Quick Answer
See a doctor if shoulder pain persists more than 2 weeks, limits daily activities, or you have difficulty raising your arm. Seek immediate care for severe trauma, sudden intense pain, visible deformity, or shoulder pain with chest pain/shortness of breath.
🚨 Seek Immediate Medical Care If:
- Shoulder pain with chest pain or shortness of breath (possible heart attack)
- Sudden severe pain after trauma (fall, car accident, sports injury)
- Visible deformity - shoulder looks misshapen or out of place
- Complete inability to move shoulder or arm
- Severe swelling or bruising appearing rapidly
- Fever with shoulder pain and joint warmth/redness (possible infection)
📅 Schedule an Appointment Within Days If:
- • Pain lasting longer than 2 weeks despite rest and ice
- • Difficulty performing daily activities (reaching overhead, behind back)
- • Night pain that disrupts sleep
- • Progressive weakness in shoulder or arm
- • Limited range of motion - can't raise arm fully
- • Pain radiating down arm to hand
- • Recurring shoulder instability or feeling like it might dislocate
- • Pain after repetitive overhead activity (throwing, swimming, painting)
- • Gradual stiffening over weeks (possible frozen shoulder)
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
Rotator Cuff Problems (Most Common)
- • Rotator Cuff Tendinitis: Inflammation from overuse or repetitive motion
- • Rotator Cuff Tear: Partial or complete tear, causes weakness and pain
- • Impingement: Tendon pinching between bones during arm movement
- • Bursitis: Inflammation of fluid-filled sac cushioning the shoulder
Structural Issues
- • Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): Progressive stiffness and pain
- • Shoulder Arthritis: Cartilage wear causing pain and stiffness
- • Labral Tear: Cartilage rim damage, often from sports
- • AC Joint Separation: Collarbone separation from shoulder blade
Acute Injuries
- • Shoulder Dislocation: Ball of joint comes out of socket
- • Fracture: Broken collarbone, shoulder blade, or upper arm bone
- • SLAP Tear: Superior labrum injury, common in throwing athletes
Self-Care for Mild Shoulder Pain
For minor shoulder pain without red flags, try for 1-2 weeks:
- • Rest from aggravating activities: Avoid overhead reaching, heavy lifting
- • Ice: 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times daily for first 48-72 hours
- • Gentle range of motion: Pendulum exercises, wall walks
- • Over-the-counter pain relief: Ibuprofen or naproxen as directed
- • Posture correction: Avoid slouching, keep shoulders back
- • Sleep position: Avoid sleeping on affected shoulder
If pain persists beyond 2 weeks or worsens, schedule an appointment
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Your doctor will likely:
Physical Examination:
- • Range of motion tests (active and passive)
- • Strength testing of rotator cuff muscles
- • Special tests for impingement, instability, labral tears
- • Check for tenderness and swelling
- • Assess for muscle atrophy
Imaging (if needed):
- • X-rays: Check for fractures, arthritis, bone spurs
- • MRI: Best for rotator cuff tears, labral tears, soft tissue
- • Ultrasound: Quick check for rotator cuff tears
Treatment Options
Conservative Treatment (First Line)
- • Physical Therapy: Strengthening rotator cuff, scapular stabilizers, improving flexibility
- • Anti-inflammatory medications: NSAIDs for pain and inflammation
- • Activity modification: Avoid overhead activities temporarily
- • Corticosteroid injection: For severe inflammation not responding to other treatments
- • Home exercises: Continued strengthening and stretching program
When Surgery May Be Needed
- • Complete rotator cuff tear in active individual
- • Large tears not improving with conservative care
- • Recurrent shoulder dislocations
- • Severe arthritis affecting quality of life
- • Failed conservative treatment after 3-6 months
- • Labral tears in athletes
Prevention Tips
- • Strengthen rotator cuff muscles: Regular resistance band exercises
- • Warm up properly: Before overhead sports or activities
- • Maintain good posture: Avoid rounded shoulders
- • Take breaks: During repetitive overhead work
- • Proper lifting technique: Use legs, not shoulders for heavy objects
- • Cross-train: Vary activities to avoid overuse
- • Stretch regularly: Maintain shoulder flexibility
Medical Review
Reviewed by: Ricardo Hamilton, MD
Last Updated: November 26, 2025
Sources: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Mayo Clinic Orthopedic Guidelines