How To Diagnose Shoulder Pain With 3 Simple Tests

Discover 3 simple tests you can do at home to get an accurate idea of the problem in your shoulder. The most common reasons for pain in the shoulder are rotator cuff injuries, tendonitis, joint problems (...like arthritis and worn cartilage) and nerve problems.
Finding the root reason for the shoulder problem can save lots of time and headaches...and possibly even save you from having an unnecessary surgery.
Treating the root problem will allow you to fix the problem at the source so that you can get back to doing the things you love.
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DISCLAIMER:
Any information available at this channel is intended for general guidance only and must never be considered a substitute for advice provided by a physician, medical provider or a physical therapist. El Paso Manual Physical Therapy will not be liable for any injuries that happened due to performing any exercises or advice on this channel.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care professional with questions about your medical condition or to diagnose any conditions.

[@dirty5141]

I have some limited mobility but not much. But i do have some repeatable popping and that nerve pain on the side of the arm. Still can usually get full motion sometimes just have to put my elbow more in front of me instead of more to the side.

[@suzanfirth6871]

What I learned is what I wish I had known 40 years ago when I started weights But better late than never and thanks for the best information clearly presented that provides ways to get better ❤

[@raidthanfl]

Dealing with shoulder issues…again. Has surgery on each shoulder 10 years ago. I will do my best to avoid surgery. Thanks for your knowledge. Ive been doing facepulls, lateral shoulder extensions, and a body blade.

[@patmalone4262]

Thank you for your help! From the diagnostic tests you’ve shared on this and other videos, I believe that what started off as an impingement for me has now progressed to a tear. Should I first concentrate on the treatments for a tear and later the exercises for impingement, or attempt to do both now?

[@bernieslack7686]

Your information is very good and thorough. I have limited motion with pain , pain just below the shoulder bone at the rotator tendons and I get tingling in my pinky and ring finger. Does this sound like a rotator tear ? I have noticed lately that I also get a sharp pain in my neck on the same side and have to work that out to move. It's hell getting old

[@What1198]

What exercises do you recommend for the nerve symptoms I also have some loss minimal of some movements.

[@KptkZ]

Very helpful , thanks

[@timothydavis2568]

Great video, thanks so much！ Just googled all four of the rotator muscles. based on pain to-the-touch at the back of my ball joint, looks like I have a infraspanatous or teres minor tendon

[@JOReview]

Dr. david, just found your channel. Watched several videos. Great stuff. Very helpful. Just recently i started to present with strong deep pain deep in my shoulder. Strong dull ache. Only with traction movements like opening doors or shoulder extension does it really hurt. All else fine. Strength, ROM all good. No prior shoulder injury ir issues before this. Want to rule out curf tear or labral tear before going back to heavy lifting.

[@mariatrejo9871]

Good explanation of common shoulder problems. I did catch tendons, muscles, and bones make up the natural movement. Thank you!

[@epmanualphysicaltherapy]

Hey Maria! Thanks so much! Glad it helped!

[@baronvonjoy5900]

Your explanation on the three items that could be causing your pain was very interesting. And after listening to your information, I believe I have problem with the nerves. Because my pain only comes when I wake up in the middle of the night to go to the restroom. And then I get this sensation on my left shoulder slightly in the front of the shoulder. It’s not a direct pain if you can describe it that way, it’s more like something telling you hello, I’m still here. Quick history of this happening all started on a very small motorbike accident. When I say accident that sounds very serious but this was just a bump. The Motorbike in front of me we were waiting for the traffic to move. He started to move. I started to move, then suddenly he stopped, but no brake light so I stopped a little bit late in my wheel hit the back of his wheel perhaps at 10 km an hour I came to an abrupt stop and that jarred my left shoulder. At night I felt no pain or anything until the following day. I wake up in the morning. The pain is in the shoulder and very small area in the front of it but sometimes it’s in a different area that was at the beginning when it started I had it in different areas but now after three weeks after the accident, it’s in one particular spot in the morning and during the night if it irritates me. It’s not like a muscle pain but it severe my arm motion is very good. I can move it all around making your video and I don’t get any pain and that’s the puzzling thing about it. sorry for the long letter. Will cold and hot compresses help it which shall I do. Thank you for your help in advance

[@marianatera631]

Thank you Dr. David for sharing your knowledge! It’s so helpful & thorough! This is where I come to find answers!

[@epmanualphysicaltherapy]

You’re welcome Maria!!! We’re glad you can find answers to your questions here!

[@janicegonzalez2621]

This was very helpful. From your tests, I think I have a radial nerve issue and tendinitis. My shoulder/arm pain began after I got an injection on my arm, which was given a bit lower than the area in which it is normally given. This was almost a year ago. Is it possible that the injection hit the nerve and is causing this pain, or is it just a coincidence. If so, what would be the therapy to help heal it?

[@magz6197]

Thanks so much!

[@epmanualphysicaltherapy]

Hey Magz, you are welcome! Thank you so much for your support. We appreciate you being part of our community! 🧡

[@jeremyshasha5464]

Hey Dr David, Thank you so much for your videos, they have helped me out so much. I had cervical radiculopathy and I pretty much diagnosed and cured myself with your videos alone. However it’s been about 3 months and the nerve pain isn’t completely gone in the shoulder yet I have a question about how I should proceed. Should I be doing shoulder exercises for a tear or tendinitis as well or should I just keep going with the radiculopathy exercises alone? Thanks again!

[@j727100]

What do you think about behind the neck shoulder press?

[@heathern9051]

Definitely have pain during the movement test. I hurt my shoulder cutting a branch above my head a year ago. Due to insurance issues, went straight to PT last spring (no MRI, etc). PT helped, but have just been dealing with a sore shoulder since. I guess I need to get referred for an MRI, etc.

[@ChrisMoca]

I am very excited to practice these shoulder press techniques when I hit my CrossFit gym tomorrow AM, as well as the hanging therapy discussed in your other video with Dr. Kirsch. I've been feeling kind of hopeless about the pain I've been experiencing in my right shoulder this year. Orthopedist ruled out RC tear right away. Strength and mobility range are totally fine. PT helped to correct the positioning of my scapula (dyskinesia), but after several months of therapy, several weeks of staying away from the gym altogether, as well as a cortisone shot, there is still pain. I will follow up in a couple of weeks to let you know how things are going.

[@valeriepetersen3524]

Great information. If I lived in Texas I would be in your office today!

[@epmanualphysicaltherapy]

Hi Valerie! 🙌 Thank you for your kind words! You do have the option of a Virtual Consultation. This would give you the opportunity to talk to Dr. David one on one and discuss the details of your situation. He could then advise you on the best treatment options, the best exercises, and the next steps to take. If you'd like to learn more about our Virtual Consultation please click here: Virtual visit link www.epmanualphysicaltherapy.com/virtual-visit/ In the meantime, we do have a few videos that can help ease shoulder pain. You can check it out here: "Neck & Shoulder Pain Help" kzbin.info/aero/PLJVIPiFvv1mbR1jLbsUrgCzvlaLTxGnJ0 We hope you that can feel some relief soon! We'd love to hear how you are doing as you progress.🙌 Please take care!

[@billwilson5909]

Thanks!

[@epmanualphysicaltherapy]

Hey Bill! Thank you so much for your support! We appreciate you.🙌

[@mariadelmaoteromejia7854]

Hello Doctor. I play amateur volleyball. Don't remember exactly when the shoulder pain started, sometimes I do weight lifting at home. However, whenever I do an inadequate spike or serve I get an anterior shoulder pain, doesn't last for long, depends on: worse tecniche greater pain. Since I do home weight lifting and sometimes muscles sore, I do not consider it a shoulder pain. I just get the pain during an inadequate spike/serve. My mobility is normal, doesn't hurt, just sore which I consider is weight lifting. Sometimes, not exercise related, while doing everyday movements, I feel numbness in my 3rd and 4th right finger.

[@colinmcnairnay4893]

Your explanations r so concise, thank u. Health care provider here.

[@epmanualphysicaltherapy]

Hey Colin, thanks so much for your feedback! Glad you resonated with our message in this video! 🙌🏼

[@evelyny7037]

Hi Dr. David! I could sure use a little bit of advice for my 82-year-old mom who was recently told that one of her shoulders is bone on bone and the other is pretty bad to post surgery for torn rotator cuff about 20 years ago that really didn’t do well. She’s not a candidate for surgery really and we’re just looking for some doable strengthening exercises and some natural treatment to reduce inflammation. She started to have a little numbness in one of her arms after she just tries to do some of her normal daily routine and might overdo it a little. That’s very concerning. I would sure appreciate your thoughts/insights on this issue. She’s very careful with her diet and she tries to get some sunshine every day, a little exercise like gentle walking and she takes some specific supplements. Thanks so much; I just found your channel and I’m enjoying it!

[@deutel]

Dr David. My friend has been looking at PRP treatment for shoulder arthritis. What do you think of PRP? Sounds pretty drastic to me. Please reply.

[@kairocujohansen1717]

Feels I got it all.just had an cortisone shot after figuring out for 2 months. It’s almost the same😩

[@charlenebates5447]

How do I find exercises

[@bojanbuck7874]

Doctor please help, have some shoulder pain butit is minimal my problem is colar bone cant detect whats wrong somethimes i feel the pain in like triceps? Cheers for all the work! Buck

[@elainesmith1206]

Should I have a,MIR scan

[@lucylu9792]

I have all 3

[@dewaynewadsworth3230]

Good info here. What if that pin point spots at the back of the shoulder? Sort of in the same place as you pointed out in the front.

[@epmanualphysicaltherapy]

Hey Dewayne! Great question! This is a common issue that actually arises from the neck. In case you would like to learn about it, here is a link to our cervical playlist that may be of help: “Cervical (Neck) Stenosis Help” kzbin.info/aero/PLJVIPiFvv1mbB6MFKdws1vpjbW_jyXB5y

[@lucylu9792]

Where are u? Are u in the states? I need your help. I’m suffering in pain.

[@ChurchillLian]

Hey I have a question I have that tender spot around my shoulder too when I dig into it with my nails which doesn’t happen to my non injured shoulder and I have full range of motion but if I move in those overhead movements too fast my shoulder has a sharp popping/grinding pain and also I have burning feeling near that tender spot too if I aggravate it on certain days when I’m doing more work, I’m only in high school and I’ve had it for 2 years and I want to heal it so I want to know what shoulder injury I have so I can fix and heal it, do you have any idea on what could it possibly be?

[@AashishmJogi]

@ChurchillLian did u get a diagnoses?? I ve the same problem too past one year😢

[@sandesaul551]

Hello Dr. David, I don’t see the comment with link for exercises for neck/knot/arm pain you referenced in the video. I do not have tender spots around the head of shoulder. I can lift my arm up without pain. I cannot reach back w/o pain and it becomes especially acute when I am in the passenger seat and reach behind to aid my granddaughter in car seat behind the drivers seat. I did not have neck stiffness and pain on this side until the last couple of weeks after dealing with the arm pain. Now I do. I had rotator cuff surgery on the opposite arm and unfortunately I was doing those recovery exercises along with my regular workout. Now my arm is only worse. I stopped a week or so ago after watching one of your videos. I am 65.

[@epmanualphysicaltherapy]

Hey there! The Rotator Cuff Tear Recovery Program has officially launched check it out here: The Rotator Cuff Tear Recovery Program is a comprehensive program designed to get your shoulder pain under control to allow the rotator cuff tendons to heal. Then it guides you to correct the underlying root muscle imbalances so that you can fix the source of the problem (rather than just treat the symptoms) and get long-term relief from shoulder pain. This program works even if you've had rotator cuff surgery in the past but continue to have rotator cuff problems. To learn more please click this link: www.epmanualphysicaltherapy.com/rotator-cuff-tear-recovery-program/

[@AgendaInMind]

I have not yet done an MRI, but I slipped off a rock and face planted onto another one. Elides the cut over my eye and severe black eye, my arm landed somewhere I wasn’t aware of, and now it’s very painful. It’s hurts where the bicep and deltoid come together, but not the rotator area. It appears flattened a bit on this area, and it’s my dominant side. Behind the back and inward rotation is painful. Washing under the opposite armpit makes it hurt. It could be radial nerve or tendon strain. I’m just not sure. It’s been 7 days since the fall, and it has gotten less painful, but still there. I am doing the tear exercises you recommend. Which problem does this sound like? I may have to contact you. I just do not trust the rehabs and don’t have time to drive around to all of them who will all try to tell me they know how to fix it.

[@NGladysheva]

Are muscle knots and trigger points the same?

[@epmanualphysicaltherapy]

Hey Natalia! Great question! They are essentially the same thing.

[@blainebowling3303]

…so helpful!!!

[@epmanualphysicaltherapy]

Glad this was helpful for you Blaine!

[@blainebowling3303]

@@epmanualphysicaltherapy now that you’ve fixed my chronic IT Band syndrome (over a decade) I need your help with chronic LH bicep tendinitis. I was pretty sure that’s what it was but your test just confirmed it. It started coming on about two years ago when I started doing more traditional bench press exercises. Of course since it was during a pushing movement it took a long time to figure out where the pain was originating. Can I call your office? Do you have specific videos? Do you have some info that I can purchase?😁

[@epmanualphysicaltherapy]

Hey Blaine! We the option for a virtual consultation with one of our specialists if you are interested in that. Here is some more information for that: We highly recommend a Virtual Consultation service with one of our experienced doctors. By opting for a Virtual Consultation, you'll have the opportunity to have a one-on-one conversation with our doctors, where they can delve into the details of your condition and provide you with tailored guidance and coaching. This personalized approach ensures that you receive the individualized support and direction you need to make informed decisions about your health. To learn more about our Virtual Consultations Please click here: www.epmanualphysicaltherapy.com/virtual-visit/

[@blainebowling3303]

@@epmanualphysicaltherapy thank you sir! I will be giving you a call!!

[@billyp2384]

Hello Dr. David, I'm 66 yrs old, in good physical shape, worked out pretty much all my life and recently had a fall from pulling vines from a tree. Hit the ground, may have hit good size rock on my left shoulder. So, after an MRI on my left shoulder Rotator Cuff Diagnostic : Full thickness supraspinatus and anterior infraspinatus insertional rotator cuff tear with the avulsed tendon edges retracted 0.7cm medial to the footprint and the tear extending 1.5cm from the anterior to the posterior. I've watched your videos. My Dr. has indicated that I need surgery and set up an appt. with the orthapedic. Really don't want to do surgery. I know you support natural healing yet not being sure since I'm getting conflicting advice from my Dr. I'm concerned. Can this particular tear be healed naturally. Thank you for your information!

[@epmanualphysicaltherapy]

Hello, Bill! We are sorry to hear this happened to you :(. It can be a tough set back to someone who has been as physically active as you. But, there is other things that can be explored before resorting to surgery. Here is a series of videos on rotator cuff tears that might be useful! "Rotator Cuff Tear Help" kzbin.info/aero/PLJVIPiFvv1mbQ_-1YFfEePnrcxfwwf9_k We hope this helps! Comment back if you have any questions!

[@reneeferreira5627]

My left shoulder bone on bone Degeneration, arthritis. Help pse.

[@epmanualphysicaltherapy]

Hi Reneeferreira, we are so sorry you are dealing with shoulder bone-on-bone arthritis/degeneration. We do not have any resources for it but we will forward your comment to Dr. David so that he can consider it for future content. We do have a video that could be helpful for your situation here. You can access it here: “Shoulder Pain Rule of the Hand | El Paso Physical Therapy” (can be beneficial for shoulder arthritis) kzbin.infowYmyN0Dbtzc We wish you all the best in your road to recovery!

[@JohnBurr-kz7gi]

What would it be if you only have pain in your shoulder when you lift weights overhead?

[@epmanualphysicaltherapy]

Hey John! You might want to look at this playlist: “Shoulder Impingement Pain Help” kzbin.info/aero/PLJVIPiFvv1mYGRrMuW9YtI9XIkxvxAgkb Hope this helps!

[@nicoleheatherington4365]

What if pain is at back of shoulder.

[@epmanualphysicaltherapy]

Hey Nicole, a common cause of shoulder pain in the back of the shoulder is from spinal accessory nerve irritation. This will usually cause pain between the shoulder blades. A great way to get rid of that is by performing chin tucks. Hope this helps!

[@desisernaguitar]

I feel pain when I apply pressure to the top of my shoulder before the end of the bone where it falls off. Other areas are fine. I have full range of motion but with pain, especially when reaching straight up. My shoulder is most aggravated when I do pressing movements and bicep curls. I ditched the barbells a long time ago, but still have problems with machines and dumbbells.

[@epmanualphysicaltherapy]

Hey Desi, we are so sorry to hear about your shoulder pain! :-( You might need to stop doing bicep curls for a bit, these could be feeding into a muscle imbalance that is causing your shoulder pain to flare up. Our general advice is to try and move your scapula through all of its degrees of motion. For example, overhead pressing while finishing with a shrug at the top will allow your scapula to elevate and improve your trapezius strength. This playlist contains more information with exercises that you can do to begin improving your shoulder pain symptoms: “Shoulder Pain Help” kzbin.info/aero/PLJVIPiFvv1mYePz9-6wfN8O6PUl_8zFjZ