Shoulder pain

Various structures in and around the shoulder work together so the shoulder can move well. Unfortunately, this does not always go smoothly. Shoulder problems can arise acutely or develop over a longer period. This often presents as pain or a limited range of motion.

Anatomy of the shoulder

The bones in the shoulder are the shoulder blade (scapula), the upper arm (humerus), and the collarbone (clavicle). The shoulder blade contains a socket in which the head of the upper arm moves. Together, the upper arm and the shoulder blade form the glenohumeral joint. Above this joint is the roof of the shoulder. This roof consists of parts of the shoulder blade and several ligament-like bands (ligaments). 

The collarbone attaches to a part of this roof called the acromion. It runs from the shoulder forward to the breastbone, just below the neck. The shoulder blade and the clavicle both move when we lift the arm all the way up.

Around the bones mentioned above are many structures such as muscles, capsules, ligaments, bursae, blood vessels, and nerves that work together to make the shoulder function as well as possible. A problem in one or more of these structures can lead to shoulder symptoms.

Check your shoulder symptoms

To get a good picture of the cause of your shoulder pain, we advise you to take the online physical therapy check. By pointing out where you have pain and then answering the questions, your shoulder symptoms are compared with the most common conditions in physical therapy.

Shoulder conditions

Below is an overview of conditions that can cause shoulder pain. Each article provides extensive information about the symptoms, the cause, and possible treatment. When you take the online physical therapy check, your symptoms are compared with all these conditions.