Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal issues, affecting 18-26% of adults at any given time. It can make simple tasks, like lifting an object or reaching for something, feel challenging and even painful. This type of discomfort can stem from various causes, including injuries, overuse, or underlying health conditions, and often impacts your quality of life in unexpected ways.
At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, our exceptional shoulder care team includesDr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Sean Jereb, Dr. Thomas Obermeyer, and Dr. Mark Yaffe. With extensive experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of shoulder conditions—from rotator cuff tears to arthritis—our specialists are committed to providing exceptional, personalized care. If shoulder pain is affecting your quality of life, our team is here to help you find relief and restore function. Schedule an appointment with us today!
Understanding the causes and treatment options for shoulder pain is the first step toward finding relief—here’s what you need to know.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain and Symptoms
The shoulder joint is one of the most versatile but complex parts of your body. It’s made up of multiple components, including the shoulder socket, shoulder blade, upper arm bone, and rotator cuff tendons. These structures work together to provide a wide range of motion, which makes them more vulnerable to injury and degeneration.
Here are some common causes of shoulder pain:
Rotator Cuff Injuries
The rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles that stabilize your shoulder joint and enable movement. Injuries such as rotator cuff tears or inflammation are a frequent cause of chronic shoulder pain. Symptoms may include severe pain when lifting your arm, reduced range of motion, and weakness in the upper arm.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Frozen shoulder occurs when the connective tissue surrounding your shoulder joint thickens and tightens. This condition leads to stiffness, pain, and limiting mobility. It often develops after periods of inactivity, such as recovery from surgery or another injury.
Arthritis
Shoulder problems like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause wear and tear in the shoulder socket and surrounding tissues. Arthritis often results in inflammation, pain, and difficulty moving your shoulder.
Referred Pain
Sometimes, shoulder pain isn’t localized to the shoulder itself. Conditions like gallbladder disease, cervical spine disorders, or even heart attacks can lead to referred pain that’s felt in your shoulder.
Traumatic Injuries
Dislocations, fractures to the arm bone or shoulder blade, and ligament tears can occur from accidents or sports injuries. Sudden and intense pain, as well as visible deformities, are warning signs that immediate medical attention is necessary.
By identifying these potential causes, your orthopedic specialist can create a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs.
Treatment Options for Shoulder Pain
Managing shoulder pain depends on the root cause and severity of your condition. Treatment often begins with non-invasive methods to alleviate discomfort and improve function.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises designed by a physical therapist can strengthen your rotator cuff, improve range of motion, and decrease pain. This is an effective option for recovering from shoulder injuries or addressing chronic shoulder pain.
- Medications and Corticosteroid Injections: Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen provide immediate relief, while corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and severe pain when other methods aren’t effective.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Resting your shoulder, using ergonomic tools, or adjusting your activities can minimize strain on the shoulder joint and encourage healing.
Surgical Solutions
When conservative approaches don’t improve symptoms, your doctor might recommend surgery. Advances in minimally invasive procedures can provide effective relief with shorter recovery times.
- Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: This minimally invasive procedure repairs torn rotator cuff tendons through small incisions. Using a camera-guided tool, our surgeons restore shoulder function while reducing recovery time compared to traditional open surgery.
- Reverse Total Shoulder Surgery: For individuals with severe arthritis or irreparable rotator cuff tears, reverse total shoulder surgery can provide substantial relief and restore motion by altering the mechanics of the shoulder joint.
- Total Shoulder Surgery: This procedure is ideal for patients with extensive shoulder damage or severe arthritis. It involves replacing damaged joint components with artificial ones, helping patients regain mobility and experience long-term pain relief.
- Shoulder Arthroscopic Surgery: This minimally invasive technique treats a variety of shoulder conditions, including impingement and labral tears, with less pain and quicker recovery times.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Shoulder Pain
While not all cases of shoulder pain can be prevented, some proactive steps can reduce your risk of developing discomfort:
- Maintain Flexibility and Strength: Incorporate shoulder stretches and strengthening exercises into your fitness routine to support the muscles and ligaments around your shoulder joint.
- Use Proper Technique for Activities: Whether you’re lifting objects or performing overhead movements, make sure to use proper form to prevent overuse injuries. Avoid straining your upper arm bone by keeping movements controlled and balanced.
- Take Breaks: If your tasks demand repetitive shoulder movements, take regular breaks to avoid cumulative stress on your rotator cuff tendons.
- Address Minor Injuries Promptly: Ignoring minor shoulder problems can lead to chronic issues over time. If you notice discomfort, consult a professional early to prevent further complications.
- Stay Active: A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to shoulder stiffness and range of motion loss. Engage in activities that encourage movement, like swimming or yoga, to keep your shoulder joint healthy.
Why Choose Barrington Orthopedic Specialists?
For over four decades, Barrington Orthopedic Specialists has been at the forefront of delivering expert care for shoulder conditions. Our team takes the time to understand your individual concerns, providing comprehensive shoulder injury treatment, rotator cuff repair, and recovery plans for surgical procedures.
Shoulder pain may be common, but it doesn’t have to interrupt your life. With specialized care, you can say goodbye to chronic shoulder pain and rediscover the freedom of movement.
Regain Comfort and Mobility with Barrington Orthopedic Specialists
Shoulder pain doesn’t have to define your life or keep you from the activities you love. Our team at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, featuring Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Sean Jereb, Dr. Thomas Obermeyer, Dr. Jason Rotstein, and Dr. Mark Yaffe, is here to provide expert care and effective solutions tailored to your needs.
Schedule an appointment today to start your personalized shoulder care treatment plan. We’re committed to helping you move past pain and live with confidence. Together, we’ll get you back to doing what you love.
