Expert Orthopaedic Guide by Dr. Vishal Sahni, London Orthopedic Clinic, Nagpur
Shoulder pain is one of the most common problems seen in daily orthopaedic practice. Many people in Nagpur and across India experience shoulder discomfort that starts as mild irritation but gradually becomes severe enough to affect sleep, work, driving, exercise, and even simple activities like combing hair or lifting a bag.
If your shoulder pain is holding you back, the good news is that modern orthopaedic care offers highly effective solutions. With the right diagnosis, treatment plan, and rehabilitation, you can regain smooth movement and return to a pain-free lifestyle.
At London Orthopedic Clinic, Nagpur, Dr. Vishal Sahni (MBBS, MS Ortho, FRCS Ortho London, MCh Ortho Liverpool) specialises in advanced shoulder, elbow, and wrist treatments, helping patients move freely again with long-term relief.
This detailed guide explains the real causes of shoulder pain, symptoms you should not ignore, and the best treatment options available today.
Why Shoulder Pain Should Not Be Ignored
The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the human body. It allows you to lift, rotate, stretch, push, and pull. But because of its wide range of motion, it is also more prone to injury, wear and tear, and inflammation.
Shoulder pain may begin suddenly after an injury or develop slowly over time due to repetitive strain.
Ignoring shoulder pain can lead to:
- Increased stiffness and reduced mobility
- Weakness in the arm
- Difficulty sleeping due to night pain
- Long-term joint damage
- Need for more advanced treatment later
Early orthopaedic evaluation ensures faster recovery and prevents complications.
Common Shoulder Pain Symptoms Patients Experience
Many patients visit an orthopaedic shoulder specialist when they notice:
- Pain while lifting the arm
- Difficulty reaching overhead
- Pain when wearing clothes or combing hair
- Shoulder stiffness and reduced range of motion
- Clicking or grinding sounds
- Weakness in the shoulder muscles
- Pain that worsens at night
- Swelling or tenderness around the joint
If you experience any of these, it is time to consult a shoulder expert.
What Causes Shoulder Pain? (Most Common Reasons)
Understanding the root cause is the first step towards lasting relief. Shoulder pain can occur due to several orthopaedic conditions.
1. Rotator Cuff Injury or Tear
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilise the shoulder joint. It is essential for lifting and rotating the arm.
A rotator cuff tear may happen due to:
- Age-related degeneration
- Heavy lifting
- Sports injuries
- Sudden trauma
Symptoms include:
- Pain while lifting or reaching
- Weakness in the arm
- Difficulty sleeping on the affected side
2. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Frozen shoulder is a condition where the shoulder becomes stiff and painful due to tightening of the joint capsule.
It is common in:
- Diabetic patients
- People after prolonged immobilisation
- Middle-aged adults
Symptoms:
- Severe stiffness
- Limited movement
- Pain that gradually worsens
Frozen shoulder requires expert-guided physiotherapy and sometimes advanced interventions.
3. Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Shoulder impingement occurs when tendons get compressed between bones during arm movement.
It is often seen in:
- Gym-goers
- Athletes
- People doing repetitive overhead work
Symptoms:
- Sharp pain when lifting the arm
- Pain during exercise
- Reduced shoulder strength
Early treatment prevents tendon tears.
4. Shoulder Arthritis
Arthritis causes wearing away of cartilage inside the shoulder joint, leading to pain and stiffness.
Types include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Post-traumatic arthritis
Symptoms:
- Deep joint pain
- Grinding sensation
- Difficulty moving the shoulder
Dr. Vishal Sahni provides both non-surgical and surgical solutions for arthritis depending on severity.
5. Shoulder Dislocation and Instability
A dislocated shoulder occurs when the upper arm bone comes out of the socket.
This may happen due to:
- Sports injury
- Road traffic accident
- Falls
Repeated dislocations can cause shoulder instability requiring specialised treatment.
6. Tendinitis and Bursitis
Inflammation of tendons or the fluid-filled bursa can lead to pain, especially with movement.
Causes include:
- Overuse
- Poor posture
- Sudden strain
These conditions respond well to rest, physiotherapy, and guided orthopaedic care.
When Should You See an Orthopaedic Shoulder Specialist?
You should consult an expert like Dr. Vishal Sahni if:
- Pain lasts more than 7–10 days
- Shoulder movement is restricted
- Pain affects sleep
- There is weakness or numbness
- Pain started after injury
- Home remedies are not helping
Timely diagnosis improves outcomes and avoids long-term damage.
Expert Diagnosis at London Orthopedic Clinic, Nagpur
Proper diagnosis is essential before starting treatment. At London Orthopedic Clinic, patients receive a complete shoulder evaluation, including:
Clinical Examination
Dr. Sahni checks:
- Range of motion
- Muscle strength
- Tenderness points
- Joint stability
Advanced Imaging
Depending on the condition, tests may include:
- X-rays for arthritis and fractures
- MRI for rotator cuff tears
- Ultrasound for tendon inflammation
This ensures accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment.
Best Treatment Options for Shoulder Pain Relief
Shoulder pain treatment depends on the cause, severity, and patient lifestyle.
1. Activity Modification and Rest
Avoiding painful movements and giving the shoulder time to heal is the first step in many cases.
Small lifestyle changes can prevent worsening of injury.
2. Physiotherapy for Shoulder Pain
Physiotherapy plays a major role in recovery.
A structured rehab program improves:
- Mobility
- Strength
- Flexibility
- Joint stability
Physiotherapy is especially effective for:
- Frozen shoulder
- Impingement syndrome
- Post-injury stiffness
3. Pain Management and Medications
Short-term medications may help reduce pain and inflammation, allowing patients to participate in physiotherapy.
These are always prescribed under expert supervision.
4. Advanced Injection Therapies (Non-Surgical Relief)
In selected cases, targeted injections may provide relief from inflammation and pain.
These are performed carefully by an orthopaedic specialist to ensure safety and effectiveness.
5. Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery (Keyhole Surgery)
For tendon tears, instability, or severe impingement, arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical option.
Benefits include:
- Small incisions
- Faster recovery
- Less pain
- Improved shoulder function
Dr. Vishal Sahni is highly experienced in advanced arthroscopic shoulder procedures.
6. Shoulder Replacement Surgery for Severe Arthritis
In advanced arthritis or complex fractures, shoulder replacement may be recommended.
This procedure can restore mobility and significantly reduce pain when other treatments fail.
Dr. Sahni provides expert guidance on the best surgical option based on the patient’s condition.
How to Prevent Shoulder Pain from Returning
Prevention is always better than prolonged treatment.
Simple steps include:
- Maintaining correct posture
- Avoiding sudden heavy lifting
- Warming up before exercise
- Strengthening shoulder muscles
- Taking breaks during repetitive work
- Consulting a specialist early
Following a proper rehabilitation plan ensures long-term results.
Why Choose Dr. Vishal Sahni for Shoulder Pain Treatment in Nagpur?
When it comes to shoulder pain, experience and expertise matter.
Dr. Vishal Sahni is one of the leading orthopaedic surgeons for shoulder, elbow, and wrist conditions.
Qualifications:
- MBBS
- MS Orthopaedics
- FRCS Orthopaedics (London)
- MCh Orthopaedics (Liverpool)
Special Focus:
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Frozen shoulder treatment
- Arthroscopic shoulder surgery
- Shoulder arthritis management
- Shoulder replacement procedures
At London Orthopedic Clinic, Nagpur, patients receive world-class orthopaedic care with a personalised approach.
Shoulder Pain Doesn’t Have to Control Your Life
If shoulder pain is stopping you from working, exercising, sleeping, or enjoying daily activities, you don’t have to suffer silently.
With expert diagnosis, modern treatment, and guided rehabilitation, you can regain free movement and live pain-free again.
Consult Dr. Vishal Sahni, Orthopaedic Shoulder Specialist in Nagpur, at London Orthopedic Clinic and take the first step towards lasting shoulder relief.
FAQs: Shoulder Pain Holding You Back? Here’s How You Can Move Freely Again
1. What are the most common reasons for shoulder pain?
Shoulder pain is commonly caused by rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, impingement syndrome, arthritis, tendon inflammation, or shoulder dislocation. A proper orthopaedic evaluation helps identify the exact cause.
2. When should I see a doctor for shoulder pain?
You should consult a shoulder specialist if pain lasts more than a week, affects sleep, limits arm movement, causes weakness, or starts after an injury. Early treatment prevents long-term stiffness and damage.
3. Can shoulder pain go away on its own?
Mild shoulder strain may improve with rest, but persistent pain usually needs medical attention. Ignoring symptoms can lead to worsening stiffness or tendon tears.
4. What is frozen shoulder and how is it treated?
Frozen shoulder is a condition where the shoulder becomes stiff and painful with reduced movement. Treatment includes physiotherapy, pain management, and advanced interventions when required.
5. What is a rotator cuff tear?
A rotator cuff tear occurs when shoulder tendons are damaged due to injury or degeneration. Symptoms include pain while lifting the arm, weakness, and difficulty sleeping on the affected side.
6. Is physiotherapy effective for shoulder pain?
Yes, physiotherapy is one of the best treatments for shoulder pain. It helps restore mobility, strengthen muscles, and prevent recurrence, especially in frozen shoulder and impingement.
7. Do I need surgery for shoulder pain?
Not all shoulder problems require surgery. Most patients improve with non-surgical treatments. Surgery is recommended only in cases of severe tendon tears, instability, or advanced arthritis.
8. What is arthroscopic shoulder surgery?
Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive keyhole procedure used to repair rotator cuff tears, treat impingement, or stabilise dislocations. It offers faster recovery and less pain compared to open surgery.
9. Can arthritis cause shoulder pain?
Yes, shoulder arthritis can cause deep joint pain, stiffness, and reduced movement. Treatment depends on severity and may include therapy, injections, or shoulder replacement surgery in advanced cases.
10. How can I prevent shoulder pain from coming back?
You can prevent recurrence by maintaining good posture, doing shoulder strengthening exercises, avoiding sudden heavy lifting, warming up before workouts, and consulting a specialist early if symptoms return.
11. Who is the best doctor for shoulder pain treatment in Nagpur?
Dr. Vishal Sahni (MBBS, MS Ortho, FRCS Ortho London, MCh Ortho Liverpool) is a leading orthopaedic surgeon specialising in shoulder, elbow, and wrist treatments at London Orthopedic Clinic, Nagpur.
12. How do I book a consultation for shoulder pain in Nagpur? You can visit London Orthopedic Clinic, Nagpur, to consult Dr. Vishal Sahni for expert diagnosis and personalised shoulder pain treatment.