Shoulder pain can make everyday movements feel harder than they should. Reaching overhead, lifting a bag or even turning in bed can suddenly remind you how much you rely on your shoulders.
The right shoulder pain treatment can help you move more comfortably again.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
The shoulder joint is designed to give a large amount of movement. There are various structures that help to keep the joint in position:
- Ligaments and joint capsule which hold the bones together.
- A rim of cartilage which deepens the socket.
- Muscles particularly the rotator cuff which keep the joint in the correct position when moving the arm.
- Pain related to the rotator cuff muscles.
- A sprained shoulder due to overstretching of the ligaments during exercise of from falls.
- Muscle strain from lifting or repetitive activity.
- Poor posture, especially prolonged desk work.
More serious causes
Seek medical advice if you suspect your shoulder pain is linked to:
- Inflammation or damage to muscles and tendons around the joint.
- Age-related joint changes such as osteoarthritis.
How To Treat Shoulder Pain
In many cases, shoulder pain improves with simple self-care measures, including:
- Keeping the shoulder gently moving rather than resting it completely.
- Doing simple stretching and mobility exercises.
- Avoiding activities that worsen the pain.
- Using pain relief treatments if needed.
Shoulder pain should improve within two weeks. If it doesn’t or if the pain is severe, persistent or follows a significant injury, you should seek medical advice immediately.
