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Shoulder Pain

Shoulder Pain Treatment in Brooklyn, NY

Shoulder pain can result from injury, overuse, degeneration, or instability affecting the joint, tendons, ligaments, or surrounding muscles. Because the shoulder is a highly mobile joint with complex mechanics, symptoms often overlap across conditions. At Motionis Medicine, shoulder pain is evaluated through a physician-led, diagnosis-first approach focused on identifying the primary pain generator and guiding appropriate non-surgical care.

Care is led by Dr. Tanuj Palvia, MD, a board-certified interventional pain medicine physician with over 15 years of experience in image-guided joint and musculoskeletal care.

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What Is Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain refers to discomfort arising from the structures that make up the shoulder complex, including the rotator cuff tendons, labrum, bursae, ligaments, cartilage, and surrounding muscles. Pain may be felt at the front, side, or back of the shoulder and can worsen with overhead activity or certain movements.

Because multiple structures work together to stabilise the shoulder, identifying the exact source of pain is essential for effective treatment.

Common Shoulder Pain Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause and may include:

Further evaluation is often needed because symptoms can overlap across shoulder conditions.

  • Pain with lifting the arm or reaching overhead

  • Weakness or fatigue in the shoulder

  • Limited range of motion or stiffness

  • Pain that worsens at night or when lying on the affected side

  • Catching, clicking, or grinding sensations

  • Pain radiating into the upper arm or shoulder blade

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain We Evaluate

Shoulder pain can develop due to a variety of conditions, including:

  1. Rotator cuff tendinopathy or tears

  2. Shoulder impingement or bursitis

  3. Labral tears or instability

  4. Degenerative changes of the shoulder joint

  5. Repetitive overhead use or overuse injuries

  6. Trauma or prior shoulder injury

  7. Muscle imbalance or poor biomechanics

Identifying which structures are involved helps guide appropriate care.

How Shoulder Pain Is Evaluated

Evaluation focuses on determining the primary source of shoulder pain and how it affects function. A physician-led assessment may include:

  1. Detailed clinical history and physical examination

  2. Assessment of shoulder movement, strength, and stability

  3. Review of prior imaging (MRI, ultrasound, or X-ray), when available

  4. Ultrasound-guided diagnostic injections, when appropriate, to clarify pain sources

This structured approach helps distinguish tendon, joint, labral, and muscle-driven shoulder pain.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Shoulder Pain

Treatment recommendations depend on diagnosis, symptom severity, and functional goals. Non-surgical options may include:

All interventions are selected as part of a comprehensive care plan focused on restoring movement and reducing pain.

When a Specialist Evaluation May Help

You may benefit from a specialist evaluation if:

  • Shoulder pain persists or worsens over time

  • Pain limits overhead activity, work, or sleep

  • Weakness or instability develops

  • Physical therapy or medications have not provided relief

  • Surgery has been suggested, but non-surgical options are desired

A comprehensive evaluation can help clarify the cause of shoulder pain and outline appropriate next steps.

Related Joint & Upper Extremity Conditions

Schedule a Shoulder Pain Evaluation

If shoulder pain is limiting your movement, strength, or quality of life, a comprehensive evaluation can help clarify your options and guide appropriate non-surgical care.

Book an Appointment