Shoulder pain can significantly impact your daily life, limiting movement, affecting sleep, and reducing overall well-being. The shoulder joint allows for a full range of motion, but this flexibility comes at the cost of stability, making it vulnerable to injury. Identifying whether your pain originates from the muscles or the joint is crucial for determining the right treatment approach.
At Mirza Orthopedics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating shoulder pain. Below, we explore the most common causes of shoulder pain, their symptoms, and available treatment options.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from minor strains to serious joint conditions. In some cases, pain may develop gradually due to repetitive stress, while in others, it may result from a sudden injury.
Joint-Related Shoulder Pain
When pain originates from the shoulder joint, it often feels deep and persistent. Movement can worsen the pain, and in some cases, the shoulder may appear swollen or misshapen. Stiffness and a reduced range of motion are common signs of joint-related pain.
Common joint-related shoulder conditions include:
- Arthritis: Cartilage breakdown in the shoulder joint leads to stiffness and inflammation.
- Shoulder Dislocation: When the upper arm bone pops out of its socket due to trauma or excessive movement.
- Labral Tears: Damage to the cartilage lining the joint can cause instability and pain.
- Frozen Shoulder: Also known as adhesive capsulitis, this condition causes progressive stiffness and loss of mobility.
- Rotator Cuff Tears: A tear in the tendons surrounding the shoulder joint can lead to significant pain and weakness.
Treatment for joint-related shoulder pain often includes: physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, and, in severe cases, arthroscopic surgery or joint replacement.
Muscle-Related Shoulder Pain
If your pain is localized to a specific muscle or tendon and improves with rest or stretching, it is likely muscular. Unlike joint pain, muscle-related discomfort does not typically worsen with shoulder movement.
Muscle-related shoulder pain can be caused by:
- Muscle Strains: Overexertion from repetitive movements, lifting, or sports activities.
- Tendonitis: Inflammation of tendons, commonly affecting the rotator cuff or biceps.
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Trigger points in the shoulder muscles causing radiating pain.
- Poor Posture: Sitting hunched over or sleeping in an improper position can cause chronic muscle tightness.
Muscle pain treatments include: rest, physical therapy, massage therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and targeted stretching and strengthening exercises.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If your shoulder pain persists for more than a few weeks or worsens over time, it’s important to seek medical attention. Some warning signs of a more serious issue include:
- Persistent pain that does not improve with rest.
- Difficulty moving the arm or performing daily tasks.
- Sudden swelling or visible deformity.
- Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand.
- A history of trauma, such as a fall or impact.
Early treatment can prevent further damage and improve long-term outcomes. At Mirza Orthopedics, we offer expert evaluation and treatment to help you recover as quickly as possible.
Shoulder Pain: Muscle vs. Joint Comparison
| Category |
Muscle-Related Shoulder Pain |
Joint-Related Shoulder Pain |
| Symptoms |
Pain localized to a muscle or tendon, tightness, soreness that worsens with prolonged activity. |
Deep, aching pain inside the shoulder joint, stiffness, swelling, limited range of motion. |
| Common Causes |
Overuse, strain, poor posture, tendonitis, myofascial pain syndrome. |
Arthritis, dislocation, labral tears, frozen shoulder, rotator cuff injuries. |
| What Makes It Worse? |
Repetitive movements, lifting, prolonged slouching. |
Joint movement, pressure, impact, prolonged immobility. |
| Treatment Options |
Rest, stretching, strengthening exercises, massage therapy, anti-inflammatory medications. |
Physical therapy, joint injections, surgery for severe cases. |
Contact the Top Orthopedic Shoulder Surgeons on Long Island
If you are experiencing shoulder pain or shoulder joint pain, don’t wait for it to worsen. Contact Mirza Orthopedics today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward pain relief.
