Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal issues experienced by individuals of all ages. Whether you are an athlete, a desk worker, or someone doing everyday chores, shoulder discomfort can significantly limit your mobility and quality of life.
While some people experience right shoulder pain, others may struggle with left shoulder pain due to varying causes. But what are the underlying reasons for this widespread concern? Let’s dive deep into the causes, symptoms, and exercises that help relieve shoulder pain.
What Are the Common Causes?
The shoulder joint is complex, involving bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments working together to provide an impressive range of motion. However, this complexity also makes it vulnerable to injuries and strains.
Here are some of the major shoulder pain causes:
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Frozen shoulder
- Tendinitis
- Bursitis
- Arthritis
- Shoulder dislocation
- Overuse or repetitive motion injuries
As you can see, even minor strain can lead to chronic pain if left untreated. Therefore, early diagnosis and proper intervention are crucial.
Left Shoulder Pain Causes & Reasons
A commonly asked question is: “What are the left shoulder pain causes?” Interestingly, left-sided pain can sometimes indicate more than just a musculoskeletal issue. Here are the top left shoulder pain reasons:
- Rotator cuff inflammation
- Impingement syndrome
- Heart-related issues (in rare cases)
- Poor posture or sleeping position
- Referred pain from the neck or upper back
If your left shoulder pain is accompanied by shortness of breath or chest pain, seek medical attention immediately, as it may signal a cardiac event.
Causes of Pain in Females
While both genders can experience shoulder issues, certain causes of shoulder pain in females are more prominent due to hormonal and anatomical differences. These include:
- Postural problems due to breast weight
- Frozen shoulder, more common in middle-aged women
- Referred pain during menstrual cycles or hormonal changes
- Postpartum strain from holding or feeding babies
Understanding these gender-specific issues helps tailor more effective treatment plans for women.
Shoulder Blade Pain: Not Just a Muscle Pull
Shoulder blade pain can be quite different from general shoulder discomfort. It often points to deeper muscular issues or postural dysfunction. Moreover, poor ergonomics at work or long hours of sitting can intensify this pain. Regular movement and stretching exercises are essential to counteract it.
Right Shoulder Pain and Its Triggers
Although right shoulder pain is often dismissed, it can stem from serious underlying issues such as:
- Gallbladder problems
- Liver disorders
- Rotator cuff tears
- Overhead lifting injuries
Right-sided pain typically affects the dominant arm, especially in athletes or fitness enthusiasts.
A Real-Life Example: Virat Kohli’s Right Shoulder Pain (March 2017, Ranchi)
To better understand how even elite athletes are not immune to shoulder injuries, let’s take a quick look at the famous Indian cricketer, Virat Kohli. During a Test match in Ranchi against Australia in March 2017, Kohli suffered a right shoulder pain after diving near the boundary.
Although the injury was not serious enough to keep him off the field entirely, it affected his batting during the match. Physiotherapy played a vital role in his quick recovery. His treatment included rest, shoulder pain exercises, and monitored rehab—showcasing the importance of professional care in high-performance sports.
Effective Pain Exercises You Should Try
Exercise is one of the best ways to relieve shoulder discomfort. However, it’s essential to perform them correctly and consistently. Here are a few tried-and-tested shoulder pain exercises that can help:
- Pendulum stretch – Improves mobility
- Crossover arm stretch – Reduces stiffness
- Wall crawl – Increases range of motion
- Shoulder blade squeeze – Improves posture
- External rotation with band – Builds strength in rotator cuff
Perform these exercises under the guidance of a physiotherapist for best results.
Self-Care Tips for Pain Relief
In addition to therapy, here are some home remedies and lifestyle changes that can bring shoulder pain relief:
- Apply ice or heat packs depending on the stage of pain
- Maintain good posture throughout the day
- Use a supportive pillow for shoulder pain at night
- Avoid repetitive motions or heavy lifting
- Stay physically active with regular stretches
Nevertheless, if pain persists for more than a week, it’s best to consult a physiotherapy expert.
When to Seek Professional Help
It’s time to consult a specialist:
- Lasts longer than a week
- Is accompanied by swelling or redness
- Restricts your movement significantly
- Causes numbness or tingling in your arms
Ignoring chronic shoulder discomfort can worsen the condition and delay recovery.
Conclusion
Shoulder pain can severely affect your daily routine and overall wellness. But with the right understanding of the pain causes, targeted exercises, and timely professional care, you can achieve lasting relief.
Whether it’s left shoulder pain, shoulder blade pain, or strain from daily work, expert guidance makes all the difference. Even athletes like Virat Kohli depend on physiotherapy to recover and return to peak performance. Why not you?
📌 Need Help from Experts?
If you’re struggling with shoulder pain and seeking expert care, consult physiotherapists at Pelvispine Physiotherapy & Rehab Centre, located in Punjabi Bagh Extension, New Delhi.
📍 Visit: 1/6, Lane 56, Punjabi Bagh Extension, New Delhi, Delhi, 110026, India
📧 Email: pelvispinephysio@gmail.com
📞 Contact: +91 9873025025