Shoulder Pain

*Content listed here is merely information and guidelines and not meant for diagnostic purposes. Please make an appointment if you are injured.*
Shoulder pain can be acute or chronic pain. Acute or immediate pain usually occurs from a traumatic incident such as a collision; chronic pain comes from overuse or improper mechanics.
Acute injuries:
- Dislocation or subluxation of the shoulder joint
- Fracture to the bones around the shoulder
- Tear of the cushioning within the joint (labral tear)
Chronic injuries:
- Inflammation to tendons surrounding the shoulder (tendinitis)
- Weakness in the muscles stabilizing the shoulder (rotator cuff syndrome)
- Pinching of tissue within the shoulder joint (impingement syndrome)
Care and Management
Make an appointment to see a provider at NUHS, especially for acute injuries or debilitating pain. There are steps you can take to alleviate some pain before your appointment.
- Rest: Avoid placing more stress on your shoulder. Minimize aggravating activity until assessed by a physician.
- Ice: Use ice for pain relief. You can apply ice for 10-20 minutes every hour.