Diagnose your shoulder pain using our shoulder pain chart. Shoulder pain is a frequent issue that patients come to us with. To determine the reason for your shoulder pain, a detailed clinical assessment is usually performed by your doctor or other health care specialist. There are different methods to assess shoulder pain; One approach is to use the location of your pain as a guide. This can help to narrow down the possible causes. Below is a list and diagram illustrating the locations where shoulder pain may occur and the most likely reasons behind it. If you require more detailed information about a specific condition, please follow the relevant link.
Your healthcare professional will evaluate your pain by conducting a thorough history and examination, and the location of the pain is only one factor in the assessment. To ensure a comprehensive evaluation, your doctor may need to examine your shoulder, neck and elbow. It is well-recognised that neck problems can cause pain in the shoulder. Imaging tests such as an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI may be necessary to establish the correct diagnosis. X-rays are helpful in assessing the bones and joint spaces for injuries. Ultrasound and MRI are useful for assessing soft tissues such as ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Ultrasound can also guide injection therapies to ensure accuracy and reduce adverse effects compared to procedures without imaging guidance.
Pain at the front of shoulder
Pain at the front of upper arm
Pain at the side of the shoulder
Pain at the tip of the shoulder
Pain at the back of shoulder
Pain around the back of shoulder
