Shoulder pain
What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your health care provider will perform a physical examination, including a detailed examination of the shoulder, and ask questions such as.

  • Does the pain affect one or both shoulders?
  • Does your pain travel from the shoulder to other joints?
  • Where in your shoulder do you feel the pain? The front, side, or top?
  • Does the pain occur when you lift your arm overhead or away from your body?
  • Did your pain start suddenly? Is it severe? Or, did it begin slowly and mildly and then get worse?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed vary depending on the results of your physical examination. Treatment may include the following:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • A corticosteroid injection
  • Referral to a physical therapist and instructions on rehabilitation

Surgery is a last resort.

Previous | Next
Find more results for 'Shoulder pain'
Review date: May 06, 2007
Reviewed by: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone & Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. � 1997- 2008 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.