Shoulder pain: the different types and treatments

Our shoulders are quite complex, consisting of several joints, tendons and muscles. If you’re feeling pain in your shoulder, it can be down to a few different causes.

The NHS website references these conditions as possible causes of shoulder pain: ^{Footnote [1]}  

• Frozen shoulder
• Arthritis
• Tendonitis, bursitis and impingement
• Hypermobility causing shoulder instability
• Dislocated shoulder or broken bone
• Torn or ruptured tendon 

Injuries and sprains

Injuries can happen in different ways, including from a fall, an accident or playing sports. Sprains are injuries to the ligaments that support the joints. 

Dislocated shoulder

Shoulder dislocation usually occurs due to trauma from a fall or playing sports. The bone of the upper arm (humerus) comes out of the shoulder socket, causing instability and weakness. ^{Footnote [2]}  

Labral tear

The labrum is a cartilage structure in the shoulder joint that helps with stability. This can be damaged during injuries like dislocating your shoulder – which can happen when playing contact sports, falls and motor accidents. ^{Footnote [3]}  

Rotator cuff injury

There are 4 rotator cuff muscles that help the shoulder to move in lots of directions. The tendons, which are the parts of the muscle that join to the bone, often cause pain from overuse and repetitive movements. This can limit the amount of mobility and function you have in your shoulder. Sometimes, during a fall or other type of trauma to the shoulder, the rotator cuff can tear.

Broken bone or fracture

A broken bone, such as a broken arm or broken collarbone, can cause sudden, intense pain. ^{Footnote [1]} You may also not be able to move your arm, and your shoulder may change shape. ^{Footnote [4]}This is usually caused by an injury or fall. 

Arthritis

Shoulder pain that comes on quickly is often caused by injury or trauma. However, longer-lasting shoulder pain can sometimes be related to arthritis. 

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a condition that can affect any of the joints in our bodies. It happens when the cartilage at the ends of the bones becomes thin and rough. This is a normal part of getting older, but it can mean the cartilage wears down and becomes damaged over time. Our supporting tissues around the joint then have to work harder. It’s a pretty common condition that sometimes won’t cause any symptoms at all, but other people can experience stiffness and reduced movement. Osteoarthritis of the shoulder is less common than in other joints like our hips and knees. 

Rheumatoid arthritis 

This is different to osteoarthritis, because it causes multiple joints to become swollen and painful. It’s known as an auto-immune condition that requires specialist care. 

Frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder is a condition that causes pain and stiffness for months or even years. The causes are not fully understood, but it will usually resolve itself over time. Treatment involves pain relief and physiotherapy exercises you can do at home. ^{Footnote [5]}   

Bursitis 

A bursa is a sac of fluid that creates cushioning for the joints and helps them move smoothly. If your shoulder is swollen, there’s tenderness and warmth near the joint and pain that worsens when you move it ^{Footnote [6]}, you might have bursitis of the shoulder. 

Shoulder impingement

Shoulder impingement is also known medically as subacromial pain – a term used to describe shoulder pain with a reduced range of movement. This is typically when reaching above your head. It can be caused by activities that require you to reach overhead – like gardening, DIY or lifting heavy luggage. ^{Footnote [7]}