Shoulder Pain Symptoms
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint supported by the rotator cuff tendons, labrum, ligaments, and surrounding muscles. When any of these structures become irritated, inflamed, torn, or unstable, shoulder pain and loss of function can follow.
Shoulder pain isn’t always “just a strain.” Symptoms that can point to an underlying problem include:
- Pain with reaching overhead, lifting, throwing, or pushing/pulling
- Night pain or pain that wakes you up when lying on the shoulder
- Weakness or fatigue when lifting the arm
- Clicking, catching, popping, or a feeling of instability
- Stiffness or difficulty reaching behind your back
- Limited range of motion or trouble raising the arm normally
- Pain on the outside of the shoulder, deep in the joint, or on top near the AC joint
If shoulder pain is persistent, recurring, or limiting what you can do, it’s time to visit an orthopedic shoulder doctor for diagnosis.
What Causes Shoulder Pain?
Shoulder pain can happen suddenly after an injury or develop over time from overuse, mechanics, or degeneration. Common causes include:
Rotator Cuff
Tendon irritation or tears can cause pain with lifting or overhead movement, weakness, and night pain.
Labrum Tears
Labral injuries and instability can cause clicking/catching, pain with throwing, and a sense the shoulder may "slip."
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Progressive stiffness and pain that can significantly limit range of motion if untreated.
Shoulder Instability
Recurrent partial or full dislocations can lead to pain, weakness, and loss of confidence in shoulder movement.
Arthritis
Arthritis and frozen shoulder can lead to deep aching pain, stiffness, and loss of motion.
Fractures & Trauma
Falls, contact sports, and accidents can cause fractures or AC joint separations that require prompt evaluation.
Clavicle Fracture (Broken Collarbone)
Common after a fall or direct impact and may cause visible deformity, pain, and difficulty lifting the arm.
These are some of the most common causes of shoulder pain, but they are not the only ones. Explore all the shoulder conditions.
How We Diagnose Shoulder Pain
A precise diagnosis is the fastest path to the right treatment. Your visit may include:
- A detailed discussion of symptoms, activity level, and injury history
- A focused shoulder exam (motion, strength, stability, and pain patterns)
- Imaging when appropriate, such as X-rays, Ultrasound or MRI
- Additional testing if needed for complex instability, nerve-related issues, or persistent symptoms
Shoulder Pain Treatment Options
Most patients start with conservative care–and many improve without surgery. Your plan may include:
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Activity modification and a guided return to movement
- Physical therapy to restore strength, posture, and shoulder mechanics
- Anti-inflammatory medication when appropriate
- Supportive strategies when indicated
- Injections (including cortisone and other options when appropriate)
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments We Offer
If conservative treatment isn’t enough, we offer a full spectrum of procedures based on your diagnosis and goals–performed by an experienced orthopedic shoulder surgeon when surgery is the best option. Procedures include:
Shoulder Arthroscopy
A minimally invasive procedure using a small camera and tiny instruments to diagnose and treat shoulder problems like impingement, labral tears, loose bodies, and cartilage damage.
Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
Minimally invasive surgery to reattach a torn rotator cuff tendon, helping relieve pain and restore strength and function—especially for lifting and overhead motion.
Shoulder Stabilization
Surgery to repair injured ligaments/labrum and prevent recurrent dislocations, improving shoulder stability and confidence for sports and daily activities.
Shoulder Joint Replacement
Replaces damaged joint surfaces to relieve severe shoulder arthritis pain and restore motion when conservative treatment is no longer effective.
These are some of the most common causes of shoulder pain, but they aren’t the only ones. Explore our shoulder treatment page and schedule a consultation. Regardless of the condition or treatment plan, our goal stays the same, to reduce pain, restore function, and help you return to the activities you enjoy.
When to See a Shoulder Specialist
Call for evaluation right away if you have:
- A shoulder injury with significant swelling, bruising, or deformity
- Inability to lift the arm or sudden weakness
- A suspected dislocation or “popping out” episode
- Severe pain after a fall or accident
- Pain with fever, redness, or warmth around the joint
Schedule an evaluation if you have:
- Pain lasting more than a few days without improvement
- Night pain or pain that keeps returning
- Clicking/catching or loss of motion
- Weakness that limits lifting, work, or sports
Get Expert Shoulder Care in Virginia Beach
Don’t let shoulder pain limit your routine or keep you from the activities you love. The right diagnosis–and the right plan–can make all the difference.
Schedule an appointment online, or call to get started.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder Pain (FAQs)
What are the most common symptoms of shoulder pain?
Common symptoms include pain with lifting or reaching, night pain, weakness, stiffness, clicking/catching, and reduced range of motion.
What are the most common causes of shoulder pain?
Rotator cuff problems, impingement, labral tears (including SLAP tears), instability, arthritis, frozen shoulder, and trauma such as AC separations or fractures are common causes.
When should I see an orthopedic shoulder specialist?
If pain lasts more than a few days, returns repeatedly, limits function, causes weakness, or disrupts sleep, or if you had an injury with significant pain an evaluation is recommended.
How do you diagnose shoulder pain?
Your visit may include a shoulder exam and imaging such as X-rays, MRI or Ultrasound depending on the symptoms and suspected cause.
What are non-surgical treatments for shoulder pain?
Many patients improve with activity modification, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication (when appropriate), and injections when indicated.
When is shoulder surgery recommended?
Surgery may be recommended for full-thickness tendon tears with weakness, recurrent dislocations, significant labral tears, advanced arthritis, or persistent symptoms despite conservative care.
Book online or call to schedule an evaluation.