Shoulder pain FAQs

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This video gives an overview of the common causes of shoulder pain, how you can help yourself, and advice on when to seek further help.

Click here to visit our "Looking after yourself" page.

Click here for information on how to seek further help, including how to be referred to your local CIC MSK service.

Common causes of shoulder pain

There are a number of specific causes of shoulder pain, which include:

Frozen shoulder (also known as adhesive capsulitis) is a painful condition causing progressive pain and stiffness in the shoulder. It usually affects people between the ages of 40-60
Rotator cuff injuries - the rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint and help to keep it stable. Damage to these structures can lead to pain and weakness
Subacromial Pain Syndrome – caused by damage or irritation of the structures at the top of the shoulder blade, typically leading to pain felt in the upper, outer arm, especially with overhead movements,
Acromioclavicular (AC) joint disorders, including AC joint osteoarthritis – this is the joint at the top of the shoulder. Pain is centred at the outer part of the clavicle (collar bone). Pain is worse on overhead activities
Shoulder osteoarthritis will result in gradually increasing restriction of movements of the shoulder joint. Similar to frozen shoulder However it is commoner over the age of 60.There may be pain and a grating feeling on movement
Shoulder instability – This may arise where the shoulder is unstable, maybe following an injury, such as a dislocation. Some individuals may have an unusually large range of movement (hypermobility) making them more vulnerable to injury. It requires proper medical or physiotherapy assessment
Broken (fractured) bone, such as a fracture of the humerus (upper arm bone) or broken collarbone may arise from a fall and will need a visit to A&E
Referred pain – In some cases, pain in the shoulder isn’t caused by a problem in the shoulder joint, but by a problem in another area, such as the neck or chest. If you are unsure of the cause you should see a clinician.

Pain affecting the shoulder region can be more persistent than pain in other areas, with up to half of people still having symptoms after 18 months. If the pain is particularly severe, it is important to get a correct diagnosis and start treatment early to speed recovery.

How can I help myself - now and in the future?

Despite the fact that there are several possible causes, shoulder pain will often resolve with sensible self- management advice

Avoidance of cause – If you have been doing things repetitively, avoiding the activity may enable inflamed tissues to heal reducing pain.
Painkillers – simple over the counter painkillers such as paracetamol or anti-inflammatory gels may help (check with pharmacist that suitable in your case)
Exercises – It is usually better to keep the shoulder moving to avoid muscle weakness which may aggravate the problem.
Ice – can be helpful for reducing acute pain. Take care to avoid an ice burn by always wrapping the ice in a damp cloth and avoid prolonged application.

Visit our Looking after yourself page for lots of helpful advice, including exercises you can try.

When should I seek help?

You should contact your GP surgery and ask to see a First Contact Physiotherapist (FCP) or a GP, or refer yourself to your local MSK service if that’s an option, if:

Your pain is the result of an injury
Your pain is particularly bad
There is no sign of improvement after a couple of weeks of self-management.

To find out how to be referred to your local NHS Circle MSK service, click here.

On occasions shoulder pain can also be referred from the lungs or even gallbladder. If you feel unwell or have symptoms unrelated to movement of the shoulder such as pain on breathing, shortness of breath or vomiting you should contact your GP.