Shoulder pain can occur at anytime due to strain or damage. The shoulder joint is a complex one and when it is subjected to excessive stress, its tendons, muscles, ligaments or joints can get affected. Shoulder pain can be either acute or chronic with acute pain occurring suddenly and continuing for a shorter period of time and chronic pain occurring gradually and persisting for indefinite periods of time.


Acute pain is usually experienced when there is a muscle strain and it can turn into chronic pain if left untreated. It is important to treat shoulder pain in a timely manner in order to prevent further complications.  

There can be various causes of shoulder pain.


One common cause is tendonitis which is characterized by inflammation of the tendon. This often occurs during sports. Pain can also arise due to a rotator cuff injury. The rotator cuff is composed of the tendons and muscles that enable the shoulder to move in a circular manner. Such injuries may occur due to ageing. Bursitis refers to inflammation of the bursa, the tiny sacs which serve to prevent friction between the bone and tissue. Repetitive movements such as that involved in manual labor can lead to bursitis. Another common cause of shoulder pain is arthritis which is a condition that affects the joints of the body.

In order to obtain quick shoulder pain relief, it is imperative to undergo an early diagnosis. This facilitates immediate treatment and alleviation of the symptoms. The risk of further injury or damage is also reduced. There are different options for shoulder pain relief. Over-the-counter or prescription medications may be used to reduce pain and inflammation. The diagnosis will determine which medications must be used. It is important to be aware of the side effects and risks of certain medications, especially in the case of long term shoulder pain. It is also important to keep in mind that medications are usually effective only in controlling the pain and may not correct the actual cause of the problem. Shoulder pain remedies also involve physical therapy. This is generally used in conjunction with medications. Physiotherapists may recommend different treatments such as heat therapy, exercises or massage. Such therapy is mostly effective in preventing frozen shoulder which occurs when the individual restricts shoulder movement due to the pain. Alternative therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractic massage are also known to provide relief in some cases. In severe cases of shoulder injury, surgical treatment may be recommended.

Shoulder Pain Therapy

In many cases individuals with shoulder pain are referred to a physical therapist who will formulate an exercise program based on the nature of the problem. Physical therapy is also part of the recovery program after a shoulder surgery. There are various shoulder pain exercises which help to improve the movement and flexibility of the joint and alleviate pain. An exercise which is usually a part of shoulder pain physical therapy is the range of motion exercise. It helps to decrease stiffness of the shoulder joint and make movement easier. To perform this exercise, the individual must first bend, face the ground and loosen the affected arm. The arm must then be straightened and gently rotated as if to draw circles on the ground. These circles should begin small and then proceed to wider movements. The back must be straight throughout and the hand may be rested on the opposite thigh for support. This exercise also helps to quicken healing. After a while, to make it more challenging, one can also add light weights. However, it is essential not to overwork the shoulder joint.

Shoulder physical therapy also involves an AAROM or active assisted range of motion exercise which helps to reduce inflammation and discomfort in the shoulder joint. It involves simple stretching which stimulates the muscles and ligaments and enables them to move more easily. The affected arm must be stretched above the head as high as possible. It is advisable to hold on to something and remain the position for 5 counts. As the joint gains in strength, it is possible to stretch for a longer period of time. To enhance the mobility of the shoulder, physical therapists also recommend T-bar exercises. These are usually part of an exercise regimen. They can be challenging in case of rotator cuff tears. The individual must first grip the T-bar using both hands and then push the affected arm upwards and out to the side by pushing the bar with the help of the uninjured arm. This forces the affected arm to flex.

A physical therapist may recommend transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in some cases. This involves electrical stimulation of the area in order to reduce pain and stiffness. The electrical impulses are thought to trigger the release of pain-inhibiting hormones or block the pain messages carried by the nerves. It is always necessary to take timely care of any pain experienced in the body so as to avoid further problems.