Relieving Shoulder Pain Without Surgery

In brief

Active patients of all ages often experience shoulder pain, and a physical exam and radiographs may help detect an injury or a degenerative cause. Though the problems vary, a trial of nonsurgical management is generally the first line of treatment, which can include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteriod injections, physical therapy, and rest.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Garry Greenfield

Dr Greenfield is a fellow in the departments of orthopedics and sports medicine and Dr Stanish is a professor in the departments of surgery and orthopedics at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Both are fellows of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada, and Dr Stanish is a fellow of American College of Surgeons.

William D. Stanish

Dr Greenfield is a fellow in the departments of orthopedics and sports medicine and Dr Stanish is a professor in the departments of surgery and orthopedics at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Both are fellows of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada, and Dr Stanish is a fellow of American College of Surgeons.