Shoulder Pain

What is shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain refers to aching, discomfort, or stiffness that affects any part of your shoulder, including the humorous (upper arm bone), the scapula (shoulder blade), and the clavicle (collarbone). Often, this pain occurs because of trauma, aging, or general wear-and-tear. Regardless, seek treatment if your shoulder pain affects your mobility or quality of life.

What causes shoulder pain?

The Centers of Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine team treats shoulder pain caused by various things, including:

• Arthritis
• Torn cartilage
• Torn rotator cuff
• Pinched nerves
• Dislocated shoulder
• Frozen shoulder
• Spinal cord injury
• Bone spurs
• Tendonitis
• Swollen bursa sacs (bursitis)

Sometimes, shoulder pain occurs due to a repetitive use injury. For example, if your job involves repetitive overhead motions, you’ll likely suffer general wear-and-tear. 

When should I see a doctor about shoulder pain?

Make an appointment if you have severe shoulder pain that doesn’t improve after a week or two of at-home treatment. That’s especially true if you have difficulty moving your shoulder, associated swelling, or red skin. 

How is shoulder pain diagnosed?

Your provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain is located, what it feels like, and if it worsens when you move your shoulder in certain ways.

Next, they examine your shoulder joint and the surrounding area, checking for redness and swelling. Your provider checks your shoulder’s muscle strength and range of motion and gently presses on your shoulder to identify sensitive spots. 

Some shoulder injuries are diagnosed visually, but if your provider suspects an underlying issue, like a torn rotator cuff, they complete diagnostic imaging, like X-rays, an MRI, or an ultrasound. This lets them pinpoint the source of your discomfort and make treatment recommendations.

How is shoulder pain treated?

The Centers of Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine team treats shoulder pain using an integrative and minimally invasive approach. They could suggest:

• Activity changes, like rest
• Physical therapy
• Prescription medication to reduce inflammation and pain
• Stem cell therapy
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
• Bone marrow concentrate therapy
• Alpha-2-macroglobulin therapy
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Therapeutic nerve blocks
• Joint injections using ultrasound guidance
• Viscosupplementation

Most people benefit from several treatments. The team monitors your symptoms at regular checkups and adjusts your care plan as needed. 

Call the nearest Centers of Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine office to schedule shoulder pain treatment, or book your appointment online today.