Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can make everyday tasks like reaching, lifting, driving, and sleeping uncomfortable. At Weinerman Pain and Wellness in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Brent Weinerman, DO, and the rest of the team provide comprehensive shoulder pain care that includes chiropractic, osteopathy, physical therapy, and pain management. Call Weinerman Pain and Wellness or book an appointment online to get help for ongoing shoulder pain.

What causes shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain is common because the shoulder is one of the body’s most mobile joints. It depends on muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and nearby nerves to work smoothly. When one part becomes irritated or injured, pain and stiffness follow.

Common causes of shoulder pain include:

• Rotator cuff injuries
• Tendinitis
• Bursitis
• Arthritis
• Muscle strain
• Dislocation
• Fractures
• Joint instability
• Pinched nerves in the neck or upper back

Poor posture, sports injuries, repetitive lifting, and long hours at a desk place stress on the shoulders that could lead to chronic pain.

What symptoms occur with shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain doesn’t always stay in one spot. Some people feel pain at the front, side, or back of the shoulder. Others notice pain that travels into the neck, upper arm, or shoulder blade.

Symptoms often include:

• Aching or sharp pain
• Stiffness or reduced motion
• Weakness when lifting the arm
• Clicking, grinding, or popping
• Pain when lying on the shoulder
• Trouble reaching overhead

Shoulder pain that affects sleep, work, exercise, or daily movement requires a careful evaluation.

How does shoulder pain treatment work?

Shoulder pain treatment starts with a detailed exam. The Weinerman Pain and Wellness team checks your range of motion, strength, posture, joint movement, muscle tension, and activities that cause pain. They also look at the neck and upper back because problems in those areas often contribute to shoulder symptoms.

Treatment focuses on easing pain, improving mobility, restoring strength, and reducing strain on the irritated tissues. The team uses a comprehensive approach that may include:

• Chiropractic care
• Osteopathic techniques
• Physical therapy
• Stretching
• Strengthening exercises
• Pain management

Physical therapy helps retrain the muscles that support the shoulder. Chiropractic and osteopathic care support better movement through the spine, ribs, neck, and shoulder area.

When should I seek care for shoulder pain?

You should seek care when shoulder pain lasts more than a few days, keeps returning, limits movement, or makes it hard to lift your arm. Early care helps prevent stiffness and compensation patterns that create pain in the neck, back, and opposite shoulder.

Get prompt medical attention if shoulder pain follows a fall, causes major weakness, appears with chest pain, or comes with swelling, deformity, numbness, or sudden loss of movement.

For persistent shoulder pain, call Weinerman Pain and Wellness or schedule an appointment online today.