Treatment of Pain Around the Shoulder Joint

Shoulder pain is a common and important musculo-skeletal problem. Compromised shoulder movement due to pain, stiffness, or weakness can cause a substantial disability and affect a person's ability to carry out daily activities (eating, dressing, and personal hygiene) and work. The self-reported prevalence of shoulder pain is estimated to be between 16% and 26%; it is the third most common cause of musculoskeletal consultation in primary care, and approximately 1% of adults consult a general practitioner with new shoulder pain annually in the United Kingdom. The diagnosis and treatment of the shoulder should be specified in each disease entity. Self help advices, including relative rest and attention to occupational, sporting, or other physical factors, should be offered as well as analgesics. The evidence from common intervention such as steroids and physiotherapy is relatively limited. Physiotherapy and steroid have a marginal short-term effect on pain. Surgery should be considered when conservative measures fail.