A shoulder that won't let you forget it's there.
Shoulder pain is one of the most common reasons people limit their activity — and one of the most commonly misdiagnosed, because the shoulder is a complex joint and the neck, upper back, and arm all send pain to the same area. Getting the diagnosis right is the first step toward fixing it.
Often seen within a few days — sometimes as soon as tomorrowRequest your first visit
Pick a day and time that works at a NASPAC office near you — we'll call you right back to lock it in.
No referral needed. We verify your insurance before you arrive.
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A NASPAC team member from a NASPAC office near you will reach out to confirm your visit and answer any questions.
What shoulder pain really is.
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body — a ball-and-socket that can move in almost every direction. That mobility comes at a cost: the joint relies heavily on the rotator cuff, the joint capsule, the bursa, and the surrounding musculature for stability. Any of those structures can become inflamed, torn, or stiff, and each produces a subtly different pain pattern.
The most common sources of true shoulder pain — pain from inside the shoulder itself — are rotator cuff tendinopathy or tears, subacromial bursitis, osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint, and adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder). Critically, pain that appears to come from the shoulder can also originate in the cervical spine: a pinched nerve in the neck can refer pain into the shoulder without any shoulder pathology at all. Distinguishing these is essential.
The good news
Most shoulder pain — even when caused by structural problems like rotator cuff damage or early arthritis — responds well to a well-directed conservative plan. Physical therapy, activity modification, and image-guided injections into the right structure can produce substantial improvement without surgery for the majority of patients.
Glenohumeral vs. subacromial vs. referred
We separate glenohumeral (joint) pathology from subacromial (bursa/cuff) problems using targeted exam maneuvers — Neer, Hawkins, empty can, O'Brien's — and confirm with imaging. When the exam suggests the neck rather than the shoulder is the generator, we shift our workup accordingly. A diagnostic injection into the glenohumeral joint or subacromial space can serve dual purpose: it confirms the structure driving pain and provides treatment in the same step.
Common signs we treat.
Deep shoulder ache
A persistent, deep aching at the front, side, or top of the shoulder that is present at rest and worsens with activity — the most common presentation of subacromial bursitis or rotator cuff tendinopathy.
Stiffness or frozen feeling
A shoulder that progressively loses range of motion — first external rotation, then elevation — is the signature of adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), a process that can develop slowly over months.
Sharp pain with movement
A sudden, catching pain at a specific point in the arc of movement — often mid-arc when lifting overhead — suggestive of impingement or a partial rotator cuff tear rather than simple inflammation.
From hurting to healed.
We work from the least-invasive options upward, escalating only if you need it. Most patients improve well before surgery is ever discussed.
Diagnose the cause
A physician examines you and, if needed, reviews imaging to pinpoint exactly what's driving the pain.
Calm it down
Targeted physical therapy, activity guidance, and medication to settle the irritation and reduce inflammation.
Image-guided injections
If pain persists, a precisely targeted injection delivered to the source under imaging.
Advanced options
For the few who need more, minimally invasive interventional procedures — with surgery as a last resort.
Treatment is matched to your specific diagnosis at your visit. The options shown reflect NASPAC's general approach and should be confirmed against the practice's verified procedure list.
Still have questions?
Rotator cuff tendinopathy and tears, subacromial bursitis, glenohumeral osteoarthritis, and adhesive capsulitis together account for the large majority of primary shoulder pain. Referred pain from the cervical spine is the most important non-shoulder cause — it can produce convincing shoulder symptoms with a completely normal shoulder exam.
Frozen shoulder — adhesive capsulitis — is a condition in which the joint capsule thickens and tightens, progressively restricting shoulder motion in all directions. It typically unfolds in three phases: freezing (increasing pain and loss of motion), frozen (maximum stiffness with reduced pain), and thawing (gradual return of motion). It can last a year or more without treatment; targeted injections and physical therapy speed recovery.
Yes, often very effectively — but the right injection depends on where the pain is coming from. A subacromial corticosteroid injection can dramatically reduce bursitis or rotator cuff tendon inflammation. A glenohumeral joint injection addresses arthritis or capsulitis. Platelet-rich plasma is an option for tendon injuries that haven't responded to steroids. All are performed under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance for accuracy.
If shoulder pain has persisted for more than a few weeks, is limiting your daily activities or sleep, or came on after an injury, an evaluation is worthwhile. Any shoulder pain accompanied by arm weakness, significant loss of motion, or a visible deformity should be seen promptly. Catching problems early — especially rotator cuff tears — gives you more treatment options.
Stop living with the shoulder pain.
Book with a board-certified pain physician near you — most patients are seen within days.
Book an appointment → Or call (855) 862-7767