SHOULDER PAIN

How to keep your shoulder healthy: Causes, symptoms & modern treatment for shoulder pain

The shoulder – the most mobile joint in the human body

The shoulder is a true miracle of nature: no other joint in the body is as flexible. It connects the torso to the arm and allows for virtually unlimited mobility – whether during sports, at home, or at work.

Thanks to its complex anatomy—consisting of multiple joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments—the shoulder enables rotation, lifting, and a great range of motion. However, it is precisely this high degree of mobility that also makes the shoulder joint susceptible to discomfort and pain .

You can find out more about the most common shoulder problems in our guide to shoulder problems .

Structure of the shoulder: Which structures are affected when pain occurs?

The shoulder joint does not consist of just one bone, but is a finely tuned interaction of various individual joints:

• Glenohumeral joint : the “actual” shoulder joint between the humeral head and the shoulder blade

• Acromioclavicular joint (shoulder joint) : between collarbone and shoulder blade

• Sternoclavicular joint : connection between the clavicle and the sternum

The rotator cuff is a complementary muscle and tendon complex that centers the humeral head in the socket. Any disruption here often results in restricted movement and shoulder pain .

Causes of shoulder pain: Where does the discomfort come from?

Many patients wonder: What causes shoulder pain? The causes are varied:

• Acute injuries (e.g. after a fall or accident)

• Overload and incorrect loading , e.g. in sports or physical work

• Wear and tear due to osteoarthritis in the shoulder joint

• Inflammatory processes , e.g., bursitis

• Muscle imbalances or poor posture

• Tendon tears , often in the rotator cuff

Typical shoulder disorders: From impingement to rotator cuff tear

Depending on the cause, very different symptoms appear in the shoulder joint :

• Impingement syndrome (shoulder impingement syndrome)

• Tendinosis calcarea (calcified shoulder)

• Bursitis (inflammation of the bursa)

• Partial or complete tendon rupture

• Osteoarthritis in the acromioclavicular joint or main joint

• Shoulder instability , often after a dislocation (luxation)

If detected early, many of these diseases can be treated well – sometimes even without surgery.

Symptoms of shoulder pain: When should you see a doctor?

Not every short-term shoulder pain is cause for concern. However, if the pain persists or limits your mobility, you should have your shoulder examined by a doctor.

Look out for the following warning signs :

• Persistent or increasing pain in the shoulder joint

• Pain when lifting or turning the arm

• Nighttime shoulder pain that disturbs sleep

• Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand

• Sudden restriction of movement

Diagnosis of shoulder pain: How we find the cause

In our specialized shoulder practice, we get to the bottom of your problems. Our shoulder diagnostics are based on:

• Thorough physical examination

• Modern imaging techniques (X-ray, ultrasound, MRI)

• Functional analysis of muscles and joints

Based on the diagnosis, we develop an individually tailored treatment plan for you.

Treatment options: Conservative or surgical?

Many shoulder diseases can be treated conservatively (i.e. without surgery):

• Physiotherapy for stabilization and strengthening

• Drug-based pain therapy

• Injections (e.g. cortisone or hyaluronic acid)

• Physiotherapy with a focus on shoulder and neck

When conservative measures are insufficient, we rely on minimally invasive surgical techniques . These enable rapid recovery in:

• Rotator cuff tear

• Shoulder instability

• Severe impingement

• Osteoarthritis in the acromioclavicular joint

More on the topic: Shoulder surgery – when is it necessary?

Prevention: How to effectively prevent shoulder problems

Many shoulder pains can be avoided if you pay attention to correct posture and movement early on:

• Regular strengthening exercises for the shoulder muscles

• Avoiding one-sided strain

• Proper warm-up before exercise

• Ergonomic working while sitting

• Early reaction at the first signs of symptoms

Conclusion: Your shoulder – a key to mobility and quality of life

The shoulder enables us to live an active and independent life – whether at work, in everyday life, or during sports. If you suffer from shoulder problems , a quick, precise diagnosis is crucial. Our practice specializes in shoulder medicine and will guide you back to freedom from symptoms with expertise and empathy.

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