Shoulder Pain

What is it?

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, which makes it susceptible to overuse injury and instability. Shoulder pain affects up to 26% of adults at some point and is a leading cause of musculoskeletal disability. The rotator cuff — a group of four muscles and their tendons — stabilizes the shoulder and is the most common source of shoulder pathology. Impingement syndrome, rotator cuff tears, bursitis, and frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) account for the majority of cases. Referred pain from the neck, heart, and diaphragm can also present as shoulder discomfort.

Common causes

When to see a doctor

• 1Sudden severe shoulder pain with inability to lift the arm (possible rotator cuff tear)
• 2Shoulder pain with chest pain or left arm pain (possible cardiac — call 911)
• 3Visible deformity, swelling, or numbness after an injury
• 4Progressive loss of shoulder motion over weeks (frozen shoulder)
• 5Shoulder pain with fever and warmth in the joint (possible septic arthritis)
• 6Night pain severe enough to prevent sleep consistently

What you can do

• ✓Rest from aggravating overhead activities but maintain gentle range of motion
• ✓Apply ice (first 48–72 hours) then heat for ongoing stiffness
• ✓Pendulum exercises: let the arm hang and gently swing in small circles to maintain mobility
• ✓Strengthen the rotator cuff with resistance band exercises — key for long-term recovery
• ✓Sleep on the unaffected side with a pillow supporting the affected arm
• ✓Physical therapy is the most effective conservative treatment for most shoulder conditions

Conditions that cause this symptom

Medications that may help

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Always consult your provider before starting any medication.

Frequently asked questions