Overview
Your shoulder relies on a delicate balance between the glenohumeral ball-and-socket, the collarbone, and the rotator cuff—a group of four muscles and tendons that hold your arm bone centered in the socket. Inflammation or tears in these tendons can cause disabling weakness and nocturnal pain.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
- Rotator cuff tears (acute tears or gradual age-related degeneration)
- Subacromial impingement and bursitis (rubbing against the acromion bone)
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis causing severe stiffness)
- Glenohumeral osteoarthritis (loss of shoulder cartilage)
- Labral tears (SLAP tears or bankart lesions from trauma or repetitive throwing)
- Biceps tendinitis affecting the long head of the biceps tendon
Symptoms That May Need Evaluation
You should consider an orthopedic evaluation if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Dull ache deep in the shoulder that radiates down the outside of the upper arm
- Sharp pain when reaching overhead, behind your back, or lifting objects
- Difficulty sleeping, especially when rolling onto the affected shoulder
- Weakness when attempting to lift or rotate the arm
- Creaking, grinding, or popping sounds during arm movement
How Problems Are Diagnosed
A comprehensive upper-extremity examination assesses rotator cuff strength, impingement signs, and active versus passive range of motion. Plain radiographs evaluate bony spurs and arthritis, while an MRI may be recommended to assess tendon integrity.
Nonsurgical Treatment Options
Dr. Dalal emphasizes conservative care whenever possible before considering surgical intervention:
- Subacromial cortisone injections to calm severe bursal inflammation
- Specialized physical therapy restoring rotator cuff balance and scapular mechanics
- Gentle stretching protocols for capsular stiffness
- Oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
When Surgery May Be Considered
If rotator cuff tendons are significantly torn or conservative therapy does not restore function, Dr. Dalal performs minimally invasive shoulder arthroscopy for rotator cuff repair, subacromial decompression, and labral stabilization.
Related Treatments & Procedures
Learn more about treatments related to shoulder pain:
Why Choose Tri-State Orthopaedics
Dr. Dalal's fellowship training in sports surgery and joint preservation provides patients with advanced arthroscopic solutions focused on restoring strength and mobility.
Our Office Locations
Dr. Dalal sees patients for shoulder pain evaluation at both of our Mid-South offices: