(646) 779-0995
palviamd@physiologicnyc.com
409 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NYShoulder 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.
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:
Rotator cuff tendinopathy or tears
Shoulder impingement or bursitis
Labral tears or instability
Degenerative changes of the shoulder joint
Repetitive overhead use or overuse injuries
Trauma or prior shoulder injury
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:
Detailed clinical history and physical examination
Assessment of shoulder movement, strength, and stability
Review of prior imaging (MRI, ultrasound, or X-ray), when available
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:
Ultrasound-guided shoulder joint or bursal injections
Targeted injections for rotator cuff or labral-related pain
Trigger point injections for associated muscle spasm
Image-guided nerve or joint injections when indicated
Regenerative and non-surgical orthopedic options, including PRP or bone marrow–derived cell procedures, when appropriate
Targeted rehabilitation and recovery planning
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.
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.