more comprehensive look if other scans are inconclusive.

  3. Other Diagnostic Tools: We may suggest additional tests like arthroscopy or specialized injections if necessary to confirm our findings.

Treatment Options for Shoulder Pain

Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatments

  1. Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises and stretches can strengthen the rotator cuff muscles, improve shoulder stability, and enhance range of motion. A certified physical therapist will create a personalized plan to address your unique challenges.

  2. Medications and Injections: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs can provide short-term relief. In some cases, corticosteroid injections reduce inflammation in the shoulder’s soft tissues or joint.

  3. Activity Modification: Avoiding or modifying activities that aggravate the shoulder—such as repetitive overhead motions—can help you heal faster. Adaptive strategies and ergonomic tools (e.g., supportive chairs, adjusted computer setups) are often recommended.

  4. Hot and Cold Therapy: Applying heat can loosen up stiff joints and tight muscles, while using ice can reduce swelling and pain after strenuous activity.

Surgical Interventions

If conservative measures aren’t enough to alleviate your symptoms, surgical options may be necessary:

  1. Arthroscopic Surgery: Using minimally invasive techniques and small incisions, orthopedic surgeons can repair rotator cuff tears, remove bone spurs, or fix labral tears. Arthroscopy often leads to faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

  2. Shoulder Replacement Surgery: In severe cases of arthritis or when joint damage is extensive, partial or total shoulder replacement might be recommended. An artificial joint can significantly reduce pain and enhance function.

  3. Stabilization Procedures: For chronic shoulder instability or recurring dislocations, specialized surgeries can restore balance to the joint by tightening ligaments or repairing damaged tissue.

Proactive Steps to Maintain Healthy Shoulders

  • Strength Training: Focus on exercises that build shoulder and upper-back muscles.

  • Proper Posture: Keep your shoulders rolled back and chest open, whether sitting at a desk or standing.

  • Warm-Up Routines: Before engaging in sports or physical activities, spend at least 5–10 minutes stretching and warming up your shoulder muscles.

  • Listen to Your Body: If you experience consistent shoulder pain or discomfort, don’t push through—take a break and seek medical advice.

Find Relief with Associated Orthopedists of Detroit

Shoulder pain can disrupt your work, hobbies, and overall quality of life—but it doesn’t have to. At Associated Orthopedists of Detroit, our dedicated team of orthopedic specialists, physical therapists, and support staff is committed to helping you find the most effective path to recovery.

Ready to take the first step toward healthier shoulders?


Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and learn how we can create a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs. From diagnosis to rehabilitation, we’re here to guide you every step of the way—so you can get back to living your life with confidence and ease.

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