All about shoulder injuries: 6 common causes of shoulder pain and how to prevent them

Shoulder joint pain can impact your everyday life. It affects your mobility, strength, posture and overall sense of well-being. While many people associate shoulder injuries with sports and athletics, they frequently occur with everyday activities.

Understanding the causes of shoulder injuries and taking preventive steps can help you keep your shoulders healthy, avoid surgery and keep you enjoying your day-to-day life.

What are the causes of shoulder pain?

The shoulder is one of the most complex and mobile joints in the human body, making it both resilient and particularly vulnerable to injury. Some of the most common causes of shoulder joint pain include:

1. Rotator cuff injuries: The rotator cuff consists of four muscles that provide strength and stabilize the shoulder joint. Tears in these muscles or their tendons can occur suddenly from an injury or develop gradually from overuse or age-related degeneration.
2. Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that cushions the rotator cuff, often results from bone spurs or repetitive overhead motions.
3. Labral tears: The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of the shoulder joint. Tears commonly occur from shoulder dislocations or repetitive overhead movements.
4. Bicep tendon issues: Tears or degeneration of the bicep tendon can cause significant pain and weakness in the front of the shoulder.
5. Frozen shoulder: Also known as adhesive capsulitis, this condition involves shoulder stiffness and pain that typically worsens over time before eventually resolving.
6. Arthritis in shoulder: Osteoarthritis can affect the shoulder joint, causing pain, stiffness and reduced range of motion.

How can you tell if your shoulder joint pain is serious?

The first course of action when you experience shoulder pain should always include avoiding activities and workouts that aggravate your shoulder, ice, heat, rest and the use of over-the-counter medications. While minor shoulder discomfort should resolve or improve over a couple of weeks with rest and home care, watch for these signs that it’s time to see a healthcare provider:

• Pain that persists despite prolonged rest, ice application and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications
• Discomfort that interrupts sleep
• Inability to raise your arm overhead
• Decreased range of motion
• Shoulder weakness
• Numbness or tingling sensations in the arm

If you experience any of these symptoms, consult with your primary care physician or an orthopedic specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Still unsure about your shoulder pain? Take our short shoulder assessment.

Treatment approaches to shoulder joint pain

Healthcare professionals typically recommend several noninvasive or conservative treatment options before considering surgery. These include:

• Rest and avoid any aggravating activities
• Physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles
• Over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to reduce discomfort and swelling
• Targeted injections, including steroids or platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
• Ice therapy to manage inflammation

Fortunately, these approaches often provide significant relief.

What to expect from shoulder surgery

If conservative treatments fail to provide relief, your specialist might recommend surgery. Shoulder surgery is typically performed using minimally invasive techniques called shoulder arthroscopy, which involves small incisions and the use of a specialized camera and instruments to evaluate and repair the shoulder.

Unlike more invasive surgeries, you will typically return home within hours of the procedure with your arm in a sling. A nerve block administered before surgery helps control any discomfort for 24 to 72 hours post-operation. Additional pain management methods include ice machines and newer technologies like laser therapy, which can reduce reliance on opioid medications.

Recovery timelines vary based on the specific procedure, but you’ll typically follow this schedule:

• Wearing a sling for 4 to 6 weeks
• Beginning physical therapy within 3 to 5 days after surgery
• Returning to normal activities within 4 to 6 months

6 ways to prevent shoulder injuries

The best way to avoid shoulder surgery is to prevent injuries in the first place. Take these steps to help prevent shoulder injuries in the future:

1. Strengthening the shoulder stabilizer muscles through appropriate exercises
2. Using proper form during physical activities
3. Avoiding excessive overhead lifting
4. Ensuring proper workplace ergonomics
5. Implementing appropriate warm-up and stretching routines
6. Getting adequate rest between activities that stress the shoulder

By understanding how to care for your shoulder, you can significantly reduce your risk of serious injury and continue to feel strong and healthy. However, if you're experiencing persistent shoulder pain or have concerns about a shoulder injury, finding a specialist is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

For ongoing care, find an orthopedic specialist near you or explore our specialized Muscle and Joint Care program, designed to support long-term joint health.