Shoulder pain

The causes of acute or chronic shoulder pain are usually injuries, wear and tear, or other degeneration due to a medical condition. The symptoms can occur when moving the joint, or at rest. Some people have pain in their shoulder joint and in their upper arm, especially at night and in the morning after getting up; others, on the other hand, experience it when they are using their arm. For instance, if a person's shoulder muscles are weak, there is an increased risk of them developing issues that could result in shoulder pain.

Anatomy of the shoulder

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body. For that reason, it is particularly complex and can be affected by a range of different ailments. But how exactly do the muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones of the shoulder all interact? What is the rotator cuff, and what function does a bursa fulfil? Find out more about the fascinating anatomy of the shoulder.

More about the anatomy of the shoulder

Patient with shoulder orthosis after previous shoulder dislocation

Shoulder dislocation: a shoulder popping out of the socket

Did you know that, in rare cases, a shoulder can dislocate during common daily movements or while a person is sleeping? However, dislocations are usually caused by a heavy blow such as falling over or suffering an accident. The surrounding tissue, such as the joint capsules and ligaments, nerves and blood vessels, can also sustain damage. What do you do if a shoulder pops out of the socket? How does it get treated? Are there any ways to prevent shoulder dislocation?

More about shoulder dislocation

Rotator cuff rupture – Tearing of a shoulder tendon

A ruptured rotator cuff can sometimes feel as if it has come out of nowhere – usually as a result of previous, slowly progressing degeneration. Such tendon tears in the shoulder joint affect normal people's daily lives, as well as competitive athletes. But what exactly is a ruptured rotator cuff? Find out more about the causes, symptoms, and the diagnosis and treatment options.

More about rotator cuff rupture

Shoulder surgery Doctor examines patient's shoulder

Humeral head fracture – a fracture of the head of the upper arm

Suffering a fall to the shoulder can break the top of the upper head – a painful shoulder injury that requires immediate treatment. Severe, long-term impairment can only be avoided with appropriate treatment. Let's take a look at the causes, symptoms of an upper arm fracture, preventative measures we can take, and the treatment options if it happens.

More about humeral head fracture

Other possible causes of shoulder pain

What kind of doctors treat shoulder pain?

General practitioners are often the first port of call for shoulder problems.

If necessary, they will refer you to specialists, for example in orthopaedics, sports medicine or rheumatology.

medi products for shoulder complaints

medi shoulder orthoses und supports are used to take the load off the joint or immobilise it – for instance after an operation. For shoulder injuries and shoulder conditions, they can assist healing process, reduce shoulder pain and help remobilise the shoulder – for better quality of life.

Products to alleviate shoulder pain

Shoulder pain when lying down and at night: These tips will help you cope well each day

Impaired shoulder function can often be quite debilitating. In these videos, we give you tips on how to better manage various tasks – so that you can cope throughout the day and get a decent night's rest.

Patients' shoulder stories – encouraging real-life tips

Get inspired by how other people have managed their shoulder pain, and learn from their experiences and the challenges they faced during rehabilitation. Treatment will work. Please have a little patience and you'll see.

Effective shoulder injury treatment

Former champion German cross-country skier Andreas Katz shares the story of his injury and his path to recovery.

Continue to the patient report