Understanding the Causes of Shoulder Pain

We recently had a patient come to see us because she had been struggling with shoulder pain for the last few months, especially whenever she tried to reach overhead. She had ignored it at first, hoping it would go away on its own–but eventually, she realized she needed help from the Strive Fitness and Therapy physiotherapists and their extensive knowledge of shoulder pain causes.

And we were happy to oblige! We kicked off her first appointment with a comprehensive evaluation in which we reviewed her health history and symptoms. We were particularly interested in the location of her pain, which she said radiated from the front of her shoulder and down her arm. We also tested her shoulder’s strength and range of motion.

By the end of the appointment, we determined that the patient had a problem with her rotator cuff, the group of muscles and tendons that wrap and support the shoulder joint. This patient had recently taken up swimming, and the frequent overhead motion of her swimming strokes had strained the rotator cuff tissue, leading to her injury.

At this point, we were able to create a customized treatment plan that targeted her exact needs–once again revealing the importance of understanding shoulder pain causes. Today, we want to explore some of those causes, so keep reading to find out more!

Exploring Some of the Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Rotator cuff injuries like the one our patient experienced are actually one of the most common sources of shoulder pain–although they are by no means the only one! Here are some additional injuries and conditions that might lead to shoulder discomfort:

Shoulder Impingement

• Sometimes, the upper edge of the shoulder blade can rub against the rotator cuff, irritating and inflaming the tissue. This leads to symptoms similar to rotator cuff injuries, such as pain during overhead motions and at rest.

Bursitis

• Bursae are small sacs in the shoulder joint that cushion the bones, helping your shoulder to move more fluidly. If they become inflamed, it can lead to pain and restricted shoulder mobility. This often develops alongside inflammation of the tendons in the rotator cuff.

Frozen Shoulder

• This condition occurs when adhesions develop in the shoulder capsule, a web of tissue surrounding the shoulder joint. It causes severe shoulder pain that eventually develops into a severely restricted range of motion (hence, “frozen” shoulder). After a while, the shoulder “thaws,” and symptoms improve.

Arthritis

• Arthritis occurs when joint tissue becomes inflamed, leading to pain and stiffness. The two most common types of arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, can both affect the shoulder.

Manage Your Shoulder Pain No Matter the Cause

At Strive Fitness and Therapy, our dedicated team will work closely with you to identify the source of your shoulder discomfort so we can help you find relief.

We’ll first apply our in-depth knowledge of shoulder pain causes to determine what’s causing yours. Next, we’ll create a personalized treatment program based on several proven physiotherapy interventions, including manual therapy and tailored exercise programs. We’ll help manage your pain and work to restore strength, mobility, and function in your shoulder.

If you’re dealing with persistent shoulder pain, don’t wait to seek relief! Schedule an initial assessment at our Winnipeg, MB clinic today.