Why Does My Shoulder Hurt? Understanding the Different Types of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is a common complaint that can significantly affect your daily life, from simple tasks like brushing your hair to more intense activities like sports. The shoulder joint is one of the most mobile joints in the body, but its range of motion also makes it susceptible to various types of pain and injury. At Peak Physiotherapy, we aim to help you understand the different types of shoulder pain and provide effective solutions for relief.

Common Types of Shoulder Pain

There are several reasons why your shoulder may hurt, and understanding the underlying cause is crucial for finding the right treatment. Below are some of the most common causes of shoulder pain:

1. Rotator Cuff Injuries

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that keep the shoulder joint stable. Overuse, repetitive movements, or sudden trauma can lead to tears, strains, or tendonitis in the rotator cuff. This type of shoulder pain is often characterised by:

• Weakness in the shoulder

• Pain when lifting or rotating the arm

• Pain that worsens at night or during specific movements

Rotator cuff injuries are common among athletes, especially those who participate in sports that involve overhead motions (e.g., tennis, swimming, or baseball).

2. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder occurs when the shoulder capsule, which surrounds the shoulder joint, becomes inflamed and stiff. Over time, the joint's range of motion decreases significantly, leading to pain and limited movement. Symptoms of frozen shoulder include:

• Gradual onset of shoulder stiffness and pain

• Difficulty reaching behind the back or overhead

• Pain that is worse at night

This condition is more common in individuals between the ages of 40 and 60 and can occur after an injury or surgery when the shoulder is immobile for an extended period.

3. Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become compressed as they pass through the shoulder joint. This compression can lead to inflammation, pain, and weakness, especially when raising the arm. Key symptoms of impingement include:

• Pain when lifting the arm overhead

• Pain during reaching or overhead activities

• A feeling of weakness or instability in the shoulder

Impingement syndrome is commonly caused by repetitive overhead motions, poor posture, or muscle imbalances that affect the shoulder’s mechanics.

4. Bursitis

Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion and reduce friction between the bones, tendons, and muscles around the shoulder. When the bursa becomes irritated, it leads to pain and swelling. Symptoms of shoulder bursitis include:

• Pain and tenderness on the outer part of the shoulder

• Pain that worsens with overhead or reaching movements

• Swelling and warmth around the shoulder area

Bursitis is often caused by repetitive movements, trauma, or long periods of pressure on the shoulder.

5. Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation of the joints. In the shoulder, arthritis can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. The two most common types of arthritis that affect the shoulder are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms include:

• Pain, especially with movement

• Stiffness and limited range of motion

• Swelling and warmth in the joint

Arthritis in the shoulder typically develops gradually and is more common in older adults, though it can occur in younger people as well.

6. Shoulder Dislocations and Fractures

A shoulder dislocation occurs when the ball of the shoulder joint pops out of its socket, often due to trauma or injury. A fractured collarbone or broken arm can also lead to shoulder pain and instability. Symptoms of dislocations and fractures include:

• Severe pain at the time of injury

• Swelling, bruising, and deformity around the shoulder

• Limited movement or an inability to move the arm

Dislocations and fractures usually require medical attention and rehabilitation to restore normal function to the shoulder.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Understanding the cause of your shoulder pain is the first step toward finding relief. At Peak Physiotherapy, we use a variety of physiotherapy treatments to help alleviate shoulder pain, including:

• Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques, such as joint mobilisation and soft tissue massage, can reduce pain and improve shoulder mobility.

• Exercise Therapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises are crucial for restoring function, improving flexibility, and preventing future injuries.

• Postural Correction: Poor posture can contribute to shoulder pain, especially in conditions like impingement. We provide posture assessments and corrective exercises to promote better alignment.

• Modalities: Heat, ice, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation can reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the shoulder.

• Education and Self-Care: We teach you how to manage pain and prevent future injuries through home exercises, ergonomic adjustments, and activity modifications.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’re experiencing persistent shoulder pain that affects your ability to perform daily activities or if the pain worsens over time, it’s essential to seek professional help. A physiotherapist can assess your condition, identify the underlying cause of the pain, and develop a personalised treatment plan that promotes healing and restores your shoulder’s function.

At Peak Physiotherapy, we are committed to providing effective, individualised treatment for all types of shoulder pain. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a pain-free shoulder.