Shoulder pain and frozen shoulder at a Glance
Most common causes
- Frozen shoulder
- Rotator cuff strain or injury
- Overuse
- Arthritis
- Injury or fall
When to seek medical attention
- Severe pain after a fall
- Inability to lift the arm
- Visible deformity
- Pain with numbness down the arm
- Pain and stiffness that keep worsening
Specialist: Dr Rahul K Damani · Orthopedics
What is Shoulder pain and frozen shoulder?
The shoulder is the body's most mobile joint, which also makes it prone to pain and stiffness. Common causes include frozen shoulder (where the joint becomes painful and stiff), strain or injury of the surrounding tendons, overuse, and arthritis. Shoulder problems can make simple tasks — reaching, dressing, sleeping on one side — difficult. Most respond well to treatment, especially when started early, so persistent shoulder pain is worth evaluating rather than ignoring.
Common Causes
Frozen Shoulder
- • Gradual stiffness
- • Pain at night
- • Difficulty raising the arm
- • More common with diabetes and middle age
Rotator Cuff Strain/Injury
- • Pain when lifting
- • Weakness
- • Worse with overhead activity
Overuse
- • Pain after repetitive activity
- • Tenderness
- • Improves with rest
Arthritis / Injury
- • Stiffness
- • Pain with movement
- • Pain after a fall
Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored
- ▸ Severe pain or deformity after a fall or injury
- ▸ Inability to lift or move the arm
- ▸ Numbness or tingling spreading down the arm
- ▸ Sudden weakness in the arm
- ▸ Pain and stiffness that keep getting worse
- ▸ Shoulder pain with chest discomfort (rule out heart causes urgently)
How Doctors Evaluate Shoulder pain and frozen shoulder
Your consultation may include: a history of how the pain started, examination of movement, strength and stability, an X-ray when needed, and an MRI or ultrasound when a tendon or soft-tissue problem is suspected. This guides whether physiotherapy, medication, injection or further treatment is right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shoulder pain and frozen shoulder Care in Guwahati
Patients from GS Road, Dispur, Beltola, Six Mile, Ganeshguri, Ulubari, Chandmari and Khanapara can consult our Orthopedics specialist at Healthwrx. Expert care to restore movement, close to home.
Related Pages
Common Questions
When is shoulder pain an emergency?
Seek urgent care for severe pain or deformity after a fall, inability to move the arm, or shoulder pain with chest discomfort.
Which doctor treats shoulder pain?
An orthopedic specialist diagnoses and treats shoulder pain, frozen shoulder and related conditions.
Can frozen shoulder be cured?
Yes. With the right treatment and exercises, frozen shoulder typically improves and movement is restored.