Dr Craig Brownlie
Dr Craig Brownlie is an Australian-trained orthopaedic surgeon with a special interest in shoulder, knee and hip surgery. In his role as…
Shoulder pain
The shoulder is the most flexible joint in the body, allowing you to reach overhead, lift objects, participate in sport and perform everyday activities. When shoulder pain develops, it can affect sleep, independence, work and quality of life.
Explore orthopaedics > Shoulder Pain
There are many possible causes of shoulder pain, ranging from arthritis and tendon injuries through to dislocations, fractures and instability. Understanding the cause of your symptoms is an important first step in determining the most appropriate treatment approach.
This page provides general information about some common causes of shoulder pain, how they may be diagnosed, and the treatment options that may be considered by your healthcare team.
Shoulder arthritis
Shoulder arthritis occurs when the smooth cartilage within the joint becomes damaged, leading to pain, inflammation and reduced movement.
The shoulder contains two joints that can be affected by arthritis: the main ball-and-socket joint (glenohumeral joint) and the smaller joint between the collarbone and shoulder blade (acromioclavicular joint).
Common symptoms include:
- Shoulder pain
- Pain in the upper arm
- Pain that may extend towards the neck
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Difficulty raising the arm
- Difficulty reaching behind the back
- Pain when lifting objects
- Pain when lying on the affected side
- Reduced function and mobility
Common causes
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Previous shoulder dislocations
- Rotator cuff tears
- Previous shoulder fractures
Diagnosis process
Your healthcare professional will discuss your symptoms, examine your shoulder and assess factors such as movement, posture, tenderness and muscle strength.
Investigations may include X-rays, MRI scans and blood tests to identify degenerative, inflammatory or autoimmune conditions.
Treatment options
Most people with shoulder arthritis can be managed without surgery. Treatment may include:
- Activity modification
- Physiotherapy
- Exercise programs
- Pain management strategies
- Medications
- Corticosteroid injections
- Surgical treatment, where appropriate
Shoulder injuries
Shoulder injuries affect people of all ages and can range from relatively minor soft tissue injuries through to fractures and dislocations requiring urgent medical attention.
Common shoulder injuries
Shoulder Dislocations
Occur when the bones of the shoulder joint move out of alignment, usually following trauma such as a sporting injury or fall.
Shoulder Fractures
Broken bones involving the collarbone, shoulder blade or upper arm.
Shoulder Instability
Occurs when the shoulder joint becomes loose and prone to repeated dislocations or painful episodes.
Rotator Cuff Tears
Injuries affecting the muscles and tendons that help stabilise and move the shoulder.
Shoulder Impingement & Tendonitis
Conditions involving irritation, inflammation or compression of tendons within the shoulder.
Common symptoms include:
- Shoulder pain
- Weakness
- Loss of movement
- Swelling
- Clicking or catching sensations
- Feeling that the shoulder may slip out of place
- Difficulty performing overhead activities
- Difficulty lifting objects
Diagnosis process
Diagnosis typically begins with a discussion about your symptoms, how the injury occurred and how it affects your daily activities.
Your healthcare professional may examine the shoulder and recommend imaging such as X-rays, CT scans or MRI scans to assess bones, joints, tendons and soft tissues.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury and may include:
- Rest and activity modification
- Physiotherapy
- Exercise programs
- Pain management strategies
- Heat or cold therapy
- Corticosteroid injections
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
- Surgical treatment, where appropriate
Shoulder instability and rotator cuff conditions
The shoulder relies heavily on muscles, tendons and ligaments for stability. Problems affecting these structures can lead to ongoing pain, weakness and reduced function.
Common conditions
Shoulder Instability
May develop following trauma, repeated overhead activities or naturally loose supporting tissues.
Rotator Cuff Tears
Can occur suddenly following an injury or gradually through wear and tear over time.
Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
Irritation and degeneration affecting the tendons of the shoulder.
Common symptoms include:
- Shoulder weakness
- Pain during movement
- Difficulty reaching overhead
- Difficulty lifting objects
- Shoulder fatigue
- Night pain
- Recurrent shoulder dislocations or subluxations
Diagnosis process
Your healthcare professional may assess your shoulder strength, mobility and stability. Imaging such as ultrasound or MRI may be used to evaluate tendons, muscles and other soft tissue structures.
Treatment options
Depending on the condition and severity of symptoms, treatment may include:
- Physiotherapy
- Strengthening exercises
- Activity modification
- Medications
- Injections
- Rehabilitation
- Surgical treatment, where appropriate
Rehabilitation and recovery
Rehabilitation is an important part of many treatment plans.
Depending on your condition, recovery may involve physiotherapy, strengthening programs, mobility training and support from allied health professionals to help you return to everyday activities as safely as possible.
Meet our shoulder specialists
How to access orthopaedic care
If you'd like to see one of our orthopaedic specialists, speak with your GP about a referral. Your GP can discuss your symptoms, treatment history and whether a referral to an orthopaedic specialist may be appropriate.
Your patient journey: from referral to recovery
Slide through to understand your treatment journey from booking your GP in for an initial appointment, all the way through to rehabilitation and ongoing management.
Shoulder pain FAQs
Receiving a referral to an orthopaedic specialist may raise questions for you. Find answers to some commonly asked questions here.