Why Does My Shoulder Hurt? Causes, Symptoms, and Expert Treatment at Prestige Health and Wellness NYC
At Prestige Health and Wellness in NYC, we offer a comprehensive approach to treating shoulder pain. Our team of chiropractors, physical and occupational therapists, massage therapists, and acupuncturists work together to identify and address the root causes of your pain—whether from injury, overuse, or a chronic condition. With personalized treatment plans focused on restoring mobility and relieving pain, we’re here to help you get back to living pain-free.
Understanding Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain refers to discomfort in or around the shoulder joint. As the body’s most mobile joint, the shoulder depends on four muscles and their tendons to support its wide range of motion. When these muscles or surrounding structures become inflamed, damaged, or affected by bone changes, they can lead to pain and restricted movement.
How Does the Shoulder Work?
The shoulder is a flexible joint that connects the upper arm to the torso. It consists of three bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that allow the arm to move in different directions. This mobility, however, makes the shoulder prone to injuries that can cause pain and limit movement.
The Bones of the Shoulder
The shoulder is made up of three bones:
- Clavicle (Collarbone): Connects the arm to the torso.
- Scapula (Shoulder Blade): The flat, triangular bone that forms the back of the shoulder.
- Humerus (Upper Arm Bone): Connects to the shoulder blade to form the shoulder joint.
These bones form the shoulder girdle, allowing a wide range of motion.
The Joints of the Shoulder
The shoulder has three main joints:
- Shoulder Joint: The ball-and-socket joint where the head of the humerus fits into the scapula’s shallow socket (glenoid). This is the primary joint that allows for arm movement.
- Sternoclavicular (SC) Joint: This joint connects the breastbone (sternum) to the collarbone. It allows movement, such as shrugging shoulders or crossing arms.
- Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint connects the acromion (the top of the shoulder) to the collarbone. It allows the arm to be lifted above the shoulder.
Most shoulder movements involve more than one of these joints working together.
The Muscles of the Shoulder
The shoulder’s muscles are critical to its flexibility. The rotator cuff consists of four muscles and their tendons, which secure the upper arm bone within the shoulder joint. These muscles enable the arm to move in various directions, such as raising, lowering, and rotating. The deltoid muscle covers the shoulder joint and plays a key role in lifting the arm.
Other Structures in the Shoulder
- Shoulder Joint Capsule: A protective capsule that surrounds the joint and is reinforced by ligaments.
- Shoulder Labrum: Cartilage that helps keep the humerus securely in the shoulder socket.
- Bursa: Fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between bones, muscles, and tendons. They can become inflamed from overuse.
- Ligaments: Strong tissues that connect the shoulder bones, providing stability.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
The shoulder is a highly flexible joint that relies on muscles, tendons, and ligaments to provide a wide range of motion. However, this flexibility makes the shoulder vulnerable to various conditions that can cause pain and limited mobility.
Here are some common causes:
- Tendinitis: Shoulder tendonitis Tendinitis occurs when tendons become inflamed, often due to overuse, injury, or aging. Rotator cuff tendinitis is a common form that affects shoulder stability and motion.
- Bursitis: Repetitive motion can cause inflammation of the bursa, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joint. This condition often occurs alongside tendinitis and may lead to a frozen shoulder, in which movement becomes severely restricted.
- Injury and Instability: Shoulder injuries, such as dislocations, happen when the bones are forced out of alignment, causing pain and instability. Repeated dislocations can worsen symptoms, especially when raising the arm.
- Arthritis: Wear and tear often cause shoulder arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation, stiffness, and pain. Injuries may also contribute, and avoiding movement due to pain can exacerbate stiffness and limit mobility.
- Rotator Cuff Tears: Overuse or acute injury can cause tears in the rotator cuff tendons, leading to pain, weakness, and restricted shoulder function.
- Frozen shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): This condition causes stiffness and severe pain as the shoulder joint capsule thickens and tightens. It progresses through stages: freezing (pain and stiffness), frozen (stiffness with reduced pain), and thawing (gradual improvement in mobility).
- Bone spurs (Osteophytes): These are excess bone growths, often due to arthritis, which can press on surrounding tissues, leading to pain and restricted movement
- Fractures and Dislocations: Fractures of the clavicle, humerus, or scapula often occur from trauma or accidents and impair shoulder mobility. A dislocated shoulder occurs when the upper arm bone is forced out of the socket, typically due to falls or sports injuries.
- Repetitive strain injury (RSI) results from repeated motion or overuse and causes pain, stiffness, and swelling. It’s common in individuals with jobs or hobbies that involve repetitive shoulder movements.
- Referred Pain: Sometimes, shoulder pain is a symptom of a condition elsewhere in the body, such as lung or liver issues or even a heart attack. This happens because shared nerve pathways misdirect pain signals.
Effective Treatment Options for Shoulder Pain
At Prestige Health and Wellness, we take a patient-centered approach to treating shoulder pain. Our treatment combines chiropractic care and expert physical therapy to improve joint function, reduce chronic pain, and support the body’s natural healing process.
How Chiropractic Care Helps with Shoulder Pain Relief
Chiropractic adjustments are the core of our treatment. By applying precise, controlled pressure to the shoulder joint, we help:
- Improve joint function
- Reduce inflammation and pain
- Increase range of motion
- Restore mobility and flexibility
Our experienced chiropractor team uses both manual adjustments and specialized tools tailored to your needs, ensuring effective care.
Soft Tissue Therapies for Muscle and Joint Healing
In addition to chiropractic care, we incorporate soft tissue therapies to promote healing further:
- Massage Therapy: Releases muscle tension and breaks down adhesions
- Myofascial Release: Targets the fascia around muscles to improve flexibility, especially beneficial for shoulder impingement
These therapies enhance blood flow, promote tissue repair, and accelerate recovery.
Our top-rated physical therapists in NYC offer additional treatments to accelerate recovery:
Advanced Physical Therapy Techniques for Shoulder Pain Recovery
Our expert physical therapists offer additional advanced treatments to speed up recovery:
- Graston Technique: Uses instruments to break up scar tissue and adhesions, improving mobility.
- Ultrasound Therapy: Increases blood flow to the affected area, reducing inflammation and promoting healing
- Electronic Stimulation (E-Stim): Provides muscle therapy and pain relief, aiding recovery
Together, these treatments work in tandem to restore your shoulder’s function and support long-term health.
Rehabilitation for Shoulder Pain: Exercises and Home Remedies
As part of our holistic treatment plan, we provide personalized rehabilitation through stretching and strengthening exercises. These exercises are designed to:
- Improve mobility and flexibility
- Relieve pain
- Promote long-term recovery and prevent future injuries.
Our team, including physical therapists and chiropractors, collaborates to create a rehabilitation program that complements your treatment and helps you maintain progress between visits.
Preventing Shoulder Pain: Tips for Long-Term Shoulder Health
Managing shoulder pain often involves addressing the underlying cause, including rest, physical therapy, and home care strategies to alleviate discomfort and restore mobility. Below are some effective remedies you can try at home:
- Cold Compress: Applying ice to the affected area helps reduce pain and inflammation. To relieve discomfort, apply an ice pack for 15-20 minutes, up to five times a day.
- Heat Therapy: Heat therapy can help relax tight muscles and ease stiffness, especially after the initial injury phase. To soothe the shoulder, use a heating pad or take a warm shower for 15-20 minutes.
- Over-the-counter Medications: NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin can alleviate pain and inflammation. Be sure to follow the recommended dosage instructions on the label.
- Rest and Activity Modification: It is important for healing to rest the shoulder and avoid activities exacerbating pain. However, complete immobilization is not typically recommended unless advised by a doctor.
- Gentle Shoulder Exercises and Stretches: Once acute pain subsides, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help improve mobility and prevent stiffness. Some beneficial exercises include shoulder rolls, arm circles, and pendulum swings.
Start slowly and stop if any exercise increases pain. If shoulder pain persists or worsens despite home treatment, consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and additional guidance.
Preventing Shoulder Pain
Preventing shoulder pain involves a combination of good habits, strengthening exercises, and proper techniques. You can reduce the risk of developing shoulder problems by taking proactive steps.
- Maintain Proper Posture: Poor posture can strain your shoulders, especially when sitting at a desk or using electronic devices for long periods. Keep your back straight, shoulders relaxed, and ears aligned with your shoulders.
- Warm Up Before Activity: Whether exercising or performing physical tasks, warming up the shoulder muscles is essential. Engage in light stretches and mobility exercises to prepare the shoulder for more intense movements.
- Strengthen Shoulder Muscles: Incorporating shoulder-strengthening exercises into your routine can help prevent injuries. Focus on exercises that strengthen the rotator cuff and upper back muscles, which support and stabilize the shoulder joint. Resistance bands, light weights, and bodyweight exercises are effective tools.
- Avoid Overhead Repetitive Movements: Repetitive overhead motions, such as lifting objects or performing overhead sports like swimming or tennis, can stress the shoulder over time. To avoid repetitive strain, alternate activities or take breaks.
- Use Proper Lifting Techniques: Always lift with your legs, not your back, and avoid heavy lifting with your arms extended overhead. Keep items close to your body to reduce strain on your shoulders.
- Take Breaks: If your tasks involve repetitive shoulder use, such as reaching or lifting, take regular breaks to avoid overuse. Simple rest can help prevent inflammation and strain.
- Stay Active: Regular physical activity, including low-impact exercises like walking or swimming, helps maintain shoulder mobility and overall joint health.
Contact Us
If you have shoulder pain, don’t wait—schedule an appointment today at one of our NYC locations: Hudson Yards, the Financial District, Chelsea, or Nomad. Our expert team will create a personalized treatment plan to reduce pain and restore shoulder function.
Sources:
- Cleveland Clinic. Bone Spurs (Osteophytes). Oct 14, 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10395-bone-spurs-osteophytes
- Cleveland Clinic. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis). Jan 30, 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/frozen-shoulder-adhesive-capsulitis
- Cleveland Clinic. Repetitive Strain Injury. March 18, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17424-repetitive-strain-injury
- Cleveland Clinic. Shoulder Tendonitis. Dec 22, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/shoulder-tendonitis
- Harvard Health. Shoulder Pain. May 17, 2023. https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/shoulder-pain
- InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. In brief: How does the shoulder work? [Updated 2024 Apr 22]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554696/
- Johns Hopkins Medicine. Rotator Cuff Injury. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/rotator-cuff-injury
- Penn Medicine. Shoulder Pain. Aug 12, 2023. https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/shoulder-pain
- UConn Health. Shoulder Pain. https://health.uconn.edu/msi/clinical-services/orthopaedic-surgery/shoulder-injuries-and-conditions/shoulder-pain/
