Shoulder Pain – What Could Be the Problem?

Each year, around 31% of the population experiences shoulder pain. About 60% of those affected are women. Factors that may hinder recovery include overuse (e.g. overhead work), associated neck problems, stress, and a sedentary lifestyle.

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

In most cases, shoulder pain results from acute or chronic overload of tissues such as tendons, bursae, the shoulder capsule, or nearby joints. Neck issues can also radiate pain to the shoulder. Around 80% of shoulder problems involve the tendons or bursae.

Common Patterns in Shoulder Pain

1. Limited External Rotation

The patient is unable to rotate the shoulder outward, even when relaxed. This limitation is often caused by inflammation of the shoulder capsule (e.g. frozen shoulder), or possibly osteoarthritis.

2. Pain When Lifting the Arm Sideways

Pain occurs during a certain range while lifting the arm sideways, but may ease when raising the arm higher. This typically indicates issues with the subacromial tendons or bursae.

3. Pain at the End of the Movement

When all shoulder movements are possible but painful at the end range, the cause may differ by age. In younger patients, joint instability may be the issue. In middle-aged individuals, the problem may lie in the AC joint (where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade).

Shoulder Pain Diagnosis and Treatment

Ultrasound imaging allows us to assess the condition of the shoulder structures more accurately. This helps determine whether physiotherapy is the right approach.

Most shoulder complaints can be effectively treated by general practitioners and physiotherapists. At Fysiotherapie Middenweg in Amsterdam East, we use advanced ultrasound technology and have extensive experience in shoulder diagnostics.

Age-Related Changes and Shoulder Pain

As we age, imaging often reveals abnormalities (on ultrasound, X-ray, or MRI) that are not necessarily painful. These are normal degenerative changes. Whether someone experiences pain depends on various factors such as chronic overload, genetics, poor movement patterns, and individual pain perception.

If you’re experiencing shoulder pain and are looking for expert diagnosis and personalized treatment in Amsterdam East, we’re here to help.