12/01/2026
Shoulder pain is something we see often in practice, and it usually falls into one of three common conditions:
- Shoulder Impingement
Often causes pain when lifting your arm or reaching overhead. It’s commonly linked to tendon irritation and inflammation.
- Rotator Cuff Tears
These can develop gradually or after an injury, leading to weakness, pain, and difficulty lifting the arm.
- Frozen Shoulder
A condition where the shoulder becomes stiff and painful over time, with movement gradually reducing before recovery begins.
While they can feel similar at first, each has a different cause and treatment approach.
Each condition presents differently — accurate diagnosis matters. Understanding what’s happening inside the shoulder helps guide the right care and leads to better outcomes.
If shoulder pain is limiting your movement or not improving, it’s worth getting it checked.
Dr Philip Mostert
Johannesburg Surgical Hospital, 2nd Floor, Suite 4
(011) 794 5758