The shoulder joint is the most mobile joint in the body, and this wide range of motion makes it susceptible to injuries. Shoulder pain can originate from muscles, tendons, bursae, joint capsule, or bony structures. Accurate identification of the pain is crucial for effective treatment.

Rotator cuff injuries are one of the most common causes of shoulder pain. The rotator cuff is a structure made up of tendons from four muscles that surround the shoulder joint. These tendons can develop inflammation (tendinitis), partial tears, or full-thickness tears. They are particularly common in individuals over 40 and those who work overhead. The typical symptom is pain that increases when raising the arm and while lying down at night.

Shoulder instability (dislocation) is another important cause, particularly seen in young and active individuals. A Bankart lesion can form after the first shoulder dislocation, and if untreated, may lead to recurrent dislocations. Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a condition characterized by restricted movement and pain resulting from thickening and stiffening of the shoulder joint capsule. It is more common in women aged 40-60 and in patients with diabetes.

For accurate diagnosis of shoulder pain, detailed physical examination, X-rays, and MRI when needed are used. Treatment is planned as conservative (physical therapy, medication, injection) or surgical (arthroscopic repair, replacement) depending on the cause of pain. Early consultation and correct diagnosis significantly impact treatment success.