The answer to this question could be harder to find than you might think. One reason for this is that the shoulder is such a complex joint. Another reason is that shoulder pain is so common. 

Researchers who have studied shoulder pain reveal that up to 70% of people are likely to experience it in their lifetime. Dozens of issues can be responsible for your pain, too. This makes it harder to self-diagnose what’s causing it. Turning to a physical therapist can help you learn the reason why the top of your shoulder hurts. 

Two reasons why the top of your shoulder might hurt

Physical therapists can start helping you figure out why the top of your shoulder hurts with a shoulder assessment. This might involve moving your arm and shoulder in various ways. The therapist might also ask you questions about the pain. Such information can help therapy specialists narrow down the possible reasons for your shoulder pain. 

In many cases, the source of your pain could come from two common shoulder issues. These three issues are: 

1. Rotator cuff tendinitis — Rotator cuff injuries occur with increasing frequency as people age. Researchers report that more than 60% of people over 80 develop a rotator cuff injury. This issue can be caused by a blow to the shoulder. It can also stem from using poor throwing mechanics while playing sports. Additionally, falling onto an outstretched arm can lead to rotator cuff tendinitis. 

2. Peripheral neuropathy — This issue occurs when nerves outside of the spinal cord or brain are injured or damaged. It’s estimated that 30 million Americans have some form of peripheral neuropathy (PN). PN tends to cause stabbing or burning pain in the area served by the affected nerve(s). You might also notice muscle weakness if you have PN. 

Find out what’s causing the top of your shoulder to hurt at Continuum Wellness

Want to find out for sure why the top of your shoulder hurts? Continuum Wellness has a team of therapy specialists who are ready and willing to help. We offer free screenings intended to pinpoint the source of your shoulder pain. 

Once we’ve revealed the cause of your pain, our team can then build you a personalized therapy plan designed to reduce it. There are many ways we can help you work through this therapy plan. You can visit our clinic. We also offer virtual care sessions and at-home therapy appointments. 

Ready to start getting our help with your shoulder pain? Contact our team today for more information about how we can help you or to schedule your initial appointment.