Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is a common issue that can significantly affect daily life, making activities such as reaching overhead, lifting objects, carrying items, or even sleeping uncomfortable. At Twin Creeks Orthopedics and Regenerative Clinic in Allen, Texas, we focus on identifying the cause of shoulder pain and guiding appropriate nonsurgical care to help patients improve function and avoid unnecessary surgery whenever possible.

Many people seek care after pain persists despite rest, medications, or prior therapy. Our goal is to help patients understand their symptoms, reduce discomfort, and restore mobility through a thoughtful, personalized approach.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can develop gradually or occur after an injury. A thorough clinical evaluation helps identify the underlying cause and guides appropriate treatment planning. Common causes include:

Rotator cuff injuries

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that stabilize and move the shoulder joint. Injury may involve inflammation (tendonitis), partial tearing, or full-thickness tearing of these tendons. Patients often experience pain with overhead movement, weakness, and nighttime discomfort. Rotator cuff problems may develop from repetitive use or sudden trauma.

Tendonitis or bursitis

Tendonitis refers to irritation or inflammation of the tendons surrounding the shoulder, commonly affecting the rotator cuff or biceps tendon. Bursitis involves inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the joint. These conditions frequently overlap and may cause pain with lifting, reaching, or lying on the affected side.

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder occurs when the joint capsule becomes thickened and stiff, leading to progressive loss of motion and pain. It often develops gradually and may significantly limit daily activities. This condition can take months to resolve without appropriate management.

Shoulder arthritis

Shoulder arthritis involves gradual degeneration of the cartilage within the joint. Degenerative changes may cause deep aching pain, stiffness, grinding sensations, and reduced mobility. Arthritis is more common with aging but may also develop after prior injury.

Shoulder impingement

Shoulder impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendons become compressed during movement, often beneath the acromion. This can lead to inflammation, pain with overhead activity, and progressive tendon irritation if left untreated.

Fractures or dislocations

Traumatic injuries such as fractures or joint dislocations may occur after falls, sports injuries, or accidents. These conditions typically cause sudden pain, swelling, and visible deformity and require prompt medical evaluation.

Overuse or repetitive stress

Repetitive overhead motion, heavy lifting, or poor biomechanics may place strain on the shoulder over time. Chronic stress can contribute to inflammation, tendon irritation, or structural breakdown.

Referred pain 

In some cases, shoulder pain may originate from nerve irritation in the neck. Cervical spine conditions can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates into the shoulder and arm.

When to Seek Care for Shoulder Pain

Early evaluation can help clarify the diagnosis and prevent long-term functional limitations. You should consider scheduling an evaluation if you experience:

• Shoulder pain lasting several weeks
• Pain that limits reaching, lifting, or overhead activity
• Persistent stiffness or reduced range of motion
• Weakness, tingling, or numbness in the arm or hand
• Swelling, bruising, or visible deformity
• Pain following a fall or injury
• Symptoms that do not improve with rest or home care

Treatment Options for Shoulder Pain

Treatment plans are individualized based on the cause of pain, severity of symptoms, and patient goals. Nonsurgical treatment options may include:

Conservative Management

• Activity modification and guided rest
• Ice and anti-inflammatory strategies when appropriate
• Guided rehabilitation exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and joint mechanics
• Postural correction and movement education
• Bracing or supportive measures when indicated

Procedural Support

• Targeted corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
• Ultrasound-guided injections for precision
• Joint aspiration when clinically appropriate
• Ultrasound guidance allows real-time visualization of shoulder structures, improving accuracy and procedural safety.

Advanced Nonsurgical Options (Select Patients)

Regenerative therapies may be considered after thorough evaluation and selectively based on diagnosis, overall health, and treatment goals. These may include:

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
• Prolotherapy
• Exosome-based therapies when appropriate

Why Choose Twin Creeks Orthopedics and Regenerative Clinic

Patients choose Twin Creeks Orthopedics and Regenerative Clinic for shoulder pain care because of our conservative-first approach, emphasis on accurate diagnosis, clear communication, and personalized treatment. Our focus is on helping patients improve mobility, reduce pain, and regain confidence in daily movement whenever possible.

Schedule an Evaluation

If shoulder pain is limiting your activities or not improving with time, an evaluation may help clarify the cause and guide appropriate next steps.

Schedule an appointment today to discuss your shoulder pain and treatment options.

Twin Creeks Orthopedics and Regenerative Clinic provides nonsurgical orthopedic care for patients in Allen, Texas, and surrounding North Texas communities.