The problem with shoulder pain is that it’s a symptom of a condition – not a condition itself.

There are many possible causes of shoulder pain, and some are more serious than others. That’s why it’s so important to have a doctor or specialist examine your shoulder joint.

The symptoms of shoulder pain include:

• Restricted shoulder movement
• Shoulder aches
• Shoulder swelling
• Joint pain
• Shoulder lumps/bumps
• Stiffness
• A clicking or locking sensation

If you have any of these symptoms, the causes can include:

• Arthritis or other types of joint inflammation
• Shoulder impingement or frozen shoulder
• Soft tissue and muscular injuries, such as bicep wear and tear
• Ligament or tendon damage, including damage to your rotator cuff
• Excessive mobility around your shoulder joint – this can cause pain if you move the shoulder in a certain way
• Poor posture

Only with an ultrasound scan can a doctor see what’s happening around your shoulder joint and give you a proper diagnosis.

The general rule is that if you’ve had shoulder pain for two weeks or more, always consult a doctor for advice. See a doctor right away if you:

• Can’t move your arm
• The shoulder is hot or cold to the touch
• Can’t feel your arm or shoulder
• Have pins and needles in the arm or shoulder and it’s getting worse
• Experience an intense, immediate pain
• Have a badly swollen or misshapen shoulder

These symptoms could be signs of a shoulder problem that needs urgent attention such as a bone dislocation.

When you visit your doctor, they’ll perform a physical examination and assess your shoulder joint.

Once they’ve assessed your shoulder, they’ll decide on the next steps. They might recommend an ultrasound, physiotherapy, or pain medication.

Let’s look at what happens if you need diagnostic imaging on your shoulder.

If you’ve never had an ultrasound before, you might be wondering what the procedure involves.

Don’t worry. A shoulder ultrasound scan is a painless and straightforward procedure that doesn’t take very long.

Typical ultrasounds last between 15 and 30 minutes.

First, the doctor or specialist applies a clear, water-based gel to your affected shoulder.

The gel allows the ultrasound probe to glide over your skin without causing you discomfort.

The probe projects images of your shoulder muscles, joints, and other surrounding soft tissues onto a screen.

Your doctor can then see what’s going on inside your shoulder, and they can diagnose what’s causing your discomfort or pain.

Once the ultrasound is over, you can go home right away. No aftercare is required, although you may need follow-up treatment depending on your diagnosis.

Your doctor may be able to give you the results right away, or further investigations might be necessary.

You’ll find out what happens next at your ultrasound appointment.