--- title: "Shoulder Pain Relief: What You Need To Know" description: Experiencing shoulder pain? Here's some common causes - and what you need to know to start feeling better. image: https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/hubfs/OI_BlogPosts_RotatorCuffTears_750x321.jpg --- [![Orthopedic Institute Sioux Falls](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/hs-fs/hubfs/OrthopedicInstitute_Theme/oi-logo.png?width=287&name=oi-logo.png "Orthopedic Institute Sioux Falls")](http://www.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/) - CONTACT US - [CONTACT US](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/contact-us/contact-us/) - [LOCATIONS & HOURS](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/contact-us/locations/) - RESOURCES - PATIENT RESOURCES - [LOGIN TO PORTAL](https://myidentity.platform.athenahealth.com/oauth2/auset0ja9xZ2Hniep296/v1/authorize?client%5Fid=0oaku1tngsTH20pA1296&idp=&nonce=unimplemented&prompt=&redirect%5Furi=https%3A%2F%2Foauth%2Eportal%2Eathenahealth%2Ecom%2Foauthresponse%2Ephp&response%5Ftype=code&scope=openid%20email%20communicator%2Eexternal%5Faccounts%2Eread&state=%7B%22LANGUAGE%22%3A%22en%22%2C%22COMMUNICATORBRANDID%22%3A%221%22%2C%22ANTIFORGERYTOKEN%22%3A%22389368d7d57fbfd28938af08753ad0a915a66425bea6f1b7c436f714973406ae%22%2C%22PRACTICEID%22%3A%2221545%22%2C%22IDENTITYPROVIDER%22%3A%22patient%5Fidentity%22%2C%22PORTALREDIRECTURL%22%3A%22https%3A%5C%2F%5C%2F21545%2D1%2Eportal%2Eathenahealth%2Ecom%5C%2F%22%7D) - [SIGN UP FOR PORTAL](https://21545-1.portal.athenahealth.com/?section=landing&sub=registration_wizard&CSRFPROTECT=NONE) - [PORTAL INSTRUCTIONS](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/resources/patient-resources/portal-instructions-and-login/) - [BILL PAY](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/resources/patient-resources/bill-pay/) - [PATIENT FORMS](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/resources/patient-resources/patient-forms/) - [INSURANCE INFO](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/resources/patient-resources/insurance-info/) - [BLOG](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.comhttps://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/) - [PATIENT REVIEWS](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/resources/patient-resources/patient-reviews-2/) - [FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/resources/patient-resources/faqs/) - PROVIDER RESOURCES - [PATIENT REFERRAL FORM](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/resources/provider-resources/patient-referral-form/) - [REHAB PROTOCOLS](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/resources/provider-resources/rehabilitation-protocols/) - SERVICES - [WALK IN CLINIC: OI NOW](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/services/oi-now/) - [NECK AND SPINE](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/services/neck-and-spine/) - [SHOULDER AND ELBOW](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/services/shoulder-and-elbow/) - [HAND AND WRIST](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/services/hand-and-wrist/) - [HIP](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/services/hip-services/) - [KNEE](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/services/knee/) - [FOOT AND ANKLE](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/services/foot-and-ankle/) - [FRACTURES & TRAUMA](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/services/fractures-and-trauma/) - [SPORTS MEDICINE](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/services/sports-medicine/) - [PAIN MANAGEMENT](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/services/pain-management/) - [THERAPY & REHABILITATION](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/services/therapy-and-rehabilitation/) - [AQUATIC THERAPY](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/services/therapy-and-rehabilitation/physical-therapy/aquatic-therapy/) - [HAND THERAPY](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/services/therapy-and-rehabilitation/physical-therapy/hand-therapy/) - [PHYSICAL THERAPY](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/services/therapy-and-rehabilitation/physical-therapy/) - [IMAGING SERVICES](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/services/imaging-services/) - OUR TEAM - [PHYSICIANS](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/our-team/physicians/) - [PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS & NURSE PRACTIONERS](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/our-team/physician-assistants/) - [PHYSICAL THERAPISTS](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/our-team/physical-therapists/) - [OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/our-team/occupational-therapists/) - [ATHLETIC TRAINERS](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/our-team/athletic-trainers/) - [PEDORTHIST](http://www.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/our-team/pedorthist/) - ABOUT US - [CAREERS](http://www.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/about-us/careers/) - [ABOUT](http://www.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/about-us/about/) - [OI HISTORY](http://www.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/about-us/oi-history/) - [MISSION, VISION, & VALUES](http://www.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/about-us/mission,-vision,-%26-values/) - [OI CARES](http://www.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/about-us/oi-cares/) # Orthopedic Institute Blog # Shoulder Pain Relief: What You Need To Know Posted on April 02, 2018 ![OI_BlogPosts_Shoulder Pain Relief_750x321.jpg](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/hubfs/OI_BlogPosts_RotatorCuffTears_750x321.jpg) The shoulder joint is one of the most complex areas in your body. It allows you to move your arms 360 degrees, and also provides the stability needed for all the bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments in your shoulders and arms to work together.  All this range of motion increases the likelihood of shoulder pain and mobility issues, especially as we age.   **Check out these top causes of shoulder pain, and what you need to know to start feeling better.** ## Shoulder Osteoarthritis Shoulder osteoarthritis is a [degenerative joint disease](http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00222) that occurs when the cartilage that lines the sides of the shoulder joint is worn or torn away. It's seen most often in people over age 50, but can occur in younger people as a result of injury or trauma. It's time to see a doctor if you're experiencing: - Shoulder weakness or stiffness that seems to come and go   - Pain with activity that gets better with rest   - Decreased shoulder movement (range of motion) - especially when reaching back  - Difficulty sleeping as the condition worsens   Rotator Cuff Tears The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, keeping the head of your upper arm bone firmly within your shoulder socket. [Rotator cuff tears](http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00064) occur most often in people who repeatedly perform overhead motions in their jobs or sports - but can occur as a result of a single injury. It's time to see a doctor if you're experiencing:  - Pain and/or weakness when lifting your arm - Pain at rest and at night, particularly if lying on the affected shoulder - Pain or weakness when lifting and lowering your arm     Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) This condition is just how it sounds - "frozen shoulder" causes [pain and stiffness](http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00071) in the shoulder muscles and joints that make it difficult or impossible to move. This condition can last for years and develops in three stages:  - **"Freezing"** - In this stage you slowly have more and more pain. As the pain worsens, your shoulder loses range of motion. Freezing typically lasts from 6 weeks to 9 months. - **"Frozen"** - In this stage painful symptoms may actually improve, but stiffness remains. During the 4 to 6 months of the "frozen" stage, daily activities may be very difficult. - **"Thawing"** - shoulder motion slowly improves during this stage. Complete return to normal or close to normal strength and motion typically takes from 6 months to 2 years. Chronic Shoulder Instability Have you ever dislocated your shoulder? [Chronic shoulder instability](http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00529) occurs when the head of the upper arm bone is forced out of the shoulder socket, usually as a result of a sudden injury or from overuse. Once a shoulder has dislocated the chances of it happening again increase - and can be the reason for repeated dislocations. It's time to see a doctor if you're experiencing:  - Pain caused by shoulder injury - Repeated shoulder dislocations - Repeated instances of the shoulder giving out - A persistent sensation of the shoulder feeling loose, slipping in and out of the joint, or just "hanging there" Wondering what you can do to help relieve shoulder pain right now? Here are [5 tips for feeling better, fast](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/5-ways-to-combat-shoulder-pain).  **We're here to help! [Make an appointment today](http://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/what-hurts/shoulder/) or visit one of our [walk-in clinics](http://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/appointments/walk-clinic/).** **[![Make an Appointment Button](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/2098802/88d086ab-8ed2-4765-ac82-971f4c18651f.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/2098802/88d086ab-8ed2-4765-ac82-971f4c18651f)** [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com%2Fshoulder-pain-relief%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com%2Fshoulder-pain-relief%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com%2Fshoulder-pain-relief%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com%2Fshoulder-pain-relief%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Shoulder%20Pain%20Relief%3A%20What%20You%20Need%20To%20Know) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com%2Fshoulder-pain-relief%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com%2Fshoulder-pain-relief%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ‹ [5 Alternative Non-Surgical Treatments for Head & Neck Pain](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/three-alternative-non-surgical-treatments-for-head-and-neck-pain) [Essential Strength & Stability Exercises For Female Golfers](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/essential-strength-and-stability-exercises-for-female-golfers) › ### Subscribe for OI Updates ### Posts by Topic - [General Health (51)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/general-health) - [News (32)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/news) - [Training and Exercise (21)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/training-and-exercise) - [Child Health (16)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/child-health) - [Insider (11)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/insider) - [Senior Health (10)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/senior-health) - [News and Events (6)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/news-and-events) - [Back Pain (2)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/back-pain) - [Iliotibial band (IT band) syndrome (2)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/iliotibial-band-it-band-syndrome) - [Orthopedics (2)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/orthopedics) - [Physical Therapy (2)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/physical-therapy) - [Plantar Fasciitis (2)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/plantar-fasciitis) - [Radial Pulse Therapy (2)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/radial-pulse-therapy) - [Tendinitis (2)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/tendinitis) - [Tennis Elbow (2)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/tennis-elbow) - [inflammation (2)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/inflammation) - [Achilles pain (1)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/achilles-pain) - [Athletic Training (1)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/athletic-training) - [Back, neck, or spine pain (1)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/back-neck-or-spine-pain) - [Hamstring Stretch (1)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/hamstring-stretch) - [Joint Pain (1)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/joint-pain) - [Muscle Activation (1)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/muscle-activation) - [Neutral Spine (1)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/neutral-spine) - [Posture (1)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/posture) - [Shin splints (1)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/shin-splints) - [Squatting (1)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/squatting) - [Stretching (1)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/stretching) see all ### [News](http://www.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/category/news/) [![Orthopedic Institute Sioux Falls](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/hubfs/OrthopedicInstitute_Theme/oi-logo-footer.png)](http://www.orthopedicinstitutesf.com) 810 E 23rd St, Sioux Falls, SD 57105 | [(605) 331-5890](tel:16053315890) - - -