Shoulder pain

Understanding shoulder pain: symptoms, causes, and natural treatments

Different types of shoulder pain

The shoulder is a complex joint that is heavily used in daily life. Its wide range of motion makes it particularly vulnerable to pain, whether muscular, joint-related, tendinous, or nerve-related. Stiffness, limited movement, a sensation of blockage, or radiating pain — these symptoms can have many causes, from a minor strain to more serious conditions such as tendinitis, frozen shoulder, or osteoarthritis.

During a consultation, the osteopath assesses the precise origin of your pain in order to provide a tailored, holistic treatment. The goal is to restore shoulder mobility, relieve tension, and prevent recurrence. This gentle, personalized approach takes into account your whole body and lifestyle.

Sharp pain after a false movement

Pain that occurs suddenly after a sharp movement or unusual effort. It is generally mild but very uncomfortable.

Symptoms:

Sharp, localized pain that appears immediately
Difficulty moving the arm without pain
Sensation of blockage or sudden jolt
Occurs after exertion or lifting
Sometimes associated with muscle contracture

Shoulder tendinitis

Inflammation of one or more shoulder tendons, often caused by repetitive movements or poorly executed gestures.

Symptoms:

Dull, persistent pain localized at the front or side of the shoulder
Discomfort when lifting or rotating the arm
Pain increases with effort or at the end of the day
Sometimes night pain when lying down
Tenderness to touch in certain areas

Mechanical pain

Pain that occurs only during movement, linked to a joint blockage or poor muscular or joint coordination.

Symptoms:

Pain present only during certain movements
Complete or partial relief at rest
Sensation of pulling or blockage
Functional discomfort without inflammatory cause
May be accompanied by joint cracking sounds

Adhesive capsulitis ("frozen shoulder")

A progressive condition involving pain and significant loss of shoulder mobility. It typically evolves in several phases.

Symptoms:

Constant pain, even at rest
Increasingly limited mobility
Difficulty dressing, doing hair, or reaching the back
Frequent night pain
Duration may range from several months to a year

Subacromial impingement

Abnormal friction between the rotator cuff tendons and the shoulder blade bone, often due to poor joint alignment.

Symptoms:

Pain when lifting the arm above shoulder level
Sensation of pinching or rubbing
Pain that worsens when carrying loads
Discomfort when keeping the arm raised for extended periods
Sometimes visible swelling or inflammation

Shoulder osteoarthritis

Progressive wear of the joint cartilage, usually related to aging, a previous injury, or overuse.

Symptoms:

Deep, chronic, persistent pain
Morning stiffness that eases throughout the day
Gradual loss of range of motion
Crepitus or cracking sounds during certain movements
Feeling of fatigue in the shoulder

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Referred pain

Pain felt in the shoulder but originating elsewhere, such as the cervical spine, diaphragm, chest, or internal organs.

Symptoms:

Pain not clearly related to shoulder movement
Diffuse sensation, difficult to localize precisely
No visible cause upon local examination
Sometimes accompanied by distant symptoms (e.g., neck tension, chest pain)
Persists despite rest or conventional care

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Relieve shoulder pain with osteopathy

Shoulder pain—whether caused by overuse, trauma, poor posture, or joint imbalance—can quickly affect mobility and overall quality of life. Osteopathy offers a personalized approach to relieve this pain by working not only on local structures but also on imbalances throughout the body.

In addition to any necessary medical follow-up or imaging (MRI, X-ray), the osteopath carries out a comprehensive evaluation to determine the exact source of the pain. The focus isn’t just on the shoulder itself, but also on related areas such as the cervical spine, upper back, rib cage, and overall posture.

The goal is to restore joint mobility, release tension in the tissues, improve local circulation, and correct compensations that perpetuate the pain.

The osteopath works deeply to relieve functional discomfort and prevent recurrence. Depending on the type and origin of the pain, treatment may involve targeted work on several contributing factors, such as:

Cervical and thoracic spine mobility
Balance of the shoulder girdle (shoulder blade, clavicle)
Muscle tension (rotator cuff, trapezius, deltoid, etc.)
Diaphragm mobility and breathing
General posture and daily movement patterns

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Practical tips

🧘‍♂️ Gently stretch the shoulder

Performing gentle stretches several times a day helps maintain the flexibility of the shoulder muscles and tendons. Stay within comfortable ranges of motion without forcing.

🪑 Adjust your posture daily

Be mindful of keeping your shoulders relaxed and aligned, especially when sitting in front of a computer or driving. Avoid unconsciously raising your shoulders towards your ears.

🏋️‍♂️ Strengthen the rotator cuff

Light strength exercises targeting the shoulder can improve joint stability and prevent pain. Use a resistance band or a small weight, progressing gradually.

🌬️ Work on your breathing

Deep, abdominal breathing helps release tension around the shoulders. Taking a few minutes each day to breathe slowly can significantly reduce muscle tightness.

❄️ Apply heat or cold

For recent pain, apply cold to reduce inflammation. If the pain is older or muscular, use heat to relax the tissues.

Frequently asked questions

Shoulder pain can have multiple origins: tendinitis, adhesive capsulitis, subacromial impingement, osteoarthritis, muscle injury, or even joint instability. Sometimes, the pain originates from a nearby area, such as the neck or upper back, and radiates to the shoulder. Repetitive movements, carrying heavy loads, or poor posture are common risk factors.
Tendinitis often presents as localized pain that worsens with activity, particularly during arm lifting or rotating movements. Adhesive capsulitis, on the other hand, causes more diffuse pain and a progressive loss of mobility, to the point of limiting simple daily tasks (dressing, combing hair). Pain is often more intense at night in both cases.
It is recommended to consult as soon as the pain becomes bothersome in daily activities, persists for more than a few days, or limits your movements. A consultation is also helpful in case of nighttime pain, a sensation of blockage, or after a trauma. The osteopath can assess the source of the pain and offer a tailored treatment to provide lasting relief.
Osteopathy helps relieve pain by working on shoulder mobility, muscle relaxation, and the overall balance of the body. The osteopath also addresses any potential distant causes (cervicals, thorax, posture). The approach is personalized and aims not only to reduce pain but also to prevent recurrences by correcting underlying imbalances.