Common Causes of Shoulder Pain and When to Seek Treatment

When your shoulder hurts, it can be due to a number of reasons. Shoulder pain can be the result of a condition or injury affecting the bones, cartilage, muscles, ligaments or a combination of more than one of these. 

Some forms of shoulder pain are minor and are related to strain and overuse. In these cases, you may require little more than rest, icing and pain medication for a few days until the pain goes away. 

Other forms of shoulder pain are more severe. If the pain in your shoulder is extreme and long-lasting or affecting your range of motion, you may need to see a professional for treatment.

Causes of shoulder pain that require professional treatment

If your shoulder pain is severe or chronic, you may be suffering from one of these common causes of shoulder pain:

• Tendinitis — Overuse of your shoulder can result in tendinitis, which is inflammation of the connective tissue between your muscles and bones. Tendinitis can also result from aging or degenerative diseases.
• Bursitis — Your bursae are small sacs of fluid that cushion your bones and joints. Overuse of the shoulder can result in these sacs becoming swollen or inflamed, which can cause severe pain.
• Dislocation — If the muscles and connective tissue around the joint of your shoulder are loose or torn, your shoulder can become dislocated.
• Arthritis — Arthritis can cause swelling and stiffness in the shoulder. Arthritis may develop from overuse or from aging and degenerative diseases. 

These are only the most common conditions that may cause pain in your shoulders. Shoulder pain may also be the result of infections, fractures and more.

If your shoulder is in severe or chronic pain, or if it’s hurting and you’re not sure how serious it is, contact a medical professional for diagnosis and treatment. 

Treating shoulder pain with physical therapy

The team at Armor Physical Therapy specializes in rehabilitative services that can help shoulder pain patients reduce their pain and regain the use of their shoulder. Each of our treatments is individualized to the needs of the patient, but they usually focus on strengthening and stretching the ligaments and muscles around the injured area. 

Are you suffering from pain in your shoulder? Would you like to speak with a physical therapist at Armor Physical Therapy about treatment? Contact us today to find out how we can help you recover and feel like your old self again.