Shoulder Pain: Causes and Treatments

Pain is not uncommon in a joint as complex and frequently used as the shoulder. While pain ranges from minor to persistent, you can address shoulder problems with the help of an experienced, board-certified Beaufort Memorial orthopedic shoulder specialist.

Ready to address your shoulder pain? Request an appointment with a board-certified orthopedic surgeon or call 843-522-7435 to discuss your symptoms with our joint care coordinator.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Many shoulder problems develop with age or as a result of injury and/or overuse.

• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis occurs as cartilage between joints wears down. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs in people with an overactive immune system that causes the body to attack the joints.
• Frozen shoulder: Also called adhesive capsulitis, a frozen shoulder develops when the soft tissues in the shoulder become thick and stiff.
• Rotator cuff injuries: Your arm and shoulder are connected by a group of muscles and tendons known as the rotator cuff. Inflammation and/or irritation, caused by age or overuse, can lead to rotator cuff tendinitis or impingement. Sudden injury may cause a rotator cuff tear. Rotator cuff pain typically occurs on the outside or front of the shoulder and can be felt when you try to raise your arm.

Problems in other areas of the body can lead to shoulder pain. Referred pain from the neck, for example, can cause pain in the shoulder blade or pain felt on the outside of the upper arm. That’s why it’s important to discuss shoulder pain with a doctor to determine the cause so you can find the most appropriate treatment.

Treatments for Shoulder Pain

Conservative Shoulder Pain Relief

In some cases, shoulder pain may resolve with rest and avoiding activities that overly stress the joint. Icing and over-the-counter medications can reduce pain and inflammation. However, see a physician immediately if you have sharp, persistent pain or pain that lingers more than a week. He or she can offer:

• Injections, which can reduce inflammation
• Physical therapy, which can improve flexibility, strengthen muscles and improve range of motion to counteract your pain

Common Shoulder Procedures

While most pain responds to conservative, nonsurgical treatments, some pain may require surgery. At Beaufort Memorial, our board-certified orthopedic shoulder surgeons offer:

• Arthroscopic surgery, which can be used to treat a variety of shoulder problems, such as repairing a torn labrum, a band of tissue that helps the ball joint stay in place, or removing bone spurs
• Total shoulder replacement surgery, in which an arthritic shoulder joint is replaced with strong, man-made materials
• Rotator cuff repair, a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure to repair torn or damaged rotator cuff tendons and improve shoulder flexibility and function