Your shoulder moves more freely than any other joint, which also makes it easy to irritate. At Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation of NY & CT (PMR), shoulder pain treatment starts with a careful exam to find the source, then a plan to restore motion and strength. Here’s a quick guide to common causes. We treat shoulder problems in Danbury, CT, and Brewster, NY.
Common causes of shoulder pain
Rotator cuff tendinopathy and tears
Four small muscles, the rotator cuff, keep the ball of your upper arm centered in its socket. Their tendons can become irritated with overuse or tear from a fall or gradual wear, causing an ache on the outer arm and weakness when you reach. Learn about rotator cuff tear treatment.
Frozen shoulder
In frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), the joint capsule thickens and tightens, so the shoulder becomes painful and then stiff in every direction. It’s most common between ages 40 and 60 and in people with diabetes. Read about the stages and frozen shoulder treatment.
Shoulder impingement
Pain as you lift your arm out to the side or overhead, often worse at night, is typical of subacromial pain, commonly called impingement. See how shoulder impingement treatment builds strength and control.
Shoulder blade pain
Aching around or between the shoulder blades usually comes from posture, strained muscles or the neck, though it can occasionally signal a heart or lung problem. Our page on shoulder blade pain explains the warning signs.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis of the ball-and-socket joint, or of the small joint where the collarbone meets the shoulder, causes deep aching and stiffness. Learn more about arthritis pain relief.
Pain that starts in the neck
A neck problem can refer pain to the top of the shoulder or down the arm, often with neck stiffness or tingling in the hand. See our guide to neck pain treatment.
Other causes include bursitis, labral tears and instability after a dislocation. You can also browse all the conditions we treat.
When to get urgent care
Shoulder pain is sometimes a heart problem rather than a joint problem. Get emergency help for:
- Shoulder, arm or jaw pain with chest pressure, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea or lightheadedness. Call 911.
- A shoulder that looks deformed after a fall or collision, or an arm you can’t move. Go to the ER.
- An arm or hand that turns numb, cold or pale after an injury
- A hot, red, swollen shoulder with fever or chills, which can signal a joint infection
How PMR evaluates shoulder pain
Many shoulder problems feel alike, so the right shoulder pain treatment depends on a careful exam. Your clinician compares how far you can lift your arm with how far it moves when gently guided. Loss of both suggests frozen shoulder or arthritis, while weakness with normal guided motion suggests a rotator cuff problem.
We also test cuff strength, shoulder blade movement and your neck. X-ray imaging can show arthritis or calcium deposits, and PMR can arrange an MRI or an orthopedic referral when needed.
Shoulder pain treatment at PMR
Most plans are built around exercise, with hands-on care to make movement easier.
- Physical therapy. Shoulder physical therapy restores motion first, then builds rotator cuff and shoulder blade strength in our on-site gym. Learn more about our physical therapy services.
- Chiropractic care. A shoulder pain chiropractor can mobilize the shoulder, upper back and neck when stiffness there changes how your shoulder moves.
- Shockwave therapy. For calcific tendinitis, where calcium builds up in a rotator cuff tendon, shockwave therapy may help. PMR offers it in Danbury and Brewster.
- Massage therapy. Soft-tissue work relaxes tight muscles around the shoulder, chest and upper back.
- Coordinated medical care. We work with your physician when an injection, advanced imaging or a surgical opinion makes sense.
Shoulder pain relief before your visit
- Keep the shoulder moving gently within comfort. Unless a doctor advised a sling, avoid holding the arm still for long periods, which can cause stiffness.
- Use ice or heat for up to 20 minutes at a time.
- Avoid sleeping on the sore side, and pause heavy or overhead lifting while still using the arm for light tasks.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my shoulder pain is coming from my neck?
Pain from the neck often comes with neck stiffness, changes when you turn your head and may travel past the elbow with numbness or tingling. Pain from the shoulder itself usually changes with arm movements such as reaching or lifting. The two can overlap, which is why your PMR exam checks both areas before shoulder pain treatment begins.
Can a chiropractor help shoulder pain?
Yes, for many musculoskeletal shoulder problems. At PMR, chiropractors treat the shoulder along with the neck and upper back, which often contribute. Care may include joint mobilization, soft-tissue work and exercise, and your plan can also include physical therapy when that makes sense.
How long does shoulder pain take to improve?
It depends on the cause. A mild strain may settle in a few weeks, while tendon problems often need a few months of consistent exercise, and frozen shoulder can last a year or more. Your clinician will give you a realistic outlook after your exam and adjust the plan as you progress. Results vary.
Book a shoulder evaluation
If shoulder pain is limiting your sleep, work or workouts, our team can plan shoulder pain treatment around your goals. Reach the office closest to you:
- PMR of Danbury, CT – (203) 744-8013
- PMR of Brewster, NY – (845) 279-1135