Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is one of the most common conditions we see in our Denver office. Often stemming from the neck, shoulder pain affects a large percentage of the population, and it has a number of potential causes. At Denver Physical Medicine & Rehab, our goal is to do more than temporarily ease your pain. Through a variety of treatments and techniques, we aim to cure the underlying cause of your shoulder pain to provide long-term relief.

Shoulder pain can result from various factors, some more easily identifiable than others. Common causes include accidents, injuries, repetitive stress, and underlying health conditions. Here’s a breakdown of potential causes:

Injuries and Accidents

• Rotator cuff tears
• Shoulder dislocation
• Fractures (from falls, sports injuries, or car accidents)
• Strains and sprains from physical activities

Repetitive Stress and Overexertion

• Lifting heavy objects improperly
• Repetitive motions in sports (e.g., swimming, tennis, baseball)
• Occupational tasks involving overhead movements
• Prolonged poor posture, such as slouching while sitting

Aging and Degeneration

• Arthritis (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis)
• Tendinitis (inflammation of the tendons)
• Bursitis (inflammation of the bursae)
• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)

Physical and Emotional Stress

• Muscle tension caused by stress and anxiety
• Overuse of shoulder muscles due to emotional strain

Underlying Conditions

• Herniated or bulging discs in the neck or spine, causing referred shoulder pain
• Nerve impingement or pinched nerves
• Inflammatory conditions (such as tendon inflammation or infections)

Identifying the source of your shoulder pain is the first step toward effective treatment and long-term relief.

Minor cases of shoulder pain that clear up on their own within a day or two are typically of no major concern and do not require medical treatment. However, if you are experiencing severe or recurring shoulder pain, or if the pain is radiating to other areas of your body, you should seek medical attention right away. It is also wise to seek treatment for any type of shoulder pain that you experience as the result of an auto accident.

When you choose Denver Physical Medicine & Rehab for your Denver shoulder pain treatment, we will work with you to determine the exact cause of your pain and formulate a plan that will treat the underlying issue so you can get back to living your life as you did before the pain started. We take a multidisciplinary approach to treating pain, and your treatment plan may include pain management treatment with our medical staff, Stem cell therapy, joint injections, manual therapies, Denver physical therapy and other services. Schedule your free consultation today.