Subacromial impingement
Pain when lifting the arm, especially sideways and overhead, often with irritated tendons or bursa.
Symptoms · Shoulder
Shoulder pain in Aachen.
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body and correspondingly prone to problems. Pain can come from the joint itself, from tendons and bursae, or from the neck.
In short
For the assessment it matters which movement triggers the pain, whether it is worse at night and how long it has lasted. X-ray and ultrasound are available on site.
Causes
Common causes of shoulder pain.
Rotator cuff problems
Irritation or tears of the tendons that guide the joint. Typical signs are pain with certain movements and sometimes reduced strength.
Calcific tendinopathy
Calcium deposits in a tendon can cause considerable pain, sometimes also at night.
Acromioclavicular joint
Wear or injury of the joint at the outer end of the collarbone, with tenderness at the top of the shoulder.
Frozen shoulder
Increasing restriction of movement with pain, often over weeks to months.
Pain referred from the neck
Problems of the cervical spine can radiate into the shoulder. More under Back pain.
Warning signs
When to seek medical advice promptly.
Not every shoulder pain is urgent. With the following signs, however, you should not wait.
Emergency: Shoulder or arm pain together with chest pressure, shortness of breath or cold sweats can be a sign of a heart attack. Call emergency services (112) immediately.
At the practice
What happens at our practice.
It starts with a detailed conversation, followed by an examination of mobility and strength. X-ray and ultrasound are available on site: ultrasound can show tendons and bursae, the X-ray shows bones and joint.
If an MRI scan is useful, we refer you to colleagues. We do not perform operations ourselves; we advise you independently and rely on conservative treatment first.
Treatment options
Which treatment is appropriate depends on the cause. Depending on the findings, options may include physical therapy measures, injections or acupuncture. We discuss possibilities, benefits and limits in a personal conversation.
Self-help
What you can do yourself.
- Temporarily reduce overhead work and painful movements, but do not immobilise the arm for long
- Stay mobile within the low-pain range
- Choose a comfortable sleeping position that does not put weight on the painful shoulder
Last updated: October 2026 · Responsible for content: Dr med. Andreas Kochs and Dr med. Henrik Rode. This information does not replace a medical examination.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about shoulder pain.
When should I see an orthopaedist for shoulder pain?
Promptly if you have any of the warning signs above; otherwise when symptoms last several weeks, disturb your sleep or limit your daily life.
What is calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder?
Calcium is deposited in a tendon of the shoulder. This can cause severe pain. X-ray and ultrasound usually show the deposit well.
Do I need an MRI for shoulder pain?
Not always. Often a conversation, examination, X-ray and ultrasound are enough. If an MRI would influence treatment, we refer you to colleagues.
Can shoulder pain come from the neck?
Yes, problems of the cervical spine can radiate into the shoulder. That is why we also examine the neck when needed.
Book an appointment
Your path to better mobility starts here.
Book your appointment online via Doctolib or call us during consulting hours.