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Shoulder pain
Shoulder pain is common and can affect people of any age. It may be caused by an injury, overuse, poor posture, or a problem in the shoulder joint, muscles, tendons, or nearby nerves.
In many cases, shoulder pain gets better with rest and simple self-care. But sometimes it can be a sign of something that needs medical assessment.
Common causes
Shoulder pain can happen after lifting something heavy, falling, or twisting the arm awkwardly. Sports injuries and repetitive movements at work can also strain the shoulder.
Other common causes include frozen shoulder, rotator cuff problems, arthritis, and inflammation of the tendons. Pain can also spread to the shoulder from the neck or upper back.
What you can do at home
If the pain is mild, try to keep the shoulder moving gently to avoid stiffness. Rest it from activities that make it worse, but avoid complete immobility for too long.
You may find an ice pack helpful in the first couple of days after an injury. After that, heat packs can sometimes ease tight muscles. Simple painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may help if you can take them safely.
When to get medical advice
You should contact your GP if shoulder pain is severe, keeps coming back, or does not improve after a few weeks. It is also a good idea to seek advice if you cannot use your arm normally.
Get urgent medical help if the shoulder pain started after a serious injury, if the joint looks deformed, or if you have numbness, weakness, or swelling. Seek immediate help if you also have chest pain, shortness of breath, or feel unwell.
Treatment and recovery
Treatment depends on the cause of the pain. Your GP may recommend pain relief, exercises, physiotherapy, or further tests if needed.
Some shoulder problems improve with time, while others need longer-term treatment. Following any exercises or advice from a healthcare professional can help reduce pain and improve movement.
Prevention
Keeping active and maintaining good posture may help prevent some shoulder problems. It can also help to warm up before exercise and avoid sudden increases in activity.
If you do repetitive tasks, try to take regular breaks and vary your movements. Using the correct technique when lifting or carrying can also reduce strain on the shoulder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shoulder pain NHS treatment refers to assessment and treatment provided through the NHS for pain, stiffness, or loss of movement in the shoulder. It is usually recommended when symptoms do not improve with rest and self-care, when pain is severe, when function is limited, or when there may be an injury, inflammation, or another medical cause that needs medical review.
You can usually start by contacting your GP, who can assess your symptoms and recommend the right shoulder pain NHS treatment pathway. Depending on the cause and severity, you may be offered self-care advice, medication, physiotherapy, imaging, or referral to a specialist.
In many cases, yes, a GP referral is the usual route for shoulder pain NHS treatment, especially for physiotherapy or hospital specialist care. Some areas may allow direct access to physiotherapy services, but this depends on local NHS arrangements.
You should seek urgent shoulder pain NHS treatment if the pain follows a serious injury, if the shoulder looks deformed, if you cannot move the arm, if there is severe swelling, numbness, weakness, fever, or if chest pain or shortness of breath is present. These could indicate a more serious problem needing urgent assessment.
Common shoulder pain NHS treatment options include pain relief medicines, advice on activity modification, physiotherapy, exercise programmes, ice or heat, and in some cases steroid injections or referral for further investigation. The exact treatment depends on the diagnosis and how severe the symptoms are.
Yes, physiotherapy is a common part of shoulder pain NHS treatment. A physiotherapist may assess your shoulder, show you exercises to improve strength and movement, and advise how to reduce strain while recovering.
Yes, pain relief medication may be offered as part of shoulder pain NHS treatment. This may include paracetamol, anti-inflammatory medicines, or other medicines if appropriate. A clinician will consider your medical history and any risks before recommending treatment.
The time it takes for shoulder pain NHS treatment to work depends on the cause. Mild problems may improve over days or weeks, while conditions such as frozen shoulder or rotator cuff injuries can take several weeks or months. Following exercises and advice consistently often helps recovery.
Yes, scans or X-rays may be part of shoulder pain NHS treatment if a clinician thinks they are needed. Imaging is usually considered when there has been an injury, symptoms are severe, movement is very limited, or the diagnosis is unclear after examination.
Most shoulder pain NHS treatment does not require surgery. Surgery is usually only considered if symptoms are severe, long-lasting, or caused by a problem that is unlikely to improve with non-surgical treatment. A specialist would assess whether surgery is appropriate.
Yes, in some parts of the NHS you may be able to self-refer for shoulder pain NHS treatment, especially for physiotherapy. Availability varies by location, so check with your local NHS services or GP surgery to see what options are offered.
While waiting for shoulder pain NHS treatment, you can usually rest the shoulder from heavy activity, keep it gently moving within comfort, use pain relief if suitable, and avoid positions that worsen pain. If symptoms become worse or new warning signs appear, seek medical advice promptly.
Yes, frozen shoulder is commonly managed through shoulder pain NHS treatment. Treatment may include pain relief, physiotherapy, exercises, and sometimes specialist referral. Recovery can be slow, but many people improve over time with appropriate support.
Yes, shoulder pain NHS treatment can be used for sports injuries such as strains, sprains, rotator cuff problems, or dislocations. A clinician will assess the injury and recommend the right treatment, which may include rest, physiotherapy, imaging, or referral if needed.
Steroid injections can sometimes be part of shoulder pain NHS treatment, especially for inflammation or certain shoulder conditions. They are not suitable for everyone, and a clinician will decide whether an injection is appropriate based on your symptoms and diagnosis.
Recovery time after shoulder pain NHS treatment for rotator cuff problems varies depending on whether the tendon is irritated, partially torn, or severely damaged. Mild cases may improve with physiotherapy and time, while more serious injuries can take months and may need specialist care.
Yes, shoulder pain NHS treatment can help if arthritis is causing symptoms. Treatment may include pain relief, exercise, physiotherapy, activity advice, and sometimes injections or referral to a specialist if pain and stiffness remain severe.
For shoulder pain NHS treatment appointments, bring a list of your symptoms, when they started, what makes them better or worse, any medicines you take, and details of any injury or previous shoulder problems. This helps the clinician assess your condition more accurately.
Yes, shoulder pain NHS treatment can be provided for long-term shoulder pain. Ongoing symptoms may need a full assessment to identify the cause and may be managed with exercise, pain relief, physiotherapy, and sometimes specialist referral.
Shoulder pain NHS treatment is appropriate if your symptoms are affecting daily activities, not improving, or if you have signs that need medical assessment. A GP or physiotherapist can examine you, consider the likely cause, and recommend the most suitable treatment plan.
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