Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
Inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons — typically caused by repetitive overhead activity or age-related degeneration. Causes aching pain on the outer side of the shoulder, particularly with overhead movements.
Rotator Cuff Tear
Partial or complete tear of one or more rotator cuff tendons. Causes weakness in addition to pain. Sudden tears occur with acute trauma; degenerative tears develop gradually.
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Compression of the rotator cuff tendons between the humeral head and the acromion during shoulder elevation. Very common in adults aged 40-60.
Shoulder Arthritis
Less common than knee or hip arthritis but can be severely disabling. Causes deep, aching pain with all shoulder movements and significant loss of range of motion.
Key Point
The location of shoulder pain gives important clues: Front = biceps or AC joint · Top = AC joint or rotator cuff · Outer side = rotator cuff or impingement · Deep inside = glenohumeral arthritis or labral tear
Non-Surgical Treatment
- Physiotherapy — rotator cuff strengthening and scapular stabilisation
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Subacromial corticosteroid injection — for impingement and tendinitis
- PRP injection — for chronic tendinopathy not responding to physiotherapy
When Surgery Helps
Shoulder arthroscopy is recommended when conservative treatment fails after 3-6 months, or when there is a significant rotator cuff tear causing weakness, or recurrent shoulder dislocation.
🎬 Shoulder Pain Solutions — Dr. Sumit Dubewar
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