- Manorama Ganj, Indore
- +91 99267 32322
- saumitradubey19@gmail.com
- Mon - Sat: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Home / Conditions We Treat / Shoulder Pain
Shoulder Pain: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment
Shoulder pain can come from tendons, the joint, the joint lining or the neck. Accurate diagnosis is the first step towards the right treatment and a pain-free shoulder.
What is Shoulder Pain?
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, which also makes it prone to injury and wear. Pain may arise from the rotator cuff tendons, the joint itself, the labrum, the joint capsule (as in frozen shoulder) or may be referred from the neck.
Most shoulder pain improves with the right non-surgical treatment; some conditions benefit from arthroscopic or replacement surgery.
Key Facts
- Rotator cuff problems are a common cause
- Night pain is a frequent complaint
- Frozen shoulder is more common in diabetes
- Most cases improve without surgery
Symptoms
- Pain on lifting or reaching
- Night pain, especially lying on the shoulder
- Stiffness and reduced movement
- Weakness of the arm
- Clicking or a feeling of instability
Causes
- Rotator cuff tendinitis or tear
- Frozen shoulder
- Shoulder instability or dislocation
- Arthritis
- Impingement and bursitis
Risk Factors
- Age over 40
- Overhead work or sports
- Diabetes and thyroid disease
- Previous shoulder injury
- Poor posture
How is it Diagnosed?
- Detailed history and physical examination
- X-ray to check bones and joint space
- MRI or ultrasound for soft tissues when needed
- Blood tests in selected cases
When Should You See a Doctor?
- Pain lasting more than 2–3 weeks
- Pain disturbing sleep
- Weakness lifting the arm
- Pain after a fall or dislocation
Self-care & Prevention
- Avoid painful overhead activity
- Ice or heat as advised
- Gentle range-of-motion exercises
- Maintain good posture
Treatment Options
Treatment is tailored to your diagnosis, symptoms, activity level and goals.
Non-Surgical Treatment
- Rest and activity modification
- Pain relief medicines
- Physiotherapy and home exercises
- Injections in selected cases
Surgical Treatment
- Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair
- Shoulder stabilisation
- Capsular release for stiffness
- Shoulder replacement for advanced arthritis
Related Treatments
- Rotator Cuff Tear
- Shoulder Instability
- Labral Repair
- Frozen Shoulder
- Total Shoulder Replacement
- Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty
- Advanced Shoulder Arthritis
- Rotator Cuff Arthropathy
- Ligament Injuries
- Cartilage Injuries
- Fracture Management
- Return to Sports
Dr. Saumitra Dubey
MBBS, D.Ortho and DNB (Orthopaedics), trained at high-volume centres in India with fellowships in Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine and in Complex Trauma & Revision Surgery. Special interest in shoulder and knee surgery, including reverse shoulder arthroplasty, rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability and multi-ligament knee injuries.
- MBBS | D.Ortho | DNB (Orthopaedics) | FICT | FIASM
- Specialist in Knee & Shoulder
- Arthroscopy, Arthroplasty & Complex Trauma
- Personalised Treatment Plans
10+
Years in Medicine
2
Specialist Fellowships
Best Paper
Award, POSAC 2022
Shalby Hospital
Consultant, Indore
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about shoulder pain.
When should I consult an orthopaedic surgeon for shoulder pain?
Consider an assessment if pain persists, movement is limited, symptoms recur or pain follows an injury. Severe pain, deformity or sudden inability to use the arm may need urgent evaluation.
Can shoulder pain come from the neck?
Yes. Problems in the cervical spine can cause pain felt in the shoulder. Examination helps tell the difference.
Is an MRI always needed?
Not always. Many shoulder problems can be diagnosed clinically; MRI is advised when a tear or structural problem is suspected.
Book an Appointment
Take the first step towards a pain-free and active life. Share your details and our team will call you to confirm your visit.
- +91 99267 32322
- Mon - Sat: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM