top of page
Diagnosis
After a careful review of the history, physical exam and radiologic tests, it is time to make a diagnosis and treatment plan. Occasionally, there may be more than one diagnosis. There may be shoulder joint instability and rotator cuff tendinitis. Occasional a frozen shoulder is present with a rotator cuff tear. Neck problems such as a pinched nerve may co-exist with separate shoulder pathology. In these instances, the experience of the physician is critical to determine the appropriate treatment. Failure to look at the big picture may result in a less than ideal result.
Some of the more common diagnoses are explained in more detail.
Frozen Shoulder Rotator Cuff Tear Shoulder Instability Labral Tears Shoulder Arthritis
Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder Pain Diagnosis
How is the cause of shoulder pain actually diagnosed?
The cause is identified by carefully reviewing the history, the physical exam and the radiologic tests. Only once those steps are complete is it time to set a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Can there be more than one diagnosis causing the pain?
Yes. Sometimes more than one diagnosis is present — for instance, shoulder joint instability along with rotator cuff tendinitis, or a frozen shoulder together with a rotator cuff tear.
Can a neck problem be involved in shoulder pain?
A neck issue such as a pinched nerve can exist alongside a separate shoulder condition. When that happens, the physician's experience is critical in choosing the appropriate treatment.
Why does experience matter in making the diagnosis?
Overlooking the bigger picture can lead to a less than ideal result. Experience in shoulder surgery is valuable when more than one problem is present at the same time.
Which shoulder conditions are explained in more detail?
Several of the more common diagnoses are covered in greater detail, including frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tear, shoulder instability, labral tears and shoulder arthritis.
bottom of page
Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder Pain Diagnosis
How is the cause of shoulder pain actually diagnosed?
A diagnosis is reached after a careful review of the history, the physical exam and the radiologic tests. Only after those steps is it time to make a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Can there be more than one diagnosis causing the pain?
Yes. Occasionally there may be more than one diagnosis — for example, shoulder joint instability together with rotator cuff tendinitis, or a frozen shoulder present with a rotator cuff tear.
Can a neck problem be involved in shoulder pain?
Neck problems such as a pinched nerve may co-exist with separate shoulder pathology. In these instances the experience of the physician is critical to determine the appropriate treatment.
Why does experience matter in making the diagnosis?
Failure to look at the big picture may result in a less than ideal result. Experience in shoulder surgery is helpful when more than one problem is present at the same time.
Which shoulder conditions are explained in more detail?
Some of the more common diagnoses are explained in more detail, including frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tear, shoulder instability, labral tears and shoulder arthritis.
Make an Appointment
📍 901 Enterprise Pkwy, Suite 900, Hampton, Virginia 23666; 4037 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188
📞 757-827-2480; (757) 206-1004
Reaching the right diagnosis is rarely about a single test. It means weighing what you describe about your symptoms, what the physical exam reveals and what the radiologic studies show, then deciding whether one condition or several are contributing to your pain. That full picture is what guides the treatment plan that follows.