Condition
Shoulder pain: causes, symptoms and treatment
A clinically reviewed guide to shoulder pain — the common causes, when to seek help, and how it is treated.
- Shoulder
Quick answer
Shoulder pain can come from the muscles, tendons, joints or nearby structures, with rotator cuff problems being the most common cause. Most shoulder pain improves with targeted exercise, manual therapy and activity changes, though the timeline depends on the cause.
Key facts
- The rotator cuff is the most common source of shoulder pain.
- The shoulder is the body's most mobile joint, which makes it prone to irritation.
- Most cases respond to conservative care without surgery.
What causes shoulder pain?
Shoulder pain is most often caused by rotator cuff problems, tendon irritation or joint issues, and less commonly by referred pain from the neck.
What are the symptoms of shoulder pain?
Common symptoms are pain when lifting or reaching, weakness, and difficulty sleeping on the affected side.
- Pain when raising the arm or reaching overhead
- Weakness lifting or carrying
- Pain at night, especially lying on the shoulder
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion
How is shoulder pain treated?
Most shoulder pain is treated with targeted exercise, manual therapy and load management to settle irritated tissue and restore strength.
Treatment is tailored to the cause — for example, a rotator cuff programme for tendinopathy, or a graded mobility plan for stiffness. Shockwave therapy may be used for certain stubborn tendon problems.
At Postura Wellness, care for shoulder pain is built around OrthoRestore™ — our signature method that combines chiropractic and physiotherapy into one coordinated plan. Depending on your assessment, it can bring together chiropractic adjustments, dry needling, muscle manipulation, Active Release Technique, and targeted exercises, supported where helpful by technology such as shockwave therapy and bioelectric therapy. The aim is to relieve symptoms while addressing the underlying causes, with a plan tailored to you.
Seek prompt care for shoulder pain after a fall or injury with obvious deformity, inability to move the arm, or if pain is accompanied by chest pain or shortness of breath.
Get a clear plan for your shoulder pain
Book an assessment at either branch and get a tailored plan.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified clinician about your individual condition.
Sources
- Shoulder Injuries and Disorders — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Shoulder pain — MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
- Joint Disorders — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Bones, Joints and Muscles — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Muscle and Bone Diseases — NIH National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- Orthopedic services — MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia