TL;DR Quick answer
Persistent shoulder pain and stiffness that limits lifting, reaching and sleep. A pain specialist can confirm the cause and plan treatment, with non-surgical options considered first, such as medication management, physiotherapy-led rehabilitation and image-guided injections.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala — Consultant Pain Physician View full profile →
About shoulder pain
Long-standing shoulder pain often comes from the rotator cuff tendons, the joint capsule or arthritis. Pain may spread down the upper arm and is often worse at night.
| Key facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Common symptoms | Pain when lifting the arm or reaching overhead; night pain, especially lying on the affected side; stiffness and reduced movement |
| Common causes | Rotator cuff tendinopathy or tears; frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis); shoulder arthritis |
| How it is diagnosed | Diagnosis is based on your history and a focused examination, with imaging or tests only when they will guide treatment. |
| When to get help | Seek urgent care after a fall with sudden loss of arm movement, or if pain comes with fever, chest pain or breathlessness |
| Treatment options | Medication Management, Physiotherapy-Led Rehabilitation, Image-Guided Injections, Lifestyle and Sleep Guidance |
| Who to see | Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala, Consultant Pain Physician |
Symptoms
- Pain when lifting the arm or reaching overhead
- Night pain, especially lying on the affected side
- Stiffness and reduced movement
- Weakness when lifting
Causes
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy or tears
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Shoulder arthritis
- Pain referred from the neck
How it is diagnosed
Diagnosis is based on your history and a focused examination, with imaging or tests only when they will guide treatment.
Treatment options
Treatment is tailored to the cause and may include medication review, rehabilitation, and image-guided procedures for selected patients.
When to seek help
Seek urgent care after a fall with sudden loss of arm movement, or if pain comes with fever, chest pain or breathlessness.
| Option | Type | What it involves | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medication Management | Treatment | A careful review of pain medicines to improve relief and reduce side effects. | Ongoing / varies |
| Physiotherapy-Led Rehabilitation | Treatment | Guided exercise and movement to restore strength, flexibility and confidence. | Ongoing / varies |
| Image-Guided Injections | Treatment | Precise injections using X-ray or ultrasound guidance to target the source of pain. | 15–45 minutes |
| Lifestyle and Sleep Guidance | Treatment | Practical changes to sleep, activity and daily routine that support pain relief. | Ongoing / varies |
This page is for general information. Whether a treatment is suitable for you is decided after an individual consultation.