Shoulder pain is something almost everyone will experience at some point in life. For some, it’s a mild ache after carrying groceries, sleeping awkwardly, or spending long hours at a desk. For others, it’s a sharp, persistent pain that affects daily activities-like lifting a child, reaching overhead, or even turning in bed at night.
As an orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder, elbow, and upper extremity surgery, I see patients every day who are frustrated by shoulder pain. The good news is: most cases can be treated effectively with the right diagnosis and care plan.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through the causes of shoulder pain, how to recognize its symptoms, treatment options (both conservative and surgical), recovery tips, and how you can protect your shoulders in the future. My goal is to help you understand your pain and know when it’s time to seek professional help.
Understanding Your Shoulder Joint
Your shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in your body. It allows you to lift, rotate, push, pull, and perform countless daily movements. This wide range of motion comes from the coordination of:
- Bones: humerus (arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle (collarbone).
- Joints: the glenohumeral joint (ball-and-socket) and the acromioclavicular joint (where clavicle meets scapula).
- Muscles & tendons: especially the rotator cuff, which stabilizes and powers your shoulder.
- Bursa & cartilage: cushions that reduce friction and protect joint surfaces.
Because of this complexity, the shoulder is highly vulnerable to injuries, overuse, and degenerative changes with age. book an appointment
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
1. Rotator Cuff Problems
- Tendonitis: inflammation of the tendons from overuse or repetitive overhead activities.
- Tears: partial or complete damage to the tendon, common in athletes, weightlifters, and people over 50.
- Bursitis: inflammation of the bursa sac, often linked with rotator cuff irritation.
Patients often describe difficulty lifting their arm, pain at night, and weakness.
2. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
This condition causes stiffness and progressive loss of motion. It’s more common in people with diabetes or after prolonged immobilization (e.g., after surgery or injury).
3. Shoulder Arthritis
As cartilage wears away with age or previous injury, the joint becomes stiff and painful. Symptoms include:
- Grinding or clicking sounds.
- Pain at night or with weather changes.
- Decreasing range of motion.
4. Shoulder Instability & Dislocation
This happens when the shoulder partially slips out (subluxation) or completely dislocates. Younger patients and athletes in contact sports are at higher risk.
5. Fractures & Acute Injuries
A fall, accident, or sports injury may lead to fractures of the clavicle, humerus, or scapula. These injuries often cause sudden, severe pain with swelling and bruising.
6. Referred Pain
Not all shoulder pain comes from the shoulder itself. Sometimes it may be a sign of:
- Heart attack (especially left-sided shoulder pain with chest discomfort and shortness of breath).
- Neck problems (herniated discs or nerve compression).
- Lung conditions (rare but possible, e.g., tumors near the lung apex). book an appointment
Symptoms of Shoulder Pain
Patients describe shoulder pain in many different ways, depending on the cause. Some common patterns include:
- Dull, aching pain that worsens at night or after use.
- Sharp or stabbing pain with sudden movements.
- Weakness when lifting the arm.
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds.
- Stiffness or frozen feeling.
- Pain radiating to the neck, arm, or upper back.
If your pain wakes you at night, is persistent beyond a few days, or prevents you from using your arm normally, it’s best to see a specialist. book an appointment
Diagnosis: How We Find the Root Cause
When you visit my clinic, the first step is always a detailed consultation. I’ll ask about:
- When the pain started and what makes it worse.
- Whether you’ve had previous injuries or surgeries.
- Your lifestyle (work, sports, daily activities).
Then, a physical examination checks your range of motion, strength, and stability. Depending on findings, I may recommend:
- X-ray: to see bones, arthritis, or fractures.
- MRI: to evaluate rotator cuff tears, labrum injuries, or soft tissue issues.
- Ultrasound: a quick way to assess tendons and bursitis.
Accurate diagnosis is key—because treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause.
Treatment Options for Shoulder Pain
Non-Surgical (Conservative) Treatments
Most shoulder problems can be managed without surgery, especially in the early stages. These include:
- Rest & Activity Modification
- Avoid repetitive overhead movements.
- Take breaks if your job or sport involves lifting.
- Medications
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen.
- Corticosteroid injections in selected cases to reduce inflammation.
- Physiotherapy
- Exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff and improve posture.
- Stretching routines to restore flexibility in frozen shoulder.
- Focused rehabilitation for athletes.
- Lifestyle Adjustments
- Improving posture (important for desk workers in Dubai/UAE where many sit long hours).
- Ergonomic changes at workstations.
- Weight management to reduce joint stress. book an appointment
Surgical Treatments
If conservative methods fail or the injury is severe, surgery may be necessary. Common procedures I perform include:
- Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
- Shoulder Stabilization Surgery (for recurrent dislocations)
- Shoulder Replacement (Arthroplasty) for advanced arthritis
- Fracture Fixation after trauma
Modern minimally invasive techniques often allow faster recovery and smaller scars.
Recovery & Living with Shoulder Pain
Recovery depends on the condition and treatment, but some general advice includes:
- Post-surgery physiotherapy is crucial.
- Ice packs for swelling and pain relief.
- Gradual return to activity—don’t rush back to sports or gym.
- Sleep tips: rest on your back or the opposite side, support your arm with a pillow.
In Dubai’s active lifestyle—where many enjoy sports like tennis, golf, and gym training—preventing re-injury is just as important as healing.
Preventing Shoulder Pain
While not every shoulder injury can be prevented, you can lower your risk by:
- Warming up and stretching before exercise.
- Avoiding overuse—listen to your body.
- Strengthening rotator cuff and shoulder stabilizer muscles.
- Using proper technique in sports and gym workouts.
- Maintaining good posture at work and during daily activities. book an appointment
FAQs About Shoulder Pain
1. Why does my shoulder pain get worse at night?
Inflammation in the rotator cuff or bursa often worsens when lying down due to pressure and decreased circulation.
2. Can shoulder pain be a sign of a heart problem?
Yes. Left-sided shoulder pain with chest tightness, shortness of breath, or sweating may indicate a heart attack. Seek emergency care immediately.
3. How do I know if I need surgery?
If your pain doesn’t improve with rest, physiotherapy, or medications, or if you have a major tear, fracture, or recurrent dislocation, surgery may be recommended.
4. How long does it take to recover from shoulder surgery?
Recovery varies—arthroscopic repairs may take 3–6 months, while shoulder replacement can take up to a year. Physiotherapy is vital.
5. Can I exercise with shoulder pain?
Light stretching may help, but avoid heavy lifting or overhead activities until you’re evaluated by a doctor.
When to See a Specialist
Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Sudden, severe shoulder pain after injury.
- Pain lasting more than a few days despite rest.
- Pain that interferes with sleep or daily activities.
- Recurrent dislocations or weakness.
- Chest pain or breathing difficulty with shoulder pain (possible heart emergency). book an appointment
About Dr. Usama Saleh
Dr. Usama Saleh is a board-certified orthopedic, trauma, and sports injury surgeon, fellowship-trained in Upper Extremity Surgery from the University of Toronto. With over a decade of experience, he has helped thousands of patients in Dubai, the UAE, and abroad regain mobility, overcome chronic pain, and return to their daily lives with confidence.
Dr. Saleh specializes in arthroscopic surgeries, joint replacements, and complex trauma care, with a special focus on the shoulder, knee, elbow, wrist, and hip. Beyond his surgical expertise, what sets him apart is his patient-first philosophy: he believes in listening, explaining every step clearly, and recommending surgery only when absolutely necessary.
If you are struggling with knee, shoulder, or joint pain, and want a treatment plan tailored to your lifestyle, Dr. Usama Saleh is here to help you every step of the way.
👉 Book your consultation today and take the first step towards pain-free movement with Dr. Usama Saleh.
Conclusion: Caring for Your Shoulders
Your shoulders carry more responsibility than you realize—from lifting and reaching to simple everyday movements. If pain is limiting your quality of life, don’t ignore it. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can make all the difference.
At my clinic, I focus on personalized care—whether through simple lifestyle changes, advanced physiotherapy, or state-of-the-art surgical solutions. Remember, my goal is not just to treat your shoulder, but to help you return to the activities, work, and lifestyle you love.
👉 If you’re struggling with shoulder pain, I encourage you to book an appointment and let’s work together to restore your mobility and comfort.
