Shoulder Pain

The shoulder joint is extremely mobile, allowing us to move our arms freely and engage in many different types of activities. Because of it’s large range of motion, however, the shoulder is also very susceptible to getting injured.

Shoulder pain can come from the joint itself, or any of the many surrounding muscles, tendons or ligaments. Shoulder injuries can result from trauma (ie. a fall or motor vehicle accident) or repeated overhead movements from activities requiring repetitive arm and shoulder movement such as swimming, volleyball, tennis, hammering or other construction projects. Shoulder pain can also develop from wear and tear or be caused by the natural aging process.

Common Symptoms

  • Pain in or around the shoulder
  • Pain can radiate into the neck, back or arm
  • Difficulty sleeping on the affected shoulder
  • Crackling or popping sounds with movement
  • Limited range of motion
  • Loss of strength
Common Conditions That Cause Shoulder Pain

Rotator Cuff Injury

Irritation or damage to the rotator cuff, made up of four muscles and their tendons surrounding the shoulder joint. The injury can be a strain or tear of one or more of the muscles and/or tendons of the rotator cuff. Can be the result of trauma, wear and tear, or repetitive overuse of the arm and shoulder.

Visit our Rotator Cuff Injury Page to learn more.

Internal Scar Tissue

Internal Scar Tissue is a thick, tough, fibrous material that the body creates to quickly repair a damaged tissue such as muscles and tendons. It can build up in any area of the body where there has been internal and/or external damage. Internal Scar tissue is a very common cause of recurring or chronic pain after sport or work injuries, after surgery and it also often intermixes with Osteoarthritis.

Visit our Internal Scar Tissue Page to learn more.

Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)

Extreme reduction in shoulder range of motion due to soft tissue contracture, typically from previous shoulder trauma or repetitive stress injury. This condition can be quite painful and debilitating.

AC Joint Sprain or Separation (Separated Shoulder)

Traumatic injury to the ligaments that connect your clavicle (collar bone) to your acromion (part of your shoulder joint). This causes local pain and swelling, as well as possible surrounding muscle spasms.

Impingement Syndrome

Repeated pinching and irritation of a tendon (thick cord of tissue attaching muscle to bone) of the shoulder as it passes through the shoulder joint space. This causes the tendon to become inflamed, swollen and painful.

Tendonitis

Inflammation of a tendon (thick cord of tissue attaching muscle to bone) of the shoulder from repetitive stress/overuse, pinching in the joint (impingement) or abnormal shoulder movement.

Bursitis

Inflammation of the bursa, fluid-filled sacs that exist in various locations between bone, muscle, tendon and skin to reduce friction and irritation. More common in people over 40, this condition usually results from repetitive use or direct trauma to the shoulder.

Osteoarthritis

Progressive wear and tear on the joint, causing the cartilage that acts as a lubricant and shock absorber to break down, eventually resulting in bone-on-bone grinding. This condition also affects the muscles around the joint, causing them to become weak, tight, painful and prone to tearing.

Visit our Osteoarthritis Page to learn more.

Other Common Shoulder Conditions

  • Shoulder instability and dislocation
  • Fractures
  • Pinched nerves

Cold Laser Therapy for Shoulder Pain

Cold Laser Therapy Shoulder Pain Treatment: Step 1

Cold Laser Therapy Shoulder Pain Treatment: Step 2

Cold Laser Therapy Shoulder Pain Treatment: Step 3

Decreases Inflammation: Speeds up the body's natural inflammation phase and induces the repair phase of healing.

Removes Internal Scar Tissue: Inhibits and removes Internal Scar Tissue that naturally forms after an injury and can cause discomfort and a delay in healing.

Regenerates Muscle Tissue: Transfers light energy to the affected cells of muscle, regenerating and strengthening damaged muscle tissue to prevent future injury.

Activates Cartilage Production: Promotes the natural cartilage growth process by increasing the production of cellular energy (ATP).

Accelerates Bone Repair: Simulates the bone cells to replicate and produce new healthy bone tissue.

Nerve Regeneration: Helps damaged nerves to recover by growing the neural network and repairing vital insulation around the nerve.

Stimulates Blood Flow: Increases the delivery of oxygen and nutrients required for healing of the affected cells.

Visit our Cold Laser Therapy Page to learn more about how the treatment works.