Shoulder Pain

What is shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain is any aching or discomfort that affects one or both of your shoulder joints.

The shoulder is a complex joint with three bones, 12 muscles, and several ligaments. These tissues work together to help you throw, lift objects, and perform routine tasks, like combing your hair, but they experience daily wear-and-tear. 

Any inflammation or damage caused by degeneration or a traumatic injury like a fracture or rotator cuff tear can cause shoulder pain and affect your range of motion.

What does shoulder pain feel like?

Shoulder pain varies in severity and sensation. Depending on the cause, you may experience:

• Aching or throbbing
• Weakness
• Soreness
• Popping

If your shoulder pain is the result of an injury, it may be sharp and stabbing and occur alongside other symptoms, such as swelling, bruising, and difficulty sleeping.

When should I see an orthopedic doctor about shoulder pain?

Make an appointment at Pioneer Peak Orthopedics if you have shoulder pain that lasts more than a few days, limits your motion, or keeps you from routine activities like driving and bathing. Shoulder pain often worsens if it’s caused by an injury or underlying health condition, so identifying the cause is crucial. 

How is shoulder pain diagnosed?

Your Pioneer Peak Orthopedics provider asks about your symptoms, reviews your medical records, and examines your shoulder. They gently press the skin on and around your shoulder joint to identify sensitive places, assess your shoulder’s range of motion, and complete diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays.

How is shoulder pain treated?

The Pioneer Peak Orthopedics team first takes a conservative, integrative approach to treating shoulder pain. They could suggest:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (the RICE protocol)
• Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication
• Applying ice to your shoulder
• Wearing a sling to let your shoulder heal
• Stretching your muscles
• Massage therapy
• Physical therapy
• Corticosteroid injections

If these treatments don’t provide relief and your shoulder pain continues or worsens, your provider may recommend minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery. Surgery can repair damaged shoulder bones, ligaments, and muscles. However, if your pain is caused by severe joint damage or degeneration, your provider may recommend shoulder replacement surgery. This procedure removes your damaged shoulder joint and replaces it with a prosthetic made of metal or plastic.

Call Pioneer Peak Orthopedics today to schedule shoulder pain treatment or visit its walk-in clinic for more immediate care.