Shoulder pain isn’t just a nagging discomfort, for many of us, it interferes with daily routines like getting dressed, reaching overhead, or carrying groceries. This pain may arise suddenly from an injury or develop gradually due to overuse, age, or degenerative conditions.
The shoulder is one of the most complex and mobile joints in the human body. Its structure, composed of bones (humerus, scapula, clavicle), cartilage, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, allows for a wide range of motion. But this versatility also makes it vulnerable to injury, overuse, and chronic dysfunction.
Every year, around 16% of adults report experiencing shoulder pain. Among working-age individuals and athletes, it’s a leading cause of limited mobility and reduced productivity.
Our shoulders go through a lot, whether it’s lifting weights, carrying a bag, or simply reaching for a high shelf. Over time, or through sudden trauma, several underlying conditions can trigger shoulder pain:
The rotator cuff stabilizes the upper arm bone in the shoulder socket. It can be damaged through repetitive motion, trauma, or aging, leading to tendonitis, tears, or impingement. These injuries are especially common among athletes and workers in physically demanding jobs.
A condition marked by stiffness and pain, often worse at night. It develops gradually, sometimes following immobility due to injury or surgery.
This happens when the shoulder blade rubs against the rotator cuff tendons. It commonly presents with pain during lifting or overhead movement.
Wear-and-tear or inflammation can erode cartilage, creating joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. This is more common in people over 50.
A shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone pops out of its socket. After it happens once, the shoulder may become unstable and prone to future episodes.
Broken bones involving the collarbone, scapula, or humerus can produce acute and significant pain, requiring prompt treatment and sometimes surgery.
Shoulder pain can feel different depending on the cause. Some notice a dull ache, while others experience sharp, shooting pain with movement. Red flags indicating it’s time to see a professional at South Florida Multispecialty Hospital include:
Determining the root cause of your pain starts with the right diagnostics. At our facility, we use a combination of:
We assess range of motion, conduct strength tests, and discuss your history of activity, injury, and lifestyle.
Advanced cases might also require CT scans or arthroscopy for direct visualization.
Not every shoulder injury requires the operating room. In fact, most cases improve with conservative care when addressed early. Here’s what we typically recommend:
Give your shoulder time to heal by avoiding repetitive or overhead movements.
Personalized exercise plans strengthen muscles and promote flexibility. Therapy may include resistance bands, pulley systems, mobility drills, and posture re-education.
Over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen reduce inflammation. For more severe cases, corticosteroid injections offer targeted relief.
Ice packs can soothe inflammation, while gentle heat loosens tight muscles before therapy sessions.
In newer therapies, blood components or stem cells may help accelerate healing, especially in tendinopathies.
Rehabilitation isn’t just a phase, it’s the path back to function. At South Florida Multispecialty Hospital, we’ve seen remarkable recoveries through consistent, guided rehab. A standard protocol might include:
We tailor recovery based on the injury’s severity, the patient’s goals, and age-related considerations. Research shows that up to 80% of rotator cuff injuries can heal effectively with rehab alone.
If conservative methods don’t yield results within a few months, or if there’s a large rotator cuff tear, severe arthritis, or dislocation damage, surgery becomes the next step.
We perform camera-assisted repairs through tiny incisions. This reduces downtime, infection risk, and scarring.
Used when reconstruction or replacements are needed. This might apply to severe arthritis requiring a total shoulder replacement.
Post-op rehab is critical, with full recovery often requiring a few months of guided therapy.
The best treatment is prevention. Here’s what we recommend:
Certain simple, at-home tactics make a big difference in managing chronic or low-grade shoulder pain:
Don’t let shoulder pain limit your life. At South Florida Multispecialty Hospital, our orthopedic and physical therapy teams are ready to create a personalized treatment plan for lasting results. Book your consultation today, and take the first step toward pain-free movement and stronger shoulders.
Rotator cuff injuries, osteoarthritis, tendonitis, frozen shoulder, dislocations, and repetitive stress are among the leading causes.
A physician will take a thorough medical history and perform a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasound may be used to confirm the diagnosis.
Seek care if the pain persists for several days, disrupts daily activity, causes weakness, or follows an injury.
Physical therapy, NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections, rest, and PRP therapy are commonly recommended non-surgical approaches.
Therapists tailor exercises to restore mobility, rebuild strength, correct imbalances, and prevent future injury.
Yes. Proper ergonomics, regular stretching, low-impact exercises, and good posture habits significantly reduce pain risk.
Surgery can provide lasting pain relief and restore movement. However, it carries risks like infection, stiffness, or complications requiring extended rehab.
Recovery varies from a few weeks to several months. Post-surgical rehab usually takes 3–6 months, depending on procedure complexity.
Your well-being is our top priority. Reach out today to discover how our dedicated team can support your health journey.
Have questions or want to learn more? Use the form below to get started!
Connect with South Florida’s trusted multispecialty care team and take control of your health with compassion and convenience.
©2025 South Florida Multispecialty Medical Group. All Rights Reserved.