Chronic shoulder pain is persistent discomfort, stiffness, or pain in the shoulder area that lasts longer than three months. This can make it harder to move, sleep comfortably, and can affect daily activities. Unlike acute shoulder pain, caused by a sudden injury, chronic pain usually develops gradually and can worsen over time.
What will you read in this blog?
- What is chronic shoulder pain?
- Causes and symptoms
- Treatment and exercises
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What causes chronic shoulder pain?
Various conditions can lead to chronic shoulder pain, including:
- Arthritis (such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis)
- Rotator cuff injuries or tendinopathy
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Shoulder impingement syndrome
- Bursitis or inflammation of the shoulder bursa
- Poor posture or muscle imbalance
- Nerve compression from the neck (cervical radiculopathy)
- Previous injuries or surgeries that have not healed well
These conditions can lead to chronic neck and shoulder pain, and sometimes even pain between the shoulder blades, which requires targeted treatments and exercises.
Causes, symptoms, treatments, and exercises
Cause
Chronic shoulder pain often arises from repetitive strain, inflammation, age-related wear and tear, or underlying conditions such as arthritis or tendon degeneration.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- A dull or aching pain in the shoulder
- Pain that worsens with movement or at night
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion
- Muscle weakness or fatigue
- Numbness or tingling if nerves are involved
Treatments
A treatment plan for chronic pain includes, among other things:
- Physiotherapy and targeted exercises
- Hands-on therapy and soft tissue mobilization
- Non-surgical treatments such as corticosteroid injections
- Acupuncture, proven effective in some cases of chronic shoulder pain
- Posture training
- Painkillers or anti-inflammatory medication
In some cases, surgery may be necessary, but conservative options are usually preferred.
Exercises
Although this article mentions them briefly, detailed guidance on exercises for chronic shoulder pain can be found in the MotiMove app.
A few general examples are:
- Pendulum movements
- Wall slide exercises
- Isometric shoulder exercises
- Shoulder blade retraction exercises
These are part of the best treatment for chronic shoulder pain when combined with professional guidance.
About MotiMove
MotiMove is a specialized rehabilitation and movement program focused on reducing chronic musculoskeletal pain through personalized, science-based care. In collaboration with healthcare organizations Viasana and health insurer VGZ, MotiMove offers structured care pathways and physiotherapy for people with chronic conditions such as shoulder pain.
- Viasana: a trusted orthopedic clinic providing diagnostics and specialized care.
- VGZ: one of the largest health insurers in the Netherlands.
- MotiMove: learn more about our programs and approach. Download for free!
FAQ – Chronic shoulder pain
What is the best treatment for chronic neck and shoulder pain?
A combination of physiotherapy, posture correction, manual therapy, and a home exercise program.
Can chronic shoulder pain go away on its own?
It can improve over time, but without targeted treatment and exercises it often persists or worsens.
Which exercises help with chronic pain between the shoulder blades?
Scapular retractions, wall angels, and thoracic mobility exercises can provide relief.
Is surgery necessary for chronic shoulder pain?
Surgery is only considered if conservative treatments show no results after several months.
Can stress cause chronic shoulder pain?
Yes, prolonged stress can cause muscle tension, contributing to chronic shoulder and neck complaints.
Summary
Chronic shoulder pain is a complex condition with a wide range of causes, from arthritis to posture issues. Early recognition of symptoms and following a personalized treatment plan with physiotherapy and targeted exercises is essential. The best treatments for chronic shoulder pain are often non-surgical and focus on sustainable improvement of movement and pain reduction.
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