Shoulder Pain Specialist in Wilkes-Barre, PA

Shoulder pain is a frequent and often debilitating complaint for many of our patients. Our board-certified pain management physicians have extensive experience diagnosing and treating a wide range of shoulder conditions, ensuring each patient receives individualized, evidence-based care.
 
Common causes of shoulder pain we address at our practice include rotator cuff injuries, such as tendinitis, tears, and impingement syndromes. These issues often arise from inflammation or overuse of the tendons and muscles that stabilize the shoulder joint. Bursitis, or inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the shoulder, is another condition we frequently encounter.
 
We also treat osteoarthritis of the shoulder, a degenerative joint condition particularly common in older adults, that can severely impact mobility and quality of life.
 
Acute injuries, such as dislocations, shoulder instability, and fractures of the upper arm bone (humerus) or collarbone (clavicle), are also within our scope of expertise. We recognize that shoulder pain may sometimes be referred from other areas, such as the cervical spine, where nerve irritation in the neck can manifest as shoulder discomfort. Overuse injuries from repetitive activities—whether from sports, work, or daily life—are thoroughly evaluated and managed at our clinic.
 
Our comprehensive approach includes a detailed medical history, physical examination, and when necessary, advanced imaging studies to determine the precise cause of your pain. We also screen for less common but serious underlying causes, such as infections, tumors, or nerve disorders.

Identifying the cause is the first step toward effective, targeted treatment.
 
Acute Injury-Related Shoulder Pain
Pain resulting from an acute injury typically begins suddenly, often after a specific incident. You may recall lifting a heavy object, a fall, a sports mishap, or even a sudden twist while performing daily activities. This sort of pain is usually sharp and may be accompanied by swelling, bruising, or a significant reduction in your ability to move the shoulder. Sometimes, patients report hearing or feeling a “pop” at the moment of injury. These symptoms tend to appear immediately or shortly after the event.
 
Shoulder Pain from Overuse
In contrast, shoulder pain that develops from overuse often comes on gradually. This is common in individuals whose work or hobbies require repetitive movements—like frequent overhead activity, repetitive lifting, or extended periods at a computer. Overuse pain often starts as a mild, aching discomfort and may slowly intensify over days or weeks. The pain is typically more diffuse, may worsen with activity or at the end of the day, and is not usually associated with swelling or bruising.
 
Understanding the onset, nature, and progression of your shoulder pain is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment. At Comprehensive Pain Specialists, our team uses advanced diagnostic methods to distinguish between acute injuries and overuse syndromes. We develop personalized pain management plans and helping you regain function and quality of life.

At Comprehensive Pain Specialists, we understand that shoulder pain can significantly impact your daily life, work, and overall well-being. Deciding when to seek specialized care depends on several important factors:
 
Persistent Pain: If you have been experiencing shoulder pain that lasts for several weeks despite trying rest, over-the-counter medications, or physical therapy, it may be time to consult our pain management experts.

Severe or Disruptive Symptoms: If your shoulder pain is severe, interferes with your daily activities, or disrupts your sleep, our team can provide advanced treatment options to help you find relief.

Associated Symptoms: Pain accompanied by weakness, numbness, or tingling in your arm or hand—or if you have a history of shoulder injuries or surgeries—should prompt a thorough evaluation by one of our pain management physicians.

Unsuccessful Prior Treatments: If you have already tried other treatments without significant improvement, or if your pain is negatively affecting your quality of life, our specialists will work with you to determine the underlying cause and develop a customized, comprehensive pain management plan.

Shoulder pain is a frequent concern among our patients at Comprehensive Pain Specialists. While many cases stem from common issues such as muscle strain, tendonitis, or arthritis, it is important to understand that shoulder pain can sometimes signal a more serious underlying condition requiring specialized evaluation.

Occasionally, pain in the left shoulder may be a warning sign of a heart problem, such as angina or even a heart attack—especially if it is sudden, severe, or associated with chest pain, shortness of breath, or sweating. Shoulder pain can also be “referred pain,” where discomfort originates from another area of the body, such as the gallbladder, liver, or lungs. Additionally, conditions like nerve impingement, fractures, or joint infections can present as shoulder pain and may need urgent attention and intervention.

At Comprehensive Pain Specialists, our team is trained to identify both common and uncommon causes of shoulder pain. We recommend seeking prompt medical evaluation if your shoulder pain is accompanied by numbness, tingling, weakness in the arm, severe pain after an injury, fever, unexplained weight loss, or difficulty moving the arm. Early diagnosis and targeted treatment of serious underlying conditions can significantly improve your outcome and prevent complications. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are located at 1177 PA-315, Dolphin Plaza, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702. We serve patients from Wilkes-Barre PA, Glen Lyon PA, Dallas PA, Pittston PA, Mountain Top PA, Plymouth PA, and surrounding areas.