Shoulder Pain

The shoulder is one of the most movable joints in your body, and many shoulder conditions are caused by overuse. For this reason, treatment of shoulder injuries often begins with pain management, in-network rehabilitation, and physical therapy. Advanced imaging technology allows our physicians to diagnose your shoulder condition quickly and accurately to determine whether surgery is necessary.

Understanding the structure of the shoulder may help you better comprehend your pain. The shoulder consists of the upper arm bone (humerus), shoulder blade (scapula), and collarbone (clavicle), allowing a wide range of motion in the arm. Shoulder problems generally fall into four major categories:

• Tendon inflammation or tendon tear
• Instability
• Arthritis
• Fracture

Other, less common causes of shoulder pain include tumors, infection, and nerve-related problems. Below are some of the most common conditions that cause shoulder pain:

• Bursitis — inflammation of the bursae (small, fluid-filled sacs) in the shoulder joint. Overuse can cause swelling and make daily activities such as combing hair or getting dressed difficult.
• Tendinitis — inflammation of the tendons, which connect muscle to bone. It may be acute or chronic and is often caused by repetitive overhead activity or degenerative conditions such as arthritis.
• Tendon tears — partial or complete tearing of tendons due to acute injury, aging, or wear and tear.
• Impingement — occurs when the acromion rubs against the rotator cuff tendons and bursa, potentially leading to bursitis or tendinitis.
• Instability — injury or overuse may cause the upper arm bone to slip out of the shoulder socket, resulting in dislocation and increased arthritis risk.
• Shoulder joint arthritis — osteoarthritis is the most common type and develops gradually, causing swelling, pain, and stiffness, typically beginning in middle age.
• Fracture — a break in the shoulder bones that may cause severe pain, swelling, and bruising, often due to falls, sports injuries, or vehicle accidents.

Athletic activities involving repetitive or overhead motion place stress on the soft tissue structures of the shoulder and may lead to injury. Sports such as swimming, tennis, pitching, and weightlifting commonly contribute to shoulder injuries.

Shoulder injuries can also result from everyday activities like hanging curtains or gardening. While most shoulder problems involve muscles, ligaments, and tendons, some injuries affect the bones, such as humerus fractures or glenoid (shoulder socket) injuries.

Many patients with shoulder pain improve with conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, and medication. However, conditions like recurring dislocations or certain rotator cuff tears may respond better to surgical treatment. Surgery may involve arthroscopy or traditional open procedures for more extensive reconstruction or shoulder replacement.

If you answered “yes” to any of the questions below, consider consulting an orthopedic surgeon to better understand the severity of your condition:

• Is my shoulder stiff or difficult to rotate through normal positions?
• Do I feel clicking or popping in my shoulder?
• Do I lack the strength needed to perform daily activities?

Rotator cuff injuries occur when the muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint become irritated, inflamed, or torn. Symptoms may include pain, weakness, stiffness, or reduced range of motion.

If left untreated, rotator cuff tears may worsen over time. Treatment options vary depending on the individual and severity of the injury.

Nonsurgical treatments may include rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), strengthening exercises, physical therapy, and steroid injections.

If symptoms persist for 6 to 12 months or the tear is large (greater than 3 cm), surgery may be recommended. Surgical repair often involves reattaching the tendon to the head of the humerus. Discuss available options with your orthopedic surgeon to determine the best approach for your needs.

Shoulder pain can interfere with daily activities such as playing catch, lifting your arms, or putting clothes away.

At Desert Care Network, we provide personalized and comprehensive shoulder pain treatment, helping you explore both nonsurgical and surgical options tailored to your condition.

Our experienced orthopedic doctors offer advanced care from diagnosis through rehabilitation to support your recovery. When nonsurgical treatments are not effective, our orthopedic surgeons in Coachella Valley are skilled in performing minimally invasive procedures to help restore mobility and reduce pain.

HealthCare is Better Together. Find a doctor today to learn more about our orthopedic specialists and receive assistance in scheduling an appointment.