What it is
It usually gets better within a few weeks or months with rest, painkillers and exercises from a physiotherapist.
A steroid injection may help if pain continues. Surgery is only needed rarely.
Common signs
- Pain when lifting the arm, especially overhead
- Pain at night, especially when lying on the shoulder
- Weakness in the arm
- Pain that spreads down the outside of the upper arm
How it is usually diagnosed
- Questions about symptoms and an examination
- Sometimes an ultrasound, X-ray or MRI
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- GP or physiotherapy notes
- Ultrasound or MRI reports
- Orthopaedic letters
- Injection records
Questions to ask your doctor
- Which exercises should I do?
- Which movements should I avoid?
- Would an injection help me?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Being unable to lift the arm after a fall or injury, or a hot, swollen shoulder with a fever: get urgent help the same day
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.