Painful shoulder joint

Low urgency
Very common-

Corresponds to pain in the joint and dysfunction in any of the 4 joints that make up the shoulder.

The cause directly affects the joint causing its inflammation (arthritis). The origin can be inflammatory, traumatic or joint overload.

It manifests with pain in the shoulder that typically worsens with movement and improves with rest.

Diagnosis is made by clinical history and complete physical examination, and imaging tests may be performed.

Treatment includes oral anti-inflammatory drugs, local cold and joint rest. Physiotherapy may accelerate functional recovery. Severe cases may require surgical repair.

Bibliographic references
  1. Bruce C Anderson. Evaluation of the patient with shoulder complaints. UpToDate. Oct 10, 2016.
  2. Reinold MM, Escamilla RF, Wilk KE. Current concepts in the scientific and clinical rationale behind exercises for glenohumeral and scapulothoracic musculature. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2009; 39:105.
  3. Gosk J, Urban M, Rutowski R. Entrapment of the suprascapular nerve: anatomy, etiology, diagnosis, treatment. Ortop Traumatol Rehabil 2007; 9:68.
  4. Gleason PD, Beall DP, Sanders TG, et al. The transverse humeral ligament: a separate anatomical structure or a continuation of the osseous attachment of the rotator cuff? Am J Sports Med 2006; 34:72.
  5. Miranda H, Viikari-Juntura E, Heistaro S, et al. A population study on differences in the determinants of a specific shoulder disorder versus nonspecific shoulder pain without clinical findings. Am J Epidemiol 2005; 161:847.
  6. Worland RL, Lee D, Orozco CG, et al. Correlation of age, acromial morphology, and rotator cuff tear pathology diagnosed by ultrasound in asymptomatic patients. J South Orthop Assoc 2003; 12:23.
Author
Dr. Elvira Moreno
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Shoulder pain


    Limited shoulder movement


    Shoulder pain increases with passive movement


    Pain in a single joint


    Painful right shoulder

Symptoms to watch out for

Fever (temperature higher than 38 ºC)
Pain that doesn't subside with analgesics
Inability to do movements with the joint

Self-care

Consume over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.
Relative rest, rest until symptoms subside.
Apply cold compresses 3 times a day for 20 minutes to reduce the symptoms.
Avoid doing abrupt movements.