Conclusion
To identify the cause of shoulder pain, doctors usually perform a series of maneuvers and a complete physical exam. The medical history is probably one of the most important parts of the physical exam, and the patient’s age is fundamental to ruling out some ailments.
The physical exam includes a series of maneuvers to help doctors understand the type of pain and its source. Sometimes, patients also need imaging tests to confirm the findings or diagnose more complex issues. However, the most important part of the diagnosis is the physical exam and the maneuvers performed in the physician’s room.
The imaging tests used to diagnose shoulder pain depend on the most likely cause. Plain radiographs and CT scans are more valuable when bones are likely affected. MRI and ultrasound will provide more information when the injury is located in soft tissue.
In some cases, the exact cause of shoulder pain can be difficult to evaluate. For example, we have frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis, which has very distinct features, but the reason is multifactorial and difficult to pinpoint. Other types of shoulder pain can also become a chronic problem, causing a significant burden in the long term. However, in most cases, doctors can provide at least partial relief and improve the symptoms with medical treatment.