Shoulder Pain Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Shoulder pain is common in Grand Rapids

Shoulder pain is a frequent problem for people living in Grand Rapids and across West Michigan. From active adults enjoying the trails along the Grand River to workers in manufacturing, healthcare, and construction, many residents put regular strain on their shoulders.

In younger people, shoulder pain is more likely to be caused by an accident or sports injury, such as a fall while skiing at Cannonsburg, a football tackle, or a lifting injury at work.

As you get older, natural wear and tear occurs in the shoulder joint and the rotator cuff tendons. Over time, this can lead to pain, stiffness, and weakness.

The good news: with the right diagnosis and treatment, most shoulder pain improves, allowing you to get back to work, recreation, and daily life in Grand Rapids.

Emergency warning: If your shoulder pain is accompanied by chest discomfort, a tight feeling across the chest, pain radiating down one or both arms, shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea, call 911 immediately. These can be signs of a heart attack and require urgent medical care at an emergency department such as Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital or Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

Understanding Your Shoulder

The shoulder is a complex, highly mobile structure made up of bones, joints, and soft tissues that all need to work together.

Main shoulder joints

  • Glenohumeral joint – where the upper arm bone (humerus) connects with the shoulder blade (scapula).
  • Acromioclavicular (AC) joint – where the top of the shoulder blade meets the collarbone (clavicle).

Strong connective tissue forms the shoulder capsule

The shoulder capsule is a sleeve of strong connective tissue that keeps the head of the humerus in the joint socket. It is lined with a synovial membrane, which produces synovial fluid to lubricate and nourish the joint.

Your shoulder is also supported and stabilized by:

  • Tendons – connect muscles to bone
  • Ligaments – connect bone to bone and provide stability
  • Muscles – including the rotator cuff, which keeps the shoulder centered and allows you to lift and rotate your arm

Cartilage covers the ends of the bones in the shoulder, creating a smooth, cushioned surface so the joint can move freely.

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

There are many causes of shoulder pain, and not all are due to problems in the shoulder itself. In Grand Rapids, common contributors include sports injuries, repetitive work tasks, winter falls on ice, and age-related changes.

Joint and cartilage problems

Healthy cartilage allows the shoulder joint to move smoothly. Over time, cartilage can:

  • Wear down due to osteoarthritis
  • Be damaged by an accident or injury

This can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.

The synovial membrane can also become inflamed, a condition called synovitis. This may occur due to:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Injury
  • Sometimes an unknown cause

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder occurs when the shoulder capsule thickens, becomes inflamed, and tightens. There may also be less synovial fluid to lubricate the joint.

As a result, the shoulder becomes very stiff and painful to move. Frozen shoulder may develop:

  • After surgery or injury when the shoulder has been immobilized
  • In people with other medical conditions such as diabetes, which is relatively common in Michigan

Inflamed bursa (bursitis)

A bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between bone, muscle, and tendons.

In the shoulder, the bursa between the rotator cuff tendon and the bony tip of the shoulder (acromion) can become inflamed, especially with repetitive overhead movements (common in some manufacturing jobs and overhead sports).

This condition is called subacromial bursitis and is a very common cause of shoulder pain.

Ligament injuries and instability

Ligaments help keep the shoulder bones in the correct position. If ligaments are:

  • Sprained (stretched or partially torn)
  • Damaged by a subluxation (partial dislocation)
  • Damaged by a full dislocation (humerus comes completely out of the socket)

You may experience short-term severe pain and, in some cases, ongoing feelings of looseness or instability.

Labral tears

The labrum is a ring of flexible cartilage that helps keep the shoulder joint in place. A labral tear can occur:

  • After a fall onto an outstretched arm (common on icy West Michigan sidewalks in winter)
  • With repetitive overhead sports (e.g., baseball, volleyball, swimming)

Labral tears can cause catching, locking, or a feeling that the shoulder is slipping.

AC joint injuries

A direct blow to the shoulder can sprain the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. This often occurs in:

  • Contact sports such as football or hockey
  • Falls from a bike or on ice

Rotator cuff problems

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder and position it for movement.

Rotator cuff tears may occur:

  • Suddenly after an injury (e.g., fall, lifting something heavy, broken collarbone)
  • Gradually over time due to wear and tear with age or repetitive overhead activity

Rotator cuff problems are one of the most common causes of shoulder pain seen by orthopedic specialists at Spectrum Health, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health in the Grand Rapids area.

Neck and upper back problems

Problems in the neck or upper back can cause referred pain to the shoulder. This pain is often felt:

  • At the back of the shoulder joint
  • Along the outside of the upper arm

Nerve irritation or compression in the neck can also cause tingling, burning, or weakness.

Injury to the axillary nerve (for example, from a shoulder dislocation or fractured humerus) can cause weakness when lifting the arm away from the body.

Other causes (referred pain from other organs)

Shoulder pain can sometimes be caused by conditions in other parts of the body, including:

  • Heart problems – angina or heart attack
  • Abdominal conditions – such as gallstones (often causing pain in the right shoulder)

These causes are less common but important to recognize, especially if you have risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease—conditions seen frequently in West Michigan.

Signs and Symptoms of Shoulder Pain

People with shoulder pain in Grand Rapids describe a wide range of symptoms, including:

  • Pain deep in the shoulder joint
  • Pain at the front or back of the shoulder
  • Pain in the upper part of the arm
  • A ‘catching’ or sharp pain with certain movements
  • Reduced range of motion or stiffness
  • Pain when lifting, reaching, or sleeping on the affected side
  • Weakness in the shoulder or upper arm
  • A sensation that the joint is slipping in and out of the socket
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning (more likely from the neck or nerves)

After a shoulder dislocation, lack of movement is usually due to pain.
Complete rotator cuff tears and axillary nerve injuries both cause significant weakness lifting the arm away from the body.

Diagnosing Shoulder Pain in Grand Rapids

These problems require close clinical examination

Health professionals who treat shoulder pain—such as your primary care doctor, sports medicine physician, physiatrist, or orthopedic specialist—are trained to identify the underlying cause of your pain.

They will typically:

  • Ask detailed questions about:
    • How and when your shoulder pain started
    • Any recent injuries, falls, or accidents
    • Your work and recreational activities (for example, snow shoveling, factory work, overhead sports)
    • Other health conditions (e.g., arthritis, diabetes, heart disease)
    • What makes the pain worse or better
  • Perform a thorough physical examination:
    • Assessing range of motion
    • Testing strength
    • Checking for tenderness, swelling, or deformity
    • Performing specific tests to stress different structures in the shoulder and neck

From this information, they can determine which structures are most likely involved.

Sometimes, additional tests are recommended. It is important to know that many imaging tests show “changes” that are part of normal aging—often visible by age 40–50—and do not always mean serious damage.

Imaging tests for shoulder pain

X-ray

An X-ray provides images of the bones and joints. It can show:

  • Arthritis changes (such as bone spurs or narrowed joint space)
  • Fractures
  • Some signs of long-standing rotator cuff problems

X-rays do not show muscles, tendons, or ligaments.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound is often used to look at the rotator cuff tendons and bursa. It can show:

  • Inflammation
  • Partial tears
  • Complete tendon ruptures

While helpful, ultrasound alone cannot provide a complete diagnosis. If an ultrasound is ordered, an X-ray is usually done as well to give a fuller picture of the shoulder.

CT and MRI scans

Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are usually not the first tests used for shoulder pain. They may be recommended when:

  • A fracture is suspected
  • There is a complex injury
  • Surgery is being considered
  • A labral tear or significant rotator cuff tear is suspected

These scans help determine the extent of injury and whether you may need surgical evaluation, often provided by orthopedic surgeons at Grand Rapids hospitals such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, or Metro Health.

Treating Shoulder Pain in Grand Rapids

Most shoulder pain can be managed with conservative (non-surgical) treatment. Your care plan will depend on the cause, severity, and how your pain affects daily life.

Physiotherapy (Physical Therapy)

One of the first and most effective treatments for shoulder pain is physiotherapy/physical therapy. Local options are widely available through:

  • Spectrum Health Rehabilitation
  • Trinity Health and Mercy Health outpatient therapy
  • Independent physical therapy clinics throughout Grand Rapids and Kent County

Physical therapy typically focuses on:

  • Restoring range of motion
  • Improving strength and stability (especially of the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles)
  • Correcting posture (important for people who sit at desks or drive for long periods)
  • Gradually returning you to work, sports, and daily activities
  • Modifying or retraining movements that aggravate your shoulder

Occupational therapy

If shoulder pain makes daily activities difficult, an occupational therapist can help you:

  • Find easier ways to bathe, dress, cook, and work
  • Adjust your workstation or tools (important in office, factory, and healthcare jobs common in Grand Rapids)
  • Use helpful aids or equipment to reduce strain on your shoulder

Heat and cold therapy

  • Cold packs can reduce pain and swelling after an acute injury.
  • Heat packs can help relax tight muscles and ease stiffness, especially during cold Michigan winters when joints may feel more rigid.

Always place a cloth between your skin and the pack, and limit use to about 15–20 minutes at a time.

Medication

Medications may help control pain while you work on restoring movement and strength:

  • Acetaminophen (paracetamol) can help relieve pain
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (such as ibuprofen or naproxen) can reduce pain and inflammation

If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, or stomach ulcers, talk with your doctor before using NSAIDs—these conditions are relatively common in West Michigan and may affect which medications are safe for you.

Medications should not be considered a long-term solution; they are most helpful as part of a broader treatment plan.

Injections

If your pain persists despite initial treatment, your doctor may discuss:

Corticosteroid injections

A corticosteroid injection into the shoulder joint or bursa can:

  • Reduce inflammation
  • Provide temporary pain relief
  • Allow you to participate more fully in physical therapy

Injections can be effective for conditions such as bursitis, impingement, and some forms of arthritis. Side effects are possible, but for many people, a limited number of injections is well tolerated. Your provider may recommend keeping a pain diary to track how well the injection works.

Hydrodilatation for frozen shoulder

For frozen shoulder, a procedure called hydrodilatation may be suggested. This involves injecting a mixture of saline (fluid) and steroid into the joint to gently stretch the capsule.

Evidence shows this can:

  • Reduce pain
  • Improve range of motion

Physical therapy in the days and weeks after hydrodilatation further improves outcomes.

When Is Surgery Needed?

Most people in Grand Rapids with shoulder pain improve over time with conservative treatment. However, surgery may be considered if:

  • There is severe joint damage from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
  • You have recurrent or frequent dislocations
  • You have an acute rotator cuff tear after a significant injury
  • You have a chronic rotator cuff tear that has not improved with therapy
  • You have a large labral tear or significant instability

Surgery for frozen shoulder is considered carefully, because the condition often improves naturally over time and usually responds to non-surgical treatment. Even after surgery, some pain and stiffness can persist.

Pre-surgery preparation is important:

  • Maintaining as much range of motion as possible
  • Keeping surrounding muscles strong
  • Understanding your procedure and recovery plan

Post-surgery rehabilitation with a physical therapist in Grand Rapids is crucial for a good outcome.

Self‑Management of Shoulder Pain

Committing to an exercise-based rehabilitation program

An exercise-based rehabilitation program is one of the most important parts of shoulder pain treatment. It may include:

  • Stretching exercises to improve flexibility
  • Strengthening for the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles
  • Postural exercises (especially for desk workers and drivers)
  • Gradual return to sports or work activities

Lifestyle and work modifications may also be necessary, such as:

  • Adjusting how you lift, carry, or reach at work
  • Taking breaks from repetitive overhead tasks
  • Using proper technique for snow shoveling and yard work during Michigan’s changing seasons

When to be concerned about shoulder pain

You should see a healthcare professional in Grand Rapids if:

  • Your shoulder pain has not started to improve after 1–2 weeks
  • The pain is getting worse over time
  • You cannot move your shoulder or arm normally
  • You notice significant weakness, deformity, or swelling
  • You have a history of cancer, unexplained weight loss, fever, or night sweats
  • You need stronger and stronger medications just to function

For urgent concerns, your primary care provider, urgent care clinic, or local emergency department can evaluate you.

Shoulder pain or discomfort—especially around the front of one or both shoulders—can sometimes be a sign of a heart attack. It is often described as:

  • An ache, heaviness, or pressure in the chest
  • Pain that spreads to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back
  • Accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or feeling lightheaded

This requires immediate medical attention.
Call 911 immediately if you are experiencing these symptoms. Do not drive yourself to the hospital.

Emergency care is available at local hospitals including:

  • Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids

If you have ongoing or severe shoulder pain, helpful local resources include:

  • Your GP / Primary Care Provider – first point of contact for assessment and referrals
  • Physiotherapist / Physical Therapist – for exercise-based rehabilitation
  • Exercise physiologist – for structured exercise programs, especially if you have other health conditions
  • Occupational therapist – for help with daily tasks and work modifications
  • Orthopedic specialist – for complex injuries, tears, or arthritis
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health – for community health resources, education, and chronic disease support

Long-Term Outlook for Shoulder Pain

Most people with shoulder pain in Grand Rapids recover or significantly improve, especially when:

  • The cause is identified early
  • They follow a structured rehabilitation program
  • They make appropriate lifestyle and work modifications

Recovery can take weeks to months, depending on the cause and severity.

Key Points

  • Shoulder pain is common in Grand Rapids and can affect people of all ages.
  • Sometimes the exact cause of shoulder pain is not known, but it can still be treated effectively.
  • Pain from an inflamed bursa (bursitis) and rotator cuff problems are very common shoulder issues.
  • Ligament injuries, sprains, and dislocations can cause short-term severe pain and sometimes ongoing instability.
  • There are many possible causes of shoulder pain, including joint problems, tendon and ligament injuries, neck issues, and referred pain from the heart or abdomen.
  • Most shoulder pain improves with conservative treatment such as physiotherapy, activity modification, and self-management strategies.
  • Seek urgent medical help or call 911 if shoulder pain is associated with chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or other heart attack symptoms.