The shoulder is the body’s most mobile joint and it is easy to hurt. Pain often comes from aging, repetitive use, or from a sudden injury such as a fall, lifting heavy objects, yardwork, or sports like tennis and golf.
Pain can also come from nerve problems or everyday habits like poor desk posture or sleeping on one side. Common issues include rotator cuff problems, frozen shoulder, impingement, and tendonitis. Physical therapy and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines are usually the first steps. Keep the shoulder moving unless there is a fracture or dislocation. See a doctor if pain or weakness lasts more than a few weeks.
Difficult words
- rotator cuff — group of shoulder muscles and tendons
- impingement — pain when shoulder parts press together
- tendonitis — inflammation or pain in a tendon
- over-the-counter — medicine you can buy without a prescription
- repetitive — happening again and again often
- dislocation — when a bone moves out of its joint
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Which activities in the text can cause shoulder injury for you?
- What can you do at home first if your shoulder hurts?
- How long would you wait before seeing a doctor for shoulder pain?
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