Three Common Causes of Shoulder Pain Explained

Shoulder pain is often grouped together, but frozen shoulder, impingement, and rotator cuff injuries are distinct conditions. Frozen shoulder is defined by increasing stiffness and a significant loss of movement in all directions. Pain may be present, but restricted mobility is the key feature, and recovery is often slow.

Shoulder impingement occurs when tendons or soft tissues are pinched during arm movement, especially overhead. This typically causes sharp or catching pain and is often linked to posture, repetitive use, or muscle imbalance.

A rotator cuff injury involves strain or damage to one or more of the muscles or tendons that stabilize the shoulder. It usually presents with pain during specific movements, weakness, or discomfort when lying on the affected side.

Massage can be a helpful supportive therapy in all three cases by easing muscle tension and improving comfort, but outcomes depend on proper diagnosis and addressing the underlying cause of the shoulder pain.