Shoulder Pain? Don’t Let It Keep You from Living Your Best Life
Does reaching into the refrigerator make you wince? Have you stopped playing pickleball, gardening, or lifting your suitcase because your shoulder hurts? Maybe the pain is even waking you up at night?
Shoulder pain is incredibly common, but many people assume it's just something they have to live with. The good news is they don't. Today's treatments can often relieve pain, restore movement, and help you get back to the activities you love—often without surgery.
When Shoulder Pain Is More Than Just a Sore Muscle
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, allowing us to move our arms in nearly every direction. Unfortunately, that flexibility also makes the shoulder vulnerable injuries, as well as problems from gradual wear and tear. The most common symptom is pain, particularly when reaching away from the body or lifting the arm overhead.
Shoulder pain often becomes most noticeable at night. Difficulty sleeping is one of the main reasons patients seek care. Rolling onto the affected shoulder or changing positions during sleep can trigger pain that repeatedly disrupts rest. It’s recommended that you get your shoulder evaluated if you notice:
- Pain that lasts more than a few weeks
- Pain that wakes you up at night
- Difficulty reaching overhead or behind your back
- Weakness when lifting or carrying objects
- Stiffness or loss of motion
- Pain that keeps you from doing everyday activities
Many shoulder conditions become easier to treat when they're evaluated early.
Finding the Cause
Determining the cause of shoulder pain starts with a thorough evaluation. During a physical exam, your orthopedic specialist will examine your shoulder, evaluate your strength and range of motion, and discuss when the pain started and what makes it worse. Certain patterns of weakness or restricted motion can help identify specific shoulder conditions.
If needed, your orthopedic physician may order X-rays or an MRI to identify arthritis, rotator cuff injuries, tendon damage, or other conditions, so you receive the treatment that’s right for you.
Most People Don't Need Surgery
Many shoulder problems improve with a combination of physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and activity modifications.
If symptoms persist, a corticosteroid injection, often called a cortisone shot, may be recommended. These injections can provide significant pain relief and reduce inflammation, allowing patients to participate more comfortably in therapy and daily activities.
The goal is simple: reduce pain, restore function, and help you get back to your normal routine.
When Surgery Is the Best Option
If pain continues despite conservative treatment—or if you've suffered a significant injury such as a full-thickness rotator cuff tear—surgery may provide the best chance for lasting relief.
Fortunately, shoulder surgery has advanced tremendously in recent years.
Many procedures can now be performed arthroscopically through tiny incisions, which often means less pain, smaller scars, and a quicker recovery than traditional surgery.
For people with advanced arthritis, shoulder replacement has become one of the most successful orthopedic procedures available. Today's implants and surgical techniques allow many patients to return to the activities they enjoy with significantly less pain and better function.
You Don't Have to Live with Shoulder Pain
You don’t have to accept shoulder pain as part of getting older.
Whether your goal is sleeping through the night, returning to the golf course, lifting your grandchildren, or simply getting dressed without pain, effective treatment options are available.
Learn more by listening to this short podcast featuring MarinHealth Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Eric Bava, or schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists to discuss the treatment options that are right for you.
About MarinHealth Orthopedic Care
MarinHealth’s orthopedic specialists offer the full range of shoulder care—from physical therapy and nonsurgical treatments to advanced arthroscopic procedures and shoulder replacement—all close to home.
With five convenient locations in Larkspur, Novato, Sonoma, Petaluma, and San Rafael expert care may be closer than you think. Find your nearest MarinHealth Orthopedic Care. To schedule an appointment with an orthopedic specialist, call 415-925-8963.
