Which doctor to consult for shoulder pain?

If you’re dealing with shoulder pain that just won’t go away, you’re not alone—and yes, there is a right doctor to help you. The type of specialist you need depends on what’s causing the pain.

As a shoulder pain doctor, I see patients every day who’ve been trying home remedies for weeks or even months without lasting relief. Sometimes the issue is a strained muscle, other times it’s something deeper—like a tendon tear or joint inflammation.

The good news? Most shoulder problems can be treated effectively, especially when you consult the right expert at the right time.

Let me walk you through the causes, symptoms, and most importantly—who you should see for shoulder pain, and when.

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in your body, which makes it prone to a variety of problems. It’s made up of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that all work together. When any of these parts are injured or inflamed, it can cause pain.

Shoulder pain can be:

• Acute, meaning it starts suddenly—often from a fall, lifting injury, or overuse.

• Chronic, which develops slowly and lasts for more than 3 months. This is usually due to wear and tear, arthritis, or repetitive strain.

Pain may be felt in the front, back, or deep inside the joint. You might also notice stiffness, clicking, weakness, or pain that gets worse at night.

There are several possible causes, and they’re not always easy to pinpoint without an evaluation. Some of the most common reasons include:

• • Rotator cuff injuries: These involve the muscles and tendons that help lift and rotate your arm.

  • Frozen shoulder: A condition where the shoulder becomes stiff and painful, often after an injury or period of immobility.

  • Bursitis or tendinitis: Inflammation of small cushioning structures or tendons.

  • Shoulder impingement: When tendons get pinched between bones during movement.

  • Dislocations or instability: Often from trauma or sports injuries.

  • Arthritis: Wear and tear in the joint causing pain and stiffness.

  • Referred pain: Sometimes pain in the shoulder isn’t coming from the shoulder at all. It may be referred from the neck, heart, or even gallbladder.

That’s why getting the right diagnosis matters. Self-treatment may give temporary relief but can delay proper care.

This is one of the most common questions I get. People often search online for a “shoulder specialist near me” and end up more confused than before. So let me break it down clearly.

1. Sports Medicine Doctor

Ideal if the pain is from overuse or sports-related injuries, these doctors focus on non-surgical treatments and rehab. They can perform detailed ultrasound evaluations to diagnose the condition accurately, rather than relying solely on clinical evaluation. The treatments they offer can also help speed up recovery time.

2. Orthopedic Doctor

This is the go-to specialist if the pain is from an injury, arthritis, or any structural issue involving bones, joints, or tendons. Orthopedic doctors can also perform surgery if necessary.

3.  Start with Your Primary Care Doctor

If it’s your first time experiencing shoulder pain and it’s not too severe, start here. They’ll examine you, ask about your symptoms, and may suggest basic treatments like rest, medication, or physiotherapy. If needed, they’ll refer you to a specialist.

4. Rheumatologist

If your shoulder pain is caused by autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, a rheumatologist is the right choice.

5. Physiatrist (PM&R Specialist)

These doctors focus on non-surgical pain relief and physical function, especially for musculoskeletal problems.

6. Neurologist or Spine Specialist

If the pain seems to be nerve-related or coming from the neck (as in cervical radiculopathy), a neurologist can help.

7. Pain Management Specialist

When pain becomes chronic and doesn’t respond to standard treatments, a pain specialist can offer advanced therapies such as nerve blocks or injections.

At Jeevisha Pain Clinic Pune, I often see patients after they’ve visited multiple doctors and still haven’t found relief. We take a holistic approach, combining accurate diagnosis with personalized treatment plans that might include medications, physical therapy, guided injections, or regenerative therapies—depending on the cause.

When you see a shoulder specialist, here’s what you can expect:

• • A thorough medical history: how long you’ve had pain, what makes it worse or better, and past injuries.
  • Physical exam: checking your shoulder’s range of motion, strength, and tenderness.
  • If needed, we’ll order imaging like:
    • X-rays for bone issues or arthritis
    • Ultrasound or MRI for tendon and soft tissue problems
    • Blood tests if inflammation or autoimmune disease is suspected
    • Nerve conduction studies if the pain might be coming from your neck or spine

The goal is to understand why your shoulder hurts—not just to treat the symptom.

Every patient is different. Treatment depends on the cause, your age, activity level, and how long you’ve had the pain. But here are the most common options:

Non-Surgical:

• • Rest and activity modification
  • Anti-inflammatory medications (like ibuprofen)
  • Cold or heat therapy
  • Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve range of motion
  • Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
  • Advanced options like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or hyaluronic acid injections

Surgical:

If non-surgical treatments don’t help, and your condition involves major tears, instability, or arthritis, surgery may be needed. Minimally invasive procedures like arthroscopy are often used.

In my experience, early intervention prevents the need for surgery in many cases. That’s why I always encourage patients to get shoulder pain treatment early—before the issue worsens or becomes chronic.

While not all cases can be avoided, here’s how you can lower your risk:

• • Warm up before workouts

  • Don’t lift heavy objects improperly

  • Avoid repetitive overhead movements

  • Take breaks during desk work

  • Keep your posture in check

  • Strengthen your upper back and shoulder muscles

And most importantly—don’t ignore persistent pain. Pain is your body’s way of asking for help.

Yes, and the earlier you start, the better. Here’s what I usually tell my patients:

• Don’t ignore mild back or hip pain, especially if you’re postmenopausal or over 60.
• Stay active. Muscles support bones. Movement is medicine.
• Keep your nutrition in check. Calcium, protein, magnesium, and Vitamin D are key.
• Get your bones checked with a DEXA scan if you’re at risk.
• Visit a specialist early. Even small symptoms matter in conditions like osteoporosis.

Choosing the right doctor for shoulder pain can feel confusing, especially with so many options. But here’s what I tell my patients: if your pain limits your daily life, it’s time to see a specialist.

Start with a general physician, but don’t hesitate to seek out an orthopedic doctor, rheumatologist, or pain specialist if the problem continues. The sooner we understand the root cause, the faster we can help you heal.

At Jeevisha Pain Clinic Pune, we see patients with all types of shoulder issues—from minor strains to complex joint problems. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, relief is absolutely possible.

You don’t have to live with shoulder pain. The right care, at the right time, can help you get back to doing what you love comfortably and confidently.