Shoulder pain may arise from the shoulder joint or from any of the muscles, ligaments or tendons surrounding it. Shoulders help you reach up and down, forward and back, side to side and all directions in between. With all that mobility comes a greater chance for injury.
Each shoulder problem has its own pattern of symptoms. Most conditions make it painful to use or move your shoulder, but some make your shoulder feel stiff.
As movement experts, our physical therapists can help determine which movements are the most painful, where the problem originated and how to help eliminate your pain so you can get back to living an active life.
Inflammation, where your shoulder becomes hot, red, swollen and painful as a natural reaction to an infection or injury.
Damage to the muscles and tendons around the shoulder.
Tension in the muscles between the neck and shoulder. This is often a result of poor posture or poor sleeping habits.
Inflammation in the bursa – a fluid-filled cushion which normally helps the muscles and tendons slide smoothly over the shoulder bones.
Damage to the bones and cartilage, which can be caused by arthritis.
Referred pain from your neck. Problems in your neck can make your shoulder blade or upper outer arm painful. If you’re feeling a tingling sensation in your hand or arm, as well as pain in your shoulder, it’s likely to be from a problem in your neck.
If you are experiencing shoulder pain, call us, for a PT evaluation. Seek immediate medical attention if your shoulder pain is accompanied by difficulty breathing or a sense of tightness in the chest. This may be a symptom of a heart attack and requires immediate medical attention.