Shoulder pain self-check

Ten questions, including two simple movement tests you can do with a family member, to see whether your shoulder looks more like a stiffness problem or a tendon problem, and how much it is affecting you.

Written by Dr. V. B. Rajendra Prasad, MPT. Takes about three minutes.

  1. 1.How long have you had this shoulder problem?

  2. 2.How did it start?

  3. 3.If someone else gently lifts your arm for you, can it go higher than you can lift it yourself?

  4. 4.When you lift your arm out to the side, is it most painful in the middle part of the movement?

  5. 5.Reaching behind your back, for example to tuck in clothes or fasten a blouse

  6. 6.Reaching up to a high shelf or combing your hair

  7. 7.Lying on that side at night

  8. 8.Do you have diabetes or a thyroid problem?

  9. 9.Does pain or tingling spread below the elbow, or does the neck also hurt?

  10. 10.Does the shoulder or arm pain ever come with chest pain, breathlessness or sweating?

0 of 10 answered

Answers stay in your browser and are not sent to us. This check gives directions, not a diagnosis or a medical score.

Why the pattern matters

The two most common causes of shoulder pain need different treatment. Frozen shoulder needs a stretching programme matched to its stage. Rotator cuff problems need graded strengthening. Treating one as the other can slow recovery.

The key question is whether the shoulder moves further when someone else lifts it for you. A physiotherapist confirms the pattern with a full assessment.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell frozen shoulder from a rotator cuff problem?
In frozen shoulder, the shoulder is stiff in every direction, even when someone else tries to lift your arm for you. In rotator cuff problems, movement is painful but usually possible, and goes higher with help. Pain in the middle part of lifting the arm out to the side is typical of the rotator cuff.
Why is frozen shoulder common in people with diabetes?
The exact reason is not fully understood, but frozen shoulder is noticeably more common in people with diabetes and thyroid problems, and it can take longer to recover. Good diabetes control and early exercise help.
When should I see a doctor for shoulder pain?
See a doctor first if you cannot lift your arm after a fall or injury, the shoulder looks out of shape, it is hot and swollen with fever, or the pain comes with chest pain, breathlessness or sweating.
Can shoulder problems be treated online?
Yes. Both frozen shoulder and rotator cuff problems are treated mainly with exercise. A physiotherapist can see your shoulder from the front, side and back on video and guide each stage.
Online physiotherapy for shoulder pain Online physiotherapy for frozen shoulder More free tools
Dr. Rajendra

Written by Dr. V. B. Rajendra Prasad, MPT. Licensed to practice in the US (NY state) and UK (HCPC).
20 years of clinical experience. About Dr. Rajendra