The shoulder is one of the body’s most flexible joints, allowing a wide range of motion. But shoulder pain can limit movement and make everyday tasks difficult. Understanding causes, symptoms, and diagnosis is key to effective treatment and faster recovery.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Rotator cuff tendinitis, also called impingement syndrome, happens when shoulder tendons become inflamed or irritated. This condition often develops from repetitive shoulder use, poor posture, or sleeping on one side. Athletes who use overhead motions—such as swimmers, tennis players, and baseball pitchers—are more likely to develop this condition. It is commonly called swimmer’s shoulder, pitcher’s shoulder, or tennis shoulder.

Referred shoulder pain occurs when pain in the shoulder originates from another part of the body, such as the neck or biceps. This type of pain usually does not worsen with shoulder movement.

Other causes of shoulder pain include arthritis in the shoulder joint, torn cartilage or rotator cuff injuries, bursitis (inflammation of the bursa sac), and bone spurs.

Symptoms of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can present as persistent aching or sharp pain, reduced range of motion, swelling or tenderness, and discomfort during specific movements.

How Shoulder Pain is Diagnosed

Diagnosis begins with a physical examination and a review of your medical history. Your doctor may also order imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans. Early diagnosis helps prevent the condition from worsening and ensures proper treatment.

Treatment and Care

At Health Plus Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Center in Edison, NJ, our certified therapists focus on identifying the root cause of shoulder pain. We develop personalized treatment plans that include targeted physical therapy, strengthening exercises, and patient education to restore mobility and reduce pain.

Schedule Your Appointment with Health Plus Physical Therapy

At Health Plus PT, we help patients understand shoulder pain—its causes, symptoms, and diagnosis. From rotator cuff injuries to impingement, our expert team provides personalized care to relieve pain and restore movement. Many patients notice early improvement, helping them return to daily activities without discomfort.

Contact us today to get started and book your appointment!