Shoulder Pain
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Shoulder pain is discomfort in or around the shoulder joint. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint that allows a wide range of movement, but this also makes it prone to injury and wear. Common problems include inflammation of the tendons (tendonitis), tears in the muscles or tendons, arthritis, and stiffness (frozen shoulder). Most shoulder pain gets better with rest and simple treatments, but some causes need medical help.
Key facts
- Shoulder pain is very common, affecting about 1 in 3 people at some point in life.
- Most shoulder problems are not serious and improve with rest, gentle movement, and time.
- Common causes include overuse, injury, age-related wear, and poor posture.
Yes, shoulder pain is one of the most common orthopaedic complaints. It can affect people of all ages, though the causes differ between age groups.
Shoulder pain can affect anyone – from young athletes to older adults. It is especially common in people who do repetitive overhead activities (like painting or swimming), those who have had a shoulder injury, and older adults with age-related joint changes.