Shoulder pain

Alternative names:

pain in the shoulder

Home care:

For shoulder injuries the best advice is Rest, Ice, Maintenance of Mobility, and Strengthening (or RIMS). As soon as shoulder pain is felt, apply ice for 30 minutes, then let the shoulder rewarm for the next 15 minutes. Continue this cycle for several hours, but be careful not to freeze the skin.

Rest the shoulder for the next 2 days. After a rest period, gradually begin to strengthen the shoulder muscles. Light weight lifting, with an emphasis on full range of motion, is recommended.

NSAIDs will help decrease inflammation.

Some sports-related shoulder problems are caused by poor technique. Preventing possible problems may be cheaper than getting medical help to fix a problem.

Call your health care provider if:

• the pain is felt as a pressure, heaviness, or pain behind the breastbone that is referred to the shoulder.
• there is fever, swelling and redness, or inability to use the joint.
• the pain is caused by an injury.
• the pain persists beyond 1 week.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting your shoulder pain in detail may include:

• distribution
  • Does the pain affect both shoulders (symmetrical)?
  • Is the pain shifting from the shoulder to other joints?
  • Is the pain involving the front (anterior) part of shoulder?
  • Does the pain occur when the arm is lifted overhead or away from the body (abduction)?

• time pattern
  • Did the pain begin suddenly and severely?
  • Did it begin slowly and mildly and then get worse?
  • Did the pain resolve spontaneously in less than 6 weeks?

• other
  • What other symptoms are also present?

The physical examination will include a detailed examination of the shoulder. Diagnostic tests that may be performed vary depending on the results of the physical examination.

Intervention:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be given.
• A corticosteroid injection may be given.
• Instructions on rehabilitation should be given.
• Surgery is a last resort.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to shoulder pain to your personal medical record.