Shoulder pain and reduced range of movement

Shoulder pain is a common problem that can affect daily activities such as dressing, reaching, lifting, or sleeping. Some people mainly experience pain, while others notice stiffness or loss of movement. The pattern of symptoms often gives important clues about the underlying cause.

This page explains common causes of shoulder pain, how it is assessed in general practice, and when further review is needed.

These articles are intended as educational sources, not diagnostic nor taking place of a proper medical assessment. If you need help with ongoing joint concerns, please book a GP appointment.

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How musculoskeletal shoulder pain commonly presents

Musculoskeletal shoulder pain can present in different ways, including:

Pain around the shoulder or upper arm
Difficulty lifting the arm above shoulder height
Pain when reaching behind the back or overhead
Stiffness or loss of range of movement
Weakness when lifting or carrying objects
Pain that is worse at night or when lying on the affected side

Symptoms may develop gradually or after minor injury or overuse.

Seek urgent medical advice if you develop:

Sudden severe pain following trauma
Inability to move the shoulder at all
Progressive weakness or numbness in the arm
Fever, redness, or swelling around the joint

Common causes of shoulder pain

Rotator cuff related pain

One of the most common causes. Often causes pain with lifting or reaching, sometimes with weakness, but movement is usually still possible.

Muscle strain or ligament injury

Often occurs after sudden movement or overuse.

Frozen shoulder

Also known as adhesive capsulitis. Causes progressive stiffness and pain with marked loss of movement. More common in people with diabetes or after prolonged immobility.

Shoulder impingement

Pain caused by irritation of structures within the shoulder during movement, often worse with overhead activity.

Muscle strain or overuse

May follow repetitive activity, lifting, or unaccustomed exercise.

Referred pain

Less commonly, shoulder pain may come from the neck or upper back.

How a GP assesses shoulder pain

GP assessment focuses on identifying the likely cause and ruling out serious problems. This usually includes:

Onset and progression of symptoms
Pain pattern and movement limitation
History of injury or overuse
Impact on sleep and daily activities
Presence of weakness, numbness, or systemic symptoms

Many shoulder problems can be assessed safely in an initial remote consultation.

Investigations

Most people with shoulder pain do not need tests initially.

Investigations such as imaging or blood tests may be considered if:

Symptoms are severe or persistent
There is significant weakness
Frozen shoulder is suspected
Red flag features are present

Early imaging is not routinely needed for most shoulder pain.

Self-care and early management

Early management often focuses on maintaining movement and function:

Gentle shoulder movement within comfort
Avoiding prolonged immobilisation
Heat or cold packs for symptom relief
Modifying activities that aggravate pain
Over the counter pain relief if appropriate

Keeping the shoulder moving is usually important, even when painful.

Medical treatments a GP may recommend

Depending on symptoms, a GP may recommend:

Short term pain relief
Advice on activity modification
Referral for physiotherapy
Further assessment if symptoms persist

Management is guided by the pattern of pain and stiffness rather than scans alone.

Expert physio insights by AccessGP Lead Physiotherapist, Sonali Talwar

Sonali is an experienced physiotherapist working with AccessGP. In her clinical practice, shoulder pain often falls into two broad patterns: pain with movement but preserved range, or progressive stiffness with loss of movement.

Rotator cuff related pain commonly improves with targeted strengthening and load management, while frozen shoulder requires patience, gentle mobility work, and reassurance about the natural recovery timeline. Early physiotherapy input helps identify the pattern, guide appropriate exercises, and prevent unnecessary fear or prolonged restriction of movement.