A Beginner’s Guide to Shoulder Health

Your shoulders do a lot more work than you may realize. From lifting groceries and reaching overhead to powering your golf swing or tennis serve, these complex joints are responsible for a wide range of movement. But with that mobility comes vulnerability; shoulder injuries and pain are incredibly common, especially among athletes and active adults.

Why the Shoulder Is So Complex

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body — but also one of the least stable. It’s a ball-and-socket joint, where the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) fits into a shallow socket in the scapula (shoulder blade). To keep everything in place and functioning smoothly, the joint relies on a combination of muscles, tendons and ligaments — most notably, the rotator cuff.

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that help stabilize the shoulder and allow for controlled motion. But because of its anatomy and constant use, the shoulder is particularly susceptible to injuries caused by overuse, trauma or degenerative changes over time.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can stem from many sources, ranging from mild inflammation to serious injury. Some of the most common causes our specialists see at DISC include:

• Rotator Cuff Tears: Partial or full-thickness tears in one or more of the tendons surrounding the shoulder joint.
• Impingement Syndrome: Occurs when shoulder tendons are pinched during movement, causing pain and inflammation.
• Labral Tears: Injuries to the cartilage rim that deepens the shoulder socket, often due to repetitive motion or trauma.
• Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): Stiffness and restricted movement caused by thickened joint capsule tissue.
• Arthritis: Degeneration of the joint surfaces, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion.
• Shoulder Instability or Dislocation: When the upper arm bone slips out of its socket, often due to a sports injury or trauma.

Whether your pain started suddenly or gradually worsened over time, it’s important not to ignore it. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent small issues from becoming long-term problems.

When to See a Shoulder Specialist

If you’re experiencing shoulder pain that persists longer than a few days, limits your movement, or interferes with your sleep or daily activities, it’s time to consult a specialist. Warning signs that indicate you should seek professional care include:

• Pain that radiates down your arm or up your neck
• Weakness when lifting or rotating your arm
• Clicking, catching, or locking sensations
• Swelling, bruising, or visible deformity
• Shoulder instability or frequent dislocations

Comprehensive, Patient-Centered Treatment Options

At DISC Sports & Spine Center, our team uses advanced imaging and diagnostic technology to pinpoint the exact cause of your shoulder pain. From there, we develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your activity level and recovery goals.

Our specialists emphasize conservative care whenever possible, reserving surgery for cases where other treatments aren’t enough. Common non-surgical treatments include:

• Physical therapy, which includes focused exercises to restore strength, flexibility and stability.
• Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling.
• Corticosteroid or PRP Injections to decrease inflammation or promote healing in injured tissue.
• Activity modification, including guidance on avoiding certain movements or exercises during recovery.

For patients who require surgical intervention, DISC’s orthopedic surgeons specialize in minimally invasive techniques, including arthroscopic shoulder surgery, rotator cuff repair, labral reconstruction and shoulder replacement. These advanced procedures allow for smaller incisions, faster healing and better long-term outcomes.

We combine cutting-edge technology with a personalized approach to treatment, ensuring that every patient receives the highest level of care in a comfortable, supportive environment. Whether you’re an elite athlete or simply want to return to your favorite activities without pain, our specialists are here to help you move better and live stronger.

If shoulder pain is holding you back, you don’t have to live with it. At DISC Sports & Spine Center, our experts are ready to help you understand what’s causing your discomfort and get you back to doing what you love. Call today or schedule a consultation online to take the first step toward lasting shoulder health.