Understanding Your Shoulder Pain
The shoulder is formed by the humerus, scapula, and clavicle, supported by the rotator cuff muscles, labrum, and a network of ligaments. Because it is the most mobile joint in the body, it is also one of the most vulnerable to injury, from sports-related labral tears and rotator cuff damage to degenerative arthritis and frozen shoulder. At Precision Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, our fellowship-trained shoulder specialists serve patients across Maryland and the DC Metro Area, offering the full spectrum of care from injections and physical therapy to arthroscopic repair and total shoulder replacement.
Common Symptoms, Conditions & Treatment Options for Shoulder Pain
Symptoms
- Pain when lifting the arm overhead or behind the back
- Weakness when pushing, pulling, or lifting
- Night pain that disturbs sleep
- Shoulder stiffness or loss of range of motion
- Clicking or catching sensation with movement
- Feeling of shoulder instability or giving way
Conditions
- Rotator cuff tears
- Labral tears (SLAP tears)
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Shoulder impingement
- Shoulder arthritis
- Shoulder instability and dislocation
- AC joint injury
- Biceps tendon pathology
Treatment Options
- Rest and activity modification
- Physical therapy
- Corticosteroid or PRP injections
- Rotator cuff repair
- Labral repair (Bankart or SLAP)
- Total shoulder replacement
- Reverse total shoulder replacement
- Biceps tenodesis or tenotomy
Frequently Asked Questions
See a shoulder specialist if pain limits your ability to reach overhead or behind your back, wakes you at night, does not improve after 2 weeks of rest, followed an injury with sudden weakness, or if you experience recurrent dislocations or progressive stiffness. Early evaluation can prevent further damage and improve outcomes.
Common causes include rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), impingement, arthritis, AC joint injuries, biceps tendon pathology, and instability. Our specialists evaluate the full range of shoulder conditions to determine the most effective treatment.
Small partial tears may heal with rest, physical therapy, and injections. Larger or complete tears in active patients often benefit from surgical repair for the best long-term outcome. A specialist can help determine whether conservative or surgical treatment is right for your situation.
A SLAP tear is damage to the top of the labrum where the biceps tendon attaches. It commonly occurs from repetitive overhead motions or acute injury and can cause deep shoulder pain, clicking, and reduced throwing ability.
- Rotator Cuff Repair: Sling for 4 to 6 weeks; physical therapy for 6 to 12 months; full strength at 6 to 12 months.
- Shoulder Replacement: Sling for 2 to 4 weeks; driving at 4 to 6 weeks; full recovery at 3 to 6 months.
- Bankart Labral Repair: Sling for 3 to 4 weeks; return to sports at 6 to 12 months.
- Frozen Shoulder Treatment: Gradual improvement over 6 to 12 months with therapy and possible injection.