Shoulder Pain is aching, pain, and limited movement in your shoulder that may follow an injury. Clicking or crunching sounds may occur.
Rotator cuff injury: An injury to the muscles or tendons of the rotator cuff can cause shoulder pain. These injuries can vary significantly based on severity.
Determining whether you have a partial or full thickness tear or if there is one or more tendons affected will help identify your best treatment options. Surgical intervention is not always the best option for a rotator cuff injury.
Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, which is a small sac of fluid that cushions the joint, can cause shoulder pain.
Bursitis of the shoulder is typically caused by repetitive activities or overuse of the shoulder joint, such as throwing a baseball or lifting weights. Other possible causes of bursitis of the shoulder include trauma or injury to the shoulder, infection, or underlying medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout. Finding the underlying cause helps determine the best course of treatment.
Osteoarthritis: This is a type of arthritis that can cause pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. OA is a type of arthritis that occurs when the cartilage between the bones of the joint wear down, usually due to wear and tear over time. This condition generally causes pain and stiffness as well as leads to other complications over time.
There are new treatment options available that may help people avoid years of cortisone injections and surgery.
Frozen shoulder: This is a condition where the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful due to a lack of movement.
Dislocation or fracture: A dislocation or fracture of the shoulder joint can cause severe pain. This is an acute pain condition which generally requires immediate treatment.
Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons that connect the muscles to the bone can cause shoulder pain. Tendonitis of the shoulder is usually caused by repetitive motions, such as those involved in sports, work or hobbies. Treatment for tendonitis can vary however, Storz (EPAT/Shockwave therapy has een found to be quite effective
Impingement syndrome: This is a condition where the tendons of the rotator cuff become pinched between the shoulder blade and the humerus bone. This condition is usually addressed quite well with Physical Therapy once the pain and inflammation is under control.
Cervical radiculopathy: This is a condition where a nerve in the neck is compressed, causing pain in the shoulder. Though the pain n the shoulder can be severe, it cannot be addressed by treating the shoulder. It is best to find a specialist of the spine to properly diagnose and treat the underlying cervical condition.