ORTHOPAEDICS • GUWAHATI
Shoulder Pain Treatment in Guwahati
Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options
Dr. Firoz Ahmed, MS Orthopaedics
Updated: May 2026
Shoulder pain is a very common problem affecting people across all age groups. From mild discomfort to severe constant pain, it can affect daily activities and even disturb sleep.
In this article, Dr Firoz Ahmed, a leading Joint Specialist from Guwahati, shares his views on the common causes and treatment modalities in a nutshell.
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body. It is a complex ball-and-socket structure made up of three bones — the humerus (upper arm), scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle (collarbone) — held together by muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This remarkable range of motion, however, also makes the shoulder highly vulnerable to injury and wear.
Pain can arise from any of these structures and can be acute (sudden) or chronic (developing gradually over weeks and months).
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“In some cases, what feels like shoulder pain may actually be referred pain originating from the neck, spine, or even the heart. Simiraly, shoulder pain can radiate to these other areas.”
-Dr Firoz Ahmed
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Gradual limitation of mobility of the shoulder leading to pain, specially at night and overhead activities. More common in people with diabetes.
Rotator Cuff Tear
A complete or partial tear of the the tendons surrounding the shoulder joint. Common in adults over 40 and athletes. It causes night pain and weakness when lifting the arm.
Impingement Syndrome
The rotator cuff tendons are pinched between shoulder bones during movement. Causes pain on top of the shoulder, especially when reaching overhead.
Shoulder Arthritis
Degeneration of joint cartilage either due to age, injury or inflammation. Causes deep aching pain, stiffness, and sometimes clicking in the joint.
Bursitis
Inflammation of the fluid-filled sac cushioning the shoulder joint. Caused by repetitive overhead movements. Pain worsens with specific arm positions.
Tendinitis
Inflammation of the biceps or supraspinatus tendon. Gradual onset of pain at the front or top of the shoulder, worsened by overhead activity.
AC Joint Injuries
Injury to the acromioclavicular joint where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade. Pain directly on top of the shoulder, often from a fall or direct impact.
Shoulder Dislocation
The humerus head is forced out of the socket. It is the most frequently dislocated joint in the body. Common in contact sports and falls. Causes severe pain and instability.
What Does the Location of Pain Tell You?
Front
Rotator cuff tendinitis, biceps tendon inflammation, or frozen shoulder. Lifting the arm forward aggravates it.
Top
AC joint injury or shoulder impingement. Often worse when reaching across the body or lifting above the head.
Side
Rotator cuff problems, frozen shoulder, or osteoarthritis. Night pain that disrupts sleep is a common feature.
Back
Rotator cuff injury, scapular dyskinesis, or referred pain from the neck or spine.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If:
- Sudden, severe left shoulder pain with chest tightness, jaw pain, or breathlessness – possible heart attack, call emergency services
- A visibly deformed or out-of-place shoulder after an injury
- Complete inability to move your shoulder or arm
- Rapid swelling, bruising, or numbness in the arm or hand
- Shoulder pain accompanied by fever and unexplained weight loss
How Is Shoulder Pain Diagnosed?
Clinical Examination
A thorough examination is essential to form a provisional diagnosis and will guide in doing tests if necessasry.
XRay
Identifies bone and joint anomalies.
Ultrasound
Dynamic assessment of tendons and muscles
MRI
To identify any pathology of the joint in detail.
“In many patients, shoulder pain is commonly mis-diagnosed as Frozen shoulder ignoring other causes, leading to treatment failure and long term suffering for the patient. So a proper diagnosis is must.”
– Dr Firoz Ahmed
Treatment Options
Activity Modifications
- Avoid lifting, throwing and high-impact activities
- Take adequate rest during pain episodes
Local Measures
- Ice Pack
- Hot fomentation
Medications
- Calcium
- Collagen
- Range of motion exercises
- Stretching
- Strengthening
Surgey
- When conservative methods fail
- Sit upright with your lower back supported — poor posture is a major driver of shoulder and neck tension
- Avoid carrying bags on one shoulder; use a backpack with both straps when possible
- When sleeping, lie on your back or unaffected side with a pillow supporting your arm
- At a computer, keep your screen at eye level and elbows at 90 degrees
Posture Tips To Relieve Shoulder Pain
- Sit upright with your lower back supported
- Avoid carrying bags on one shoulder; use a backpack with both straps when possible
- When sleeping, lie on your back or unaffected side with a pillow supporting your arm
- At a computer, keep your screen at eye level and elbows at 90 degrees
When To See A Doctor?
- Pain persists beyond 2-4 weeks despite rest
- The pain is waking you up at night
- You notice increasing weakness when lifting or reaching
- You have had a previous shoulder injury or surgery
- The pain is limiting your ability to work or perform daily activities
Early assessment almost always leads to faster recovery and a better outcome.
FAQs
Ys. Minor muscle and tendon sprains can heal on its own over a few weeks to months. However, structural issues like frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tear etc need expert treatment.
Shoulder pain alone is not confirmatory. There will be other signs. But in case of any doubt, it is best to seek immediate medical help.
Steroid injection alone in the joint causes damage to the cartilage and leads to long term problems, although for a few days to weeks it can give temporary pain relief.
Yes. Sometimes, shoulder pain can radiate to other areas.
No. Infact there are many other causes of shoulder pain. Treating every shoulder pain as frozen shoulder can worsen the pain.
Medical review by Dr Firoz Ahmed, MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics) – Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Guwahati.
Last Updated: Apr 2026
References:
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
- Mayo Clinic
- Cleveland Clinic
Dr Firoz Ahmed
Joint Replacement, Sports Injury Specialist and Joint Preservation Surgeon
OPD: Mon–Sat | 9 AM – 4 PM
Location: ARHI Hospital, Jorabat (near Guwahati, Khanapara)
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