Skip to main content
Medicine LibreTexts

4.14: Shoulder Pain

  1. Last updated
  2. Save as PDF
  • Page ID
    59141

    • \( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)

    \( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)

    \( \newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)

    ( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\)

    \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\)

    \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\)

    \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\)

    \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\)

    \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\)

    \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\)

    \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorA}[1]{\vec{#1}}      % arrow\)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorAt}[1]{\vec{\text{#1}}}      % arrow\)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorB}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorC}[1]{\textbf{#1}} \)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorD}[1]{\overrightarrow{#1}} \)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorDt}[1]{\overrightarrow{\text{#1}}} \)

    \( \newcommand{\vectE}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash{\mathbf {#1}}}} \)

    \( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)

    \( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)

    \(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)

    The rotator cuff is a group of tendons that holds the shoulder joint in place allowing people to lift their arm and reach overhead. Rotator cuff related shoulder pain is a term that encompasses a spectrum of conditions including subacromial pain syndrome, rotator cuff tendinopathy, and symptomatic partial and full thickness rotator cuff tears (Lewis, 2016).

    Pathophysiology

    Rotator Cuff Related Shoulder Pain

    In some cases of rotator cuff disorders pathoanatomical explanations do not account for why pain persists, which is why it is important to take into account patient-specific assessment findings and psychosocial factors (Wylie et al., 2016; Wong et al., 2020). In other cases, pathological changes (e.g., fibrosis, interstitial collagen deposition, and inflammatory cells) may be associated with sensorimotor declines, and symptomatic rotator cuff disorders (Fouda et al., 2017).

    Frozen Shoulder

    Frozen shoulder also known as “Adhesive Capsulitis” is classified as idiopathic (primary) or following shoulder surgery or trauma (secondary). Traditionally it has been taught that regardless of therapeutic intervention the affected shoulder will eventually improve or “thaw out”. This long held idea of complete resolution without treatment for frozen shoulder is unfounded. In most cases an understanding of the pathophysiology of frozen shoulder will lead to improved treatment outcomes, reduced pain and suffering associated with the condition (Wong et al., 2017).

    The progression of the frozen shoulder is a complicated process, involving a cascade of molecular and cellular events. Connective tissue fibrosis and storage of leukocytes and chronic inflammatory cells is thought to play a fundamental role. Ongoing inflammation feeds into a cycle and upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine production, namely transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β). This may be further perpetuated by sympathetic dominance of autonomic balance, and neuro-immune activation (Pietrzak, 2016).

    Clinical Examination

    A thorough health history intake can be done to gather information about patients’ limitations, course of pain, and prognostic factors for delayed recovery (e.g., low self-efficacy, fear of movement, ineffective coping strategies, fear-avoidance, pain catastrophizing) and answers to health-related questions. Screen patients to identify those with a higher likelihood of serious pathology/red flag conditions. Then undertake a physical examination: neurological screening test, assess mobility and/or muscle strength.

    Outcome Measurements

    Incorporate one or more of the following outcome measurements when assessing and monitoring patient progress:

    • Self-Rated Recovery Question
    • Patient-specific Functional Scale
    • DASH Outcome Measure
    • Upper Extremity Functional Index
    • Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) Index

    Neurovascular Assessment

    Medial axillary space – The Axillary space is bounded by teres major muscle, teres minor muscle and humerus. The long head of triceps brachii splits this area into medial and lateral groups. Scapular circumflex artery and scapular circumflex vein pass through it.

    Lateral axillary space – The axillary nerve and posterior circumflex humeral artery can be irritated by soft tissue structures. Symptoms include axillary nerve related weakness of the deltoid muscle, resulting in a reduction in shoulder abduction. The pain from axillary neuropathy is usually dull and aching rather than sharp and increases with increasing range of motion. Many people notice only mild pain but considerable weakness when they try to use the affected shoulder.

    Triangular interval – The radial nerve and profunda brachii artery pass through the triangular interval, on route to the posterior compartment of the arm. The triceps brachii has potential to irritate the radial nerve in the triangular interval.

    Drag and Drop: Anatomy Review

    clipboard_e7b6aa4ba4dab10ae74a2edf9582bfad6.png

    Physical Examination

    Incorporate one or more of the following physical examination tools and interpret examination results in the context of all clinical exam findings.

    • Apprehension Test (Crank Test)
    • Hawkins Kennedy Impingement Test
    • Acromioclavicular Shear Test
    • Speed’s Test
    • Yergason’s Test
    • Supraspinatus Test (Empty Can Test)
    • Drop Arm Test (Codman’s Test)
    • Apley’s Scratch Test
    • Sulcus Sign Test
    • Neer’s Test
    • Roo’s Test (EAST)
    • Slap Lesion Cluster
    • Load & Shift – Anterior
    • Scapular Retraction
    • AC Crossbody Adduction Test (Acromioclavicular Crossover)
    • Posterior Capsule Tightness
    • Serratus Anterior Strength Test (Punch Out)
    • Jerk Test (Posteroinferior Labral Tear)
    • Scapular Load Test
    • O’Brien Test (Active Compression Test)
    • Lift-off Sign
    • Belly Press Test
    • Painful Arc Test

    Jeremy Lewis: Rotator Cuff Shoulder Pain – Exercise is as effective as surgery

    Treatment

    Education

    Provide reassurance and patient education on condition and management options and encourage the use of active approaches (lifestyle, physical activity) to help manage symptoms.

    Manual Therapy

    A massage therapy treatment plan should be implemented based on patient-specific assessment findings and patient tolerance. Structures to keep in mind while assessing and treating patients suffering from shoulder pain may include neurovascular structures and investing fascia of:

    • Rotator Cuff (subscapularis, infraspinatus, teres minor, supraspinatus)
    • Pectoral Region (pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, serratus anterior and subclavius)
    • The Upper Arm (biceps brachii, brachialis, coracobrachialis, triceps brachii)
    • Deltoid Muscle Group (anterior, middle, posterior)
    • Erector Spinae (iliocostalis, longissimus, spinalis) & Multifidus
    • External Obliques, Internal Obliques, and Transverse Abdominal
    • Thoracolumbar Fascia, Latissimus Dorsi and Teres Major
    • Quadratus Lumborum

    Self-Management Strategies

    Massage therapists not only provide hands-on treatment they can also develop self-management programs to help patients manage symptoms. Simple home-care recommendations such as stretching and strengthening exercises may be useful for people with shoulder pain.

    Prognosis

    Prognosis is favorable when therapists use a multidisciplinary approach to treatments. Exercise is the mainstay of treatment; a strong recommendation may be made regarding the effectiveness of manual therapy when combined with exercise for subacromial shoulder pain (Pieters et al., 2020). Several systematic reviews support the use of exercise and manual therapy for the treatment of shoulder pain (Hawk et al., 2017; Steuri et al., 2017).

    Massage Therapeutics: How to treat frozen shoulder: Massage video with Maria Natera

    Key Takeaways

    Contemporary multimodal massage therapists are uniquely suited to incorporate a number of rehabilitation strategies for acute and chronic shoulder pain based on patient-specific assessment findings including, but not limited to:

    • Manual Therapy (soft tissue massage, neural mobilization, joint mobilization)
    • Education that is Person-Centered (e.g., biopsychosocial model of health and disease, self-efficacy beliefs, active coping strategies)
    • Stretching & Loading Programs (e.g., concentric, eccentric, isometric exercises)
    • Hydrotherapy (hot & cold)
    • Self-Management Strategies (e.g., engaging in physical activity and exercise, social activities, and healthy sleep habits)

    References and Sources

    Alsubheen, S. A., Nazari, G., Bobos, P., MacDermid, J. C., Overend, T. J., & Faber, K. (2019). Effectiveness of Nonsurgical Interventions for Managing Adhesive Capsulitis in Patients With Diabetes: A Systematic Review. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 100(2), 350–365. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2018.08.181

    Bailey, L. B., Thigpen, C. A., Hawkins, R. J., Beattie, P. F., & Shanley, E. (2017). Effectiveness of Manual Therapy and Stretching for Baseball Players With Shoulder Range of Motion Deficits. Sports health, 9(3), 230–237. doi:10.1177/1941738117702835

    Beard, D. J., Rees, J. L., Cook, J. A., Rombach, I., Cooper, C., Merritt, N., … CSAW Study Group (2018). Arthroscopic subacromial decompression for subacromial shoulder pain (CSAW): a multicentre, pragmatic, parallel group, placebo-controlled, three-group, randomised surgical trial. Lancet (London, England), 391(10118), 329–338. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(17)32457-1

    Cools, A. M., Maenhout, A. G., Vanderstukken, F., Declève, P., Johansson, F. R., & Borms, D. (2020). The challenge of the sporting shoulder: from injury prevention through sport-specific rehabilitation toward return to play. Annals of physical and rehabilitation medicine, S1877-0657(20)30082-8. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rehab.2020.03.009

    Dueñas, L., Balasch-Bernat, M., Aguilar-Rodríguez, M., Struyf, F., Meeus, M., & Lluch, E. (2019). A Manual Therapy and Home Stretching Program in Patients With Primary Frozen Shoulder Contracture Syndrome: A Case Series. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 49(3), 192–201. doi:10.2519/jospt.2019.8194

    Fouda, M. B., Thankam, F. G., Dilisio, M. F., & Agrawal, D. K. (2017). Alterations in tendon microenvironment in response to mechanical load: potential molecular targets for treatment strategies. American journal of translational research, 9(10), 4341–4360.

    Funk, L. (2018). Shoulder Rehabilitation: A Comprehensive Guide To Shoulder Exercise Therapy (4th ed). Shoulderdoc.co.uk.

    Gismervik, S. Ø., Drogset, J. O., Granviken, F., Rø, M., & Leivseth, G. (2017). Physical examination tests of the shoulder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic test performance. BMC musculoskeletal disorders, 18(1), 41. doi:10.1186/s12891-017-1400-0

    Greening, J., Anantharaman, K., Young, R., & Dilley, A. (2018). Evidence for Increased Magnetic Resonance Imaging Signal Intensity and Morphological Changes in the Brachial Plexus and Median Nerves of Patients With Chronic Arm and Neck Pain Following Whiplash Injury. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 48(7), 523–532. doi:10.2519/jospt.2018.7875

    Hawk, C., Minkalis, A. L., Khorsan, R., Daniels, C. J., Homack, D., Gliedt, J. A., … Bhalerao, S. (2017). Systematic Review of Nondrug, Nonsurgical Treatment of Shoulder Conditions. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 40(5), 293–319. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2017.04.001

    Hegedus, E. J., Goode, A. P., Cook, C. E., Michener, L., Myer, C. A., Myer, D. M., & Wright, A. A. (2012). Which physical examination tests provide clinicians with the most value when examining the shoulder? Update of a systematic review with meta-analysis of individual tests. British journal of sports medicine, 46(14), 964–978. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2012-091066

    Hegedus, E. J., Michener, L. A., & Seitz, A. L. (2020). Three Key Findings When Diagnosing Shoulder Multidirectional Instability: Patient Report of Instability, Hypermobility, and Specific Shoulder Tests. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 50(2), 52–54. doi:10.2519/jospt.2020.0602

    Karjalainen, T. V., Jain, N. B., Heikkinen, J., Johnston, R. V., Page, C. M., & Buchbinder, R. (2019). Surgery for rotator cuff tears. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 12, CD013502.doi:10.1002/14651858.CD013502

    Lähdeoja, T., Karjalainen, T., Jokihaara, J., Salamh, P., Kavaja, L., Agarwal, A., Winters, M., Buchbinder, R., Guyatt, G., Vandvik, P. O., & Ardern, C. L. (2020). Subacromial decompression surgery for adults with shoulder pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis. British journal of sports medicine, 54(11), 665–673. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2018-100486

    Le, H. V., Lee, S. J., Nazarian, A., & Rodriguez, E. K. (2017). Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: review of pathophysiology and current clinical treatments. Shoulder & elbow, 9(2), 75–84. doi:10.1177/1758573216676786

    Lewis, J. (2016). Rotator cuff related shoulder pain: Assessment, management and uncertainties. Manual therapy, 23, 57–68. doi:10.1016/j.math.2016.03.009

    Meehan, K., Wassinger, C., Roy, J. S., & Sole, G. (2020). Seven Key Themes in Physical Therapy Advice for Patients Living With Subacromial Shoulder Pain: A Scoping Review. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 50(6), 285–a12. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2020.9152

    Park, S. W., Chen, Y. T., Thompson, L., Kjoenoe, A., Juul-Kristensen, B., Cavalheri, V., & McKenna, L. (2020). No relationship between the acromiohumeral distance and pain in adults with subacromial pain syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Scientific reports, 10(1), 20611. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-76704-z

    Paavola, M., Kanto, K., Ranstam, J., Malmivaara, A., Inkinen, J., Kalske, J., Savolainen, V., Sinisaari, I., Taimela, S., Järvinen, T. L., & Finnish Shoulder Impingement Arthroscopy Controlled Trial (FIMPACT) Investigators (2020). Subacromial decompression versus diagnostic arthroscopy for shoulder impingement: a 5-year follow-up of a randomised, placebo surgery controlled clinical trial. British journal of sports medicine, bjsports-2020-102216. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2020-102216

    Pieters, L., Lewis, J., Kuppens, K., Jochems, J., Bruijstens, T., Joossens, L., & Struyf, F. (2020). An Update of Systematic Reviews Examining the Effectiveness of Conservative Physical Therapy Interventions for Subacromial Shoulder Pain. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 50(3), 131–141. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2020.8498

    Pietrzak, M. (2016). Adhesive capsulitis: An age related symptom of metabolic syndrome and chronic low-grade inflammation?. Medical hypotheses, 88, 12–17. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2016.01.002

    Richardson, E., Lewis, J. S., Gibson, J., Morgan, C., Halaki, M., Ginn, K., & Yeowell, G. (2020). Role of the kinetic chain in shoulder rehabilitation: does incorporating the trunk and lower limb into shoulder exercise regimes influence shoulder muscle recruitment patterns? Systematic review of electromyography studies. BMJ open sport & exercise medicine, 6(1), e000683. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2019-000683

    Salamh, P., & Lewis, J. (2020). It Is Time to Put Special Tests for Rotator Cuff-Related Shoulder Pain out to Pasture. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 50(5), 222–225. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2020.0606

    Strauss, E. J., Kingery, M. T., Klein, D., & Manjunath, A. K. (2020). The Evaluation and Management of Suprascapular Neuropathy. The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 28(15), 617–627. https://doi.org/10.5435/JAAOS-D-19-00526

    Steuri, R., Sattelmayer, M., Elsig, S., Kolly, C., Tal, A., Taeymans, J., & Hilfiker, R. (2017). Effectiveness of conservative interventions including exercise, manual therapy and medical management in adults with shoulder impingement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs. British journal of sports medicine, 51(18), 1340–1347. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2016-096515

    Struyf, F., Tate, A., Kuppens, K., Feijen, S., & Michener, L. A. (2017). Musculoskeletal dysfunctions associated with swimmers’ shoulder. British journal of sports medicine, 51(10), 775–780. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2016-096847

    Weber, S., & Chahal, J. (2020). Management of Rotator Cuff Injuries. The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 28(5), e193–e201. https://doi.org/10.5435/JAAOS-D-19-00463

    Weiss, L. J., Wang, D., Hendel, M., Buzzerio, P., & Rodeo, S. A. (2018). Management of Rotator Cuff Injuries in the Elite Athlete. Current reviews in musculoskeletal medicine, 11(1), 102–112. doi:10.1007/s12178-018-9464-5

    Wong, C. K., Levine, W. N., Deo, K., Kesting, R. S., Mercer, E. A., Schram, G. A., & Strang, B. L. (2017). Natural history of frozen shoulder: fact or fiction? A systematic review. Physiotherapy, 103(1), 40–47. doi:10.1016/j.physio.2016.05.009

    Wong, W. K., Li, M. Y., Yung, P. S., & Leong, H. T. (2020). The effect of psychological factors on pain, function and quality of life in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy: A systematic review. Musculoskeletal science & practice, 47, 102173. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2020.102173

    Wylie, J. D., Suter, T., Potter, M. Q., Granger, E. K., & Tashjian, R. Z. (2016). Mental Health Has a Stronger Association with Patient-Reported Shoulder Pain and Function Than Tear Size in Patients with Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears. The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume, 98(4), 251–256. doi:10.2106/JBJS.O.00444

    This page titled 4.14: Shoulder Pain is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Richard Lebert (eCampus Ontario) via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.