In brief: Three common shoulder problems cause similar pain but have distinguishing features: loss of strength, pain at a specific angle, and restriction of movement in all directions.
Distinguishing Features in Brief
- Rotator cuff tear: Loss of strength when raising the arm predominates; night pain is common.
- Impingement syndrome: Pain increases when the arm is raised to a particular angle and may ease beyond it.
- Frozen shoulder: Movement is restricted not only actively but also when someone else moves the arm.
Why Are They Confused?
All three cause pain over the front and outer shoulder, and night pain with inability to lie on that side is common to all. The distinction is made with specific examination tests and, where needed, ultrasound or MRI.
The Shared First Step of Treatment
The first step is usually similar in all three: pain control, an appropriate exercise programme and activity modification. The paths diverge when there is no response — repair for a tear, decompression for impingement, and capsular treatment for frozen shoulder.
Simple Observations You Can Make Yourself
- When you lift your arm with your other hand, does it move up comfortably? If not, frozen shoulder becomes more likely.
- Does it hurt within a specific arc as you raise the arm sideways? This suggests impingement.
- Do you feel weakness when lifting a cup? This brings a tendon problem to mind.
These observations do not establish a diagnosis; they simply enrich the information you can give your physician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which imaging is required for shoulder pain?
Radiography shows the bony structures, while ultrasound and MRI show tendons and the capsule. Which is needed is decided on the basis of examination findings.
Won't exercise increase pain in frozen shoulder?
Regular stretching within the limits of pain is the cornerstone of recovery. Complete immobility is as harmful as over-forcing.
Is a steroid injection harmful for the shoulder?
Used for the right indication and in limited numbers, it can be helpful. The decision on frequency and necessity should be made by the physician.
Related Pages
This article provides general health information and does not replace an in-person medical examination. Diagnosis and treatment require a physician’s clinical assessment. Outcomes may vary from person to person.