Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints - especially in office workers, athletes and people over 50. The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, but also the most unstable - making it vulnerable to both acute injuries and slow overload problems.
The good news is that most shoulder problems can be treated effectively. But many people try to "wait out" their shoulder pain - and often end up in a worse situation. Early assessment and correct treatment make a big difference.
In this article, we go through the most common causes of shoulder pain, which symptoms you should pay attention to, which treatments work - and when it's time to see an orthopedist.
Where is the pain? - important clues
Where in the shoulder it hurts can give a clear indication of the cause:
- Front and outside of the shoulder – rotator cuff problems or impingement
- Deep in the shoulder – shoulder joint arthrosis or capsule problem
- Above the shoulder up the neck – cervicogenic problems from the neck
- Back of the shoulder / shoulder blade – muscular tension or shoulder-neck discomfort
- Radiates down the arm – possible nerve impact from the neck
Common causes of shoulder pain
Rotator cuff injury
The Rotator Cuff is a group of tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. Injury or wear and tear is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain.
Typical signs:
- Pain when lifting the arm above the head
- Difficult to lie on the side
- Weakness under load
- The pain radiates to the outside of the upper arm
Most common after age 40, but can also affect young people after acute trauma.
Impingement
When tendons are pinched between the shoulder joint and the bone above, impingement occurs. Symptoms are similar to a rotator cuff injury:
- Pain when lifting the arm, especially between 60-120 degrees
- "Pain arc" – specific angle that hurts
- Common in people who work with their hands overhead
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
Frozen shoulder is a painful stiffness in the shoulder joint that develops gradually:
- Freeze phase (2–9 months): Gradual stiffness and pain
- Frozen phase (4–12 months): Severe stiffness, pain decreases slightly
- The thawing phase (5–24 months): Gradual recovery
Most common in women between 40-60 years, especially with diabetes. Early treatment significantly shortens the course.
Shoulder joint osteoarthritis
Wear and tear of the cartilage in the shoulder joint. Provides:
- Deep, aching pain in the shoulder
- Morning Stiffness
- Crashing sound when moving
- Decreased mobility
Read more about arthrosis.
Bursitis
Inflammation of the mucous membrane under the shoulder joint. Acute pain, often after overexertion. Usually responds well to injection treatment.
Tendonitis
Tendons that attach to the shoulder bone can become inflamed, often from overuse. Classic professions: painter, carpenter, intense racket sports.
Tendinitis calcarea
Calcium deposits in the rotator cuff tendon cause sudden, severe pain. Can be experienced as "worst pain ever" in the shoulder. Treatable with injections and sometimes ultrasound-driven treatment.
Radiating pain from the neck
The pain can be felt in the shoulder but come from the neck - herniated disc or nerve root compression. Read more about neck pain and herniated disc.
Sports injuries and acute trauma
- Shoulder joint dislocation (dislocated)
- clavicle fracture
- Acromioclavicular separation (AC injury)
- Labrum injury
Symptoms - how to recognize different shoulder problems
Do you recognize yourself?
- Pain when lifting the arm above the head
- Difficult to sleep on the affected side
- Morning stiffness in the shoulder
- Pain when reaching behind the back (put on bra, reach back pocket)
- Clicking or crashing sound
- Weakness under load
- Radiating pain down the upper arm
- Numbness or tingling in the hand (nerve damage)
Red flags – seek care immediately
Contact healthcare urgently if:
- Visible malposition after trauma (suspected dislocation or fracture)
- Sudden inability to lift the arm after a fall
- The shoulder is very swollen, red and warm (suspected infection)
- Fever along with shoulder pain
- Sudden paralysis in the arm or hand
- Pain radiating down the chest, jaw or up (note: may be heart-related — call 112)
When should you see an orthopedist?
Many wait far too long – and often end up in a worse situation. Contact a specialist if:
- The pain has been present for more than 2-4 weeks
- You can't sleep on your side
- Common activities (putting on clothes, lifting things) are affected
- You have weakness in your arm
- The pain is recurring
- You have had an acute injury
- Ordinary painkillers are not enough
At Scandinavian Health Clinic in Mölndal you see specialists in pain and orthopedics without a referral - usually within a few days.
Diagnosis - we will examine your shoulder
Clinical examination
We assess mobility, strength and pain-triggering movements. Specific tests (Neers, Hawkins, Jobe and others) identify exactly where the problem is.
X-ray
Shows skeletal changes, calcium deposits and osteoarthritis. Usually the first imaging diagnosis.
Ultrasound
Effective for assessing rotator cuff, bursae and tendons in real time.
MRI
Gold standard for viewing soft tissue, labrum, cartilage and nerve structures in high detail.
Treatment of shoulder pain
Movement and targeted training
For most shoulder problems, adaptive training is the cornerstone:
- Stretching exercises for stiffness
- Strength exercises for the rotator cuff
- Stabilizing exercise for the shoulder blade
- Physiotherapy program adapted to your diagnosis
With frozen shoulder gradual mobility training is essential – and early start shortens the course.
Pain-relieving drugs
- NSAID (ibuprofen, naproxen) for inflammation
- Paracetamol for mild pain
- Local gels can provide relief
- In case of severe pain: specialist assessment
Injection treatment
- Cortisone injection – quick and effective for impingement, bursitis and frozen shoulder
- Hyaluronic acid – in case of shoulder joint arthrosis
- Ultrasound guided injection – for precision
Shock wave treatment
In case of limescale, shock waves can break up limescale deposits.
Surgery – last resort
Considered at:
- Large rotator cuff injury after trauma
- Severe shoulder joint arthrosis (shoulder prosthesis)
- Labrum injury in athletes
- Instability with repeated dislocations
The vast majority of shoulder problems get better without surgery.
Self-help - practical advice
- Touch your shoulder gently – stillness worsens most shoulder problems
- Heat in case of stiffness, cold in case of acute inflammation
- Ergonomic workplace – screen at eye level, armrests
- Pause sedentary – roll your shoulders regularly
- Sleep with a pillow under the affected arm
- Avoid heavy lifting until you have been diagnosed
- Stretch neck and shoulders daily
- Swimming or walking – low-impact exercise that keeps the shoulder moving
Shoulder pain and office work
A large percentage of all shoulder problems are work-related. Key Factors:
- Sitting more than 8 hours → stiff muscles
- Forward leaning posture → load on the rotator cuff
- Screen too low or too high → excessive muscle activation
- Poor arm support → constant shoulder muscular work
- Stress → unconscious shoulder elevation
Ergonomic workplace + regular movement + targeted training can prevent most office-related shoulder problems.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does my shoulder hurt when I raise my arm?
This is classic for rotator cuff problems or impingement. Tendons are pinched or inflamed. An orthopedist can differentiate the various causes with specific tests.
How do I know if it's frozen shoulder or impingement?
Frozen shoulder gives stiffness in all directions and slow development. Impingement causes pain during specific movements, but mobility is usually maintained. Clinical examination differentiates them.
Does shoulder pain go away on its own?
Some types (acute bursitis, mild muscle strain) can heal in a few weeks. But chronic problems, rotator cuff damage and frozen shoulder usually need active treatment for good results.
How long does frozen shoulder take?
The natural course is 1–2 years without treatment. With early treatment (cortisone injection + targeted physiotherapy), the course can be shortened to 3–6 months.
Is it dangerous to exercise with shoulder pain?
Adapted training is healing. Avoid heavy overhead lifting and violent movements during the acute phase, but controlled movement helps.
Do I need an MRI?
Not always. X-ray + ultrasound is enough for most shoulder problems. MRI is ordered in case of suspicion of labrum damage, unclear complaints or before possible surgery.
Can shoulder pain come from the neck?
Yes. Cervicogenic shoulder pain originates from the nerves of the neck. Symptoms include radiating pain and sometimes numbness. Read about neck pain.
Do I need a referral?
No. At the Scandinavian Health Clinic in Mölndal, you book an appointment directly without a referral.
How much does a visit cost?
The price depends on the type of visit and possible diagnostic imaging. Contact us for current prices. We accept private patients and healthcare insurance.
Take your shoulder seriously
Shoulder pain is common but not normal. With the right diagnosis and treatment, you can regain both mobility and pain relief – often faster than you think. Early intervention shortens healing dramatically.
Book an appointment with a specialist in pain and orthopedics at the Scandinavian Health Clinic in Mölndal - without a referral, with a short waiting time and close to Gothenburg.
📞 +46 (0) 10-147 77 40 ✉️ [email protected]
Book an appointment - contact us → Read more about Pain & Orthopedics → Read about neck pain → Read about osteoarthritis → Read about ergonomics → Read about tennis elbow & mouse arm → Read about chronic pain →
