Shoulder pain is very common. Population studies suggest that, at any one time, around one in six adults has some shoulder pain, and it becomes more common from middle age. Most shoulder problems improve with the right advice, exercise and time, and only a small number need surgery.
Common shoulder conditions
Rotator cuff related shoulder pain (subacromial pain, shoulder impingement)
Rotator cuff related shoulder pain is pain felt on the outside of the upper arm, usually when lifting the arm, that comes from the rotator cuff tendons and the tissues around them.
Read more→Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis, stiff shoulder)
Frozen shoulder is a condition where the capsule around the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, thickened and tight, causing pain and a marked loss of movement.
Read more→Rotator cuff tear (torn rotator cuff, supraspinatus tear)
A rotator cuff tear is a split or tear in one or more of the four tendons that help lift and turn the arm.
Read more→Shoulder instability and dislocation (dislocated shoulder, shoulder subluxation)
Shoulder instability is when the ball of the upper arm moves too far out of its socket, either fully (a dislocation) or partly (a subluxation).
Read more→Calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder (calcific tendonitis, calcific tendinitis)
Calcific tendinopathy is a condition where calcium deposits build up in the rotator cuff tendons of the shoulder.
Read more→AC joint injury and arthritis (acromioclavicular joint injury, AC joint separation)
The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is the small joint at the top of the shoulder where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade.
Read more→
Getting the right help
Not sure which of these fits? Our team can assess what is going on, explain it clearly and point you to the right care, including referral back to your GP where that is the better route.
Other areas
- Head and jaw pain
- Neck pain
- Elbow pain
- Wrist and hand pain
- Upper back and chest wall pain
- Lower back pain
- Hip, groin and pelvic pain
- Knee pain
- Shin and calf pain
- Ankle and foot pain
- Pain in pregnancy and after birth
- Aches and pains in children and young people
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your symptoms, speak to your GP or call NHS 111.
