Shoulder pain can affect even the simplest parts of your day—whether you’re carrying groceries, typing at work, or just reaching for something on a shelf. When this pain becomes more than a nuisance, it’s natural to wonder what’s causing it and how to find relief.
Dr. Neil Singh and the team specialize in diagnosing and treating shoulder injuries and conditions. With years of experience and a compassionate approach, they provide personalized care to help you regain comfort and mobility. Don’t wait to get relief—schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward a pain-free life.
From understanding the common causes of shoulder pain to learning when to seek professional help, we’re here to guide you through your options.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
The shoulder is an intricate joint made up of your shoulder blade, upper arm bone, and collarbone, as well as the muscles and tendons surrounding them. Because it’s such a mobile joint, it’s also more susceptible to injury and wear.
Below, we’ll walk through some of the most common causes of shoulder pain.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Your rotator cuff tendons play a crucial role in keeping the ball of your upper arm bone in the shoulder joint. Injuries here—such as rotator cuff tendinitis or rotator cuff tears—are one of the leading causes of shoulder discomfort. These issues often develop due to overhead movements, repetitive use, or sudden trauma.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis can commonly affect the shoulder joint, especially in older adults, leading to stiffness and a persistent deep ache. On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition, may cause swelling, stiffness, and pain that interferes with your daily activities.
Frozen Shoulder
Also known as adhesive capsulitis, this condition causes severe stiffness and a limited range of motion in the shoulder. It often begins gradually and can worsen over time, sometimes lasting months or even years without proper treatment.
Tendonitis and Bursitis
Tendonitis occurs when the tendons in the shoulder become inflamed, while bursitis results from swelling of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the joint. Both conditions can cause pain, tenderness, and restricted movement.
Shoulder Dislocation
Shoulder dislocations happen when the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder joint. This injury often causes sharp pain and instability in the shoulder. Without treatment, it may lead to recurring dislocations or persistent joint instability.
Overuse or Strain
Repeated motions, often from playing sports or performing certain job tasks, can strain the shoulder’s tendons and muscles over time. This strain can contribute to conditions like rotator cuff tendinitis or gradual joint and tissue wear.
If you’re not sure what’s causing your shoulder discomfort, consulting a shoulder orthopedic surgeon near you can help uncover the problem and guide you toward relief.
When Shoulder Pain Could Be a Result of Overuse or Strain
Shoulder pain doesn’t always start with a dramatic injury. Over time, repetitive movements — like reaching overhead, lifting heavy objects, or even poor shoulder posture — can strain your shoulder joint and its surrounding muscles. This overuse can lead to inflammation, stiffness, and discomfort such as rotator cuff tendinitis or even a slow-developing rotator cuff tear.
If you’re noticing soreness after certain activities or feeling persistent pain that starts mild but worsens, it’s a good idea to evaluate how you’re using your shoulder day-to-day. Making small adjustments to your routine may help, but if the pain persists, seeking help from a shoulder specialist near you is important to prevent further strain.
Warning Signs That Your Pain Needs Professional Attention
Sometimes, shoulder pain needs more than rest and self-care. Here are signs that it’s time to see a specialist:
- Sudden, severe shoulder pain after an injury.
- Weakness or inability to move the arm without significant discomfort.
- Pain radiating down your arm or up toward your neck.
- Sudden left shoulder pain, which could be a warning sign of a more serious condition, like a heart issue.
- Swelling, redness, or deformity in the shoulder joint.
- Persistent pain that doesn’t improve with rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or gentle physical therapy.
At Singh Orthopedics, Dr. Neil Singh, New Castle’s leading upper extremity specialist, is experienced in diagnosing and treating these conditions. His compassionate and thorough care ensures that your concerns are addressed and relief is within reach.
What to Expect During a Specialist’s Evaluation
If your shoulder pain isn’t going away or has gotten worse, seeing a specialist is a valuable next step. During an evaluation, a shoulder specialist will:
- Review your medical history and discuss your symptoms, activities, and any injuries that may have triggered the pain.
- Perform a physical exam, checking your range of motion, strength, and areas of tenderness in the joint and surrounding muscles.
- Order imaging tests, like X-rays or MRIs, if needed to confirm a diagnosis.
Whether it’s a mild injury or a more complex condition, your provider will work with you to develop a tailored treatment plan.
Treatment Options Based on Diagnosis
The best treatment for shoulder pain depends on its underlying cause. Below, we’ve outlined some common approaches to managing and treating shoulder discomfort, from mild conditions to more severe injuries.
Medications and Rest
For mild shoulder pain, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can ease inflammation and reduce pain. Combined with adequate rest or adjustments to your daily activities, many minor injuries can resolve with time and care.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy focuses on building strength and stability in the muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint. A tailored therapy plan can help restore lost function, improve flexibility, and lower the risk of future injuries to the shoulder.
Injected Treatments
Corticosteroid injections are often recommended to reduce pain and swelling in cases of chronic conditions such as arthritis or severe rotator cuff tendinitis. These injections can provide relief while patients pursue other therapeutic treatments.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP is a regenerative treatment that uses your body’s own concentrated platelets to accelerate healing. This therapy is often recommended for chronic tendon conditions, partial rotator cuff tears, and inflammatory joint pain. Singh Orthopedics offers advanced PRP injections as a non-surgical option to reduce pain and improve tissue repair.
Surgical Options
For more complex or serious shoulder issues, surgery may be the best course of action. Singh Orthopedics offers a range of advanced surgical procedures including:
- Rotator Cuff Repair: Ideal for addressing severe rotator cuff tears, this surgery helps restore your shoulder’s strength and mobility.
- Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Recommended for shoulders with advanced arthritis or irreparable damage, this procedure involves replacing the joint to alleviate pain and regain movement.
- Stabilization Procedures: For recurring dislocations or chronic instability, these surgeries aim to stabilize the shoulder joint and prevent further injuries.
- Biceps procedures: tenodesis
Dr. Neil Singh and his team provide personalized surgical care, incorporating the latest techniques in sports medicine to ensure precision and optimal outcomes.
The experienced professionals at Singh Orthopedics offer compassionate support and guidance to help you choose the treatment path that best fits your needs and lifestyle. Explore your options with Singh Orthopedics—schedule an appointment today to take the first step toward long-term relief.
Tips for Preventing Future Shoulder Pain
Protecting your shoulders now can help you avoid pain and mobility issues down the road. By making a few simple changes to your daily routine, you can nurture your shoulder health and reduce the risk of injury. Here are some important strategies to consider:
Practice Good Posture
Avoid slumping or hunching your shoulders, whether you’re sitting at your desk or using your phone. Keeping your shoulders aligned can ease tension and prevent strain over time.
Strengthen Your Shoulders
Engage in regular strength-building exercises to fortify the muscles surrounding your shoulder blade and upper arm bone. This added support can help your shoulder joint remain stable and healthy.
Warm Up Before Physical Activity
Any time you exercise or participate in sports, take a few minutes to stretch and warm up. Loosening your muscles and tendons first reduces the chance of overuse injuries.
Adjust Repetitive Motions
If your job or hobbies require consistent shoulder movement, switch up your routine as much as possible. This prevents overstrain on the muscles and tendons.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess weight can place additional stress on your shoulders and other joints. Keeping a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight can go a long way in supporting joint health and minimizing future problems.
Use Ergonomic Tools
If you work at a desk or frequently use devices, set up your workspace with ergonomics in mind. Use chairs, monitors, and keyboards that encourage proper posture and reduce shoulder tension.
Avoid Heavy Lifting Without Proper Technique
When lifting heavy objects, avoid putting strain on your shoulders by bending your knees and lifting with your legs. If an object is too heavy, don’t hesitate to ask for help or use assistive tools to carry the load.
Take Breaks During Repetitive Tasks
Whether you’re working in an office or standing for long periods, take regular breaks. This allows your shoulders and other joints to rest and recover from repetitive or prolonged movements.
Listen to Your Body
Pay attention to discomfort or stiffness in your shoulders. Early warning signs can be addressed more easily before they turn into chronic issues.
Relieve Shoulder Pain with Expert Care in New Castle, PA
Shoulder pain doesn’t have to control your day. Whether it’s mild discomfort or severe pain, Dr. Singh is here to find the source and give you the care you need.
Put your worries to rest and get back to the activities you love. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Singh today and experience expert shoulder care tailored to you.
