Shoulder Pain Diagnosis 101: Why Your Shoulder Hurts & How to Fix It
Shoulder pain is one of the most common reasons patients visit our clinics. Because the shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body, its complexity makes it susceptible to a wide range of injuries—from sports-related tears to desk-posture strain.
If you are looking for expert physiotherapy in Hong Kong, this guide will help you identify the potential cause of your discomfort and when it’s time to seek professional help.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
Most shoulder issues treated at ProHealth Asia fall into four main categories. Identifying your symptoms is the first step toward recovery.
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis or Tears
This is the most frequent cause of shoulder pain. It often results from repetitive overhead motions or acute injury.
The Feeling: A dull ache deep in the shoulder or pain when reaching overhead.
Shoulder Impingement
This occurs when the top of the shoulder blade puts pressure on the underlying soft tissues when the arm is lifted.
The Feeling: Sharp pain when lifting the arm out to the side or reaching for a seatbelt.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
This condition involves stiffness and pain that makes it nearly impossible to move the shoulder.
The Feeling: Significant loss of range of motion.
Shoulder Instability
Often seen in younger athletes, this happens when the humerus (upper arm bone) is forced out of the socket.
The Feeling: A sensation that the joint is "slipping" or "popping out."
At-Home Symptom Checker
While a formal diagnosis requires a clinical assessment, you can track your symptoms using this table to share with your physiotherapist:
1. Pain at Night or Difficulty Sleeping on Your Side
If you find yourself waking up when you roll onto your shoulder, or if the ache becomes sharper the moment you lie down, this is a classic sign of Rotator Cuff Tendonitis or Subacromial Bursitis (inflammation of the fluid-filled sac in the joint).
2. Inability to Lift the Arm (Total Stiffness)
When the shoulder feels "stuck" and you cannot lift your arm even with the help of your other hand, you are likely experiencing Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis). This involves the thickening of the joint capsule.
3. Pain Radiating from the Shoulder into the Neck or Hand
If your shoulder pain is accompanied by a "pins and needles" sensation, numbness, or a shooting pain that travels toward your neck or down to your fingers, the root cause may actually be in your spine. This is often Cervical Radiculopathy (a pinched nerve in the neck).
4. Grinding, Clicking, or Morning Stiffness
A "crunching" sensation (known as crepitus) during movement, combined with stiffness that feels better after a hot shower or light movement, is a common indicator of Shoulder Osteoarthritis. This is the gradual wearing down of the protective cartilage.
5. Sensation of the Joint "Slipping"
If your shoulder feels loose or like it is about to "pop out" during certain movements (like throwing a ball), you may have Shoulder Instability or a Labral Tear. This is common in athletes and people with hypermobility.
When to See a Physiotherapist
Not all shoulder pain can be managed with rest. You should book a consultation at ProHealth Asia if you experience:
Pain that persists for more than two weeks despite rest.
Inability to carry everyday objects (like grocery bags).
Visible swelling or a "dropped" shoulder appearance.
Numbness or tingling traveling down the arm.
Note: If shoulder pain is accompanied by chest tightness or shortness of breath, seek emergency medical care immediately as this can be a sign of a cardiac event.
Professional Diagnosis and Treatment
At ProHealth Asia, we don’t just treat the symptoms; we find the root cause. A typical diagnostic session includes:
Biomechanical Assessment: Analyzing how your shoulder, neck, and mid-back work together.
Specialized Testing: Orthopedic tests to isolate specific tendons or ligaments.
Tailored Recovery Plan: This may include a combination of dry needling, manual therapy, and clinical Pilates for long-term prevention.
Get Back to Pain-Free Movement
Don't let shoulder pain limit your lifestyle or athletic performance. Our team of international experts at ProHealth Asia (Hong Kong) is dedicated to helping you achieve a fast and lasting recovery.
