Why Does My Shoulder Pain Keep Coming Back? Causes, Injuries, and Lasting Fixes in Westminster, CO

If you're reading this, chances are you're no stranger to that nagging shoulder pain that shows up, eases off for a bit, and then hits you again just when you think you're in the clear. I've been treating folks like you here at Westy Sports Chiro in Westminster, CO, for over a decade now. As a sports chiropractor and former strength coach, I've worked with everyone from dedicated weightlifters pushing heavy iron, to runners logging miles, rec league athletes, and busy parents juggling it all. Shoulder issues are one of the most common things I see, and they can turn simple stuff like reaching for a shelf or hitting the gym into a real hassle.

You've probably tried the usual suspects—ice, rest, maybe some stretches or over-the-counter meds—but if the pain keeps looping back, it's often because we're not digging deep enough into what's really going on. In my office, I focus on getting to the root, whether it's from desk-bound tension building up over years or a sudden tweak during a workout. The good news? Recurring shoulder pain doesn't have to be your new normal. We can address it head-on so you can get back to moving freely and confidently. In this post, I'll break down the types of shoulder pain I commonly see, explain some of the specific injuries that might be at play (drawing from what I've observed in countless exams), and share how I approach evaluation and treatment. For more on the conditions we handle, swing by our Conditions page.

Common Types of Shoulder Pain I See in My Office

Shoulder pain isn't one-size-fits-all—it shows up in different ways depending on your lifestyle, activities, and how long it's been brewing. In my practice, I break it down into a few main categories:

• Chronic Ache from Overuse or Posture: This is the slow-burn kind, often from desk work, repetitive motions, or poor habits. It feels like a constant dull throb or tightness, maybe worsening with overhead reaches or at night. I see this a lot in office workers or folks with forward-rounded postures from too much screen time.
• Acute Sharp Pain from Injury or Strain: This hits suddenly, like during a lift, throw, or awkward twist. It might be a stabbing sensation with certain movements, sometimes radiating down the arm or limiting your range. Common in athletes, weightlifters, or anyone who's pushed a bit too hard without proper warm-up or form.
• Referred Pain Masquerading as Shoulder Issues: Sometimes it's not even starting in the shoulder—pain can shoot from the neck or mid-back, feeling like numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm. This tricks a lot of people into thinking it's purely a shoulder problem.

No matter the type, if it's recurring, there's usually an underlying injury or imbalance at work. Let's get into the specifics of what might be damaged pathoanatomically (that's doc-speak for the actual tissues involved). I'll explain what these are, how they cause pain, and why they happen, based on patterns I've treated over the years.

Pathoanatomical Injuries Behind Recurring Shoulder Pain

The shoulder is a complex setup—a ball-and-socket joint with a ton of mobility, but that also means it's prone to wear and tear. In my exams, I often find these specific issues driving the pain. I always start with a thorough hands-on assessment to pinpoint what's injured, using orthopedic tests, range-of-motion checks, and sometimes imaging if needed. Here's what I commonly uncover:

1. Rotator Cuff Tears: These are rips or frays in the four muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis) that stabilize the humeral head in the socket. Partial tears are more common than full ones in active adults, and they cause a deep ache, weakness (especially with lifting or rotating the arm), and sometimes a catching sensation. How do they happen? Often from repetitive overhead activities like pressing or throwing, or a sudden force like falling on an outstretched arm. In weightlifters, it's frequent with heavy bench or overhead presses if form slips or recovery is skimped. If untreated, tears can worsen, leading to more instability and pain cycles. I see this in about 30-40% of my shoulder cases, and early intervention is key to avoiding surgery.
2. Impingement Syndrome: This isn't always a standalone injury—it's often a symptom or precursor to rotator cuff issues. It happens when the rotator cuff tendons or bursa (a fluid-filled sac for cushioning) get pinched between the humeral head and the acromion (part of the shoulder blade) during arm elevation. Pain kicks in as a sharp pinch or burn, especially between 60-120 degrees of lift, and it can lead to inflammation or tears over time. Causes? Overuse, poor scapular movement, or muscle imbalances that narrow the space. I spot this a ton in swimmers, throwers, and lifters who do a lot of overhead work without balancing their training.
3. Biceps Tendinopathy/Tendinitis: The long head of the biceps tendon runs through the shoulder joint and can get inflamed or degenerated from friction or overload. It causes anterior shoulder pain (right at the front), often worsening with lifting, reaching, or even simple tasks like brushing hair. How it develops: Repetitive motions like curls or pulls, or as a side effect of impingement/rotator cuff problems that irritate the tendon groove. In my office, this shows up in folks with desk jobs (from slouched postures) or athletes like CrossFitters doing pull-ups. If ignored, it can progress to tears or chronic weakness.
4. Labrum Injuries (SLAP Tears or Labral Tears): The labrum is a ring of cartilage that deepens the socket for stability. Tears here—often called SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior) if at the top—cause clicking, popping, or a feeling of instability, with pain during overhead or throwing motions. They happen from trauma (like a fall or dislocation) or repetitive stress, such as in baseball pitchers or weightlifters with cleans/snatches. Pain might feel deep and vague, sometimes with locking sensations. These are trickier to diagnose without specific tests, but I've caught them early in many patients, preventing bigger issues.

These injuries don't pop up in isolation—they're often fueled by biomechanical alterations that overload the joint. Things like poor posture, muscle imbalances, or faulty movement patterns (e.g., not engaging your core during lifts) create uneven stress, turning minor wear into major problems. For instance, if your shoulder blade isn't tracking right, it can pinch tissues and lead to impingement or tears. In weightlifting, stats show shoulders account for up to 36% of injuries, often from high loads without addressing these biomechanics.

The Biomechanical "Why" Behind the Recurrence

Once we've identified the injured tissues, I look at the bigger picture: why is this happening and recurring? From my experience as a strength coach, shoulder pain is rarely just local—it's tied to the whole kinetic chain (neck, mid-back, core, even hips). Ignoring that leads to the pain boomerang effect. Here are the key biomechanical culprits I evaluate and address:

1. Scapular Instability: The Wobbly Foundation Your shoulder blade (scapula) should glide smoothly to support arm movements. If it's unstable—maybe winging out or not activating properly—it overloads the joint, exacerbating tears or impingement. Common in desk workers or lifters with heavy presses. I test this by watching you raise your arms; if it's off, we retrain with Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) exercises focused on breathing and stability.
2. Fascial Adhesions: Stuck Tissues Blocking Flow Overuse or old injuries can create "sticky" fascia (connective tissue) around muscles, limiting smooth motion and perpetuating inflammation in tendons or the labrum. This hits hard in repetitive sports. I use myofascial release like instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), cupping, or manual work to break it up, often giving immediate relief.
3. Rotator Cuff Imbalances: Weak Links in the Chain If the cuff muscles are weak or imbalanced, they can't stabilize under load, leading to tears or tendinopathy. I see this in uneven training programs. Treatment starts with targeted rehab—light external rotations building to functional strength—to support your activities without overload.
4. Thoracic Spine Stiffness: The Mid-Back Roadblock A locked-up mid-back forces the shoulder to compensate, stressing injured tissues. Common in squat-heavy lifters or cyclists. Adjustments, mobility drills, and foam rolling open this up, reducing referral pain and overload.
5. Cervical Spine Dysfunction: Neck Referral Sneaking In Nerve irritation or joint issues in the neck can mimic or worsen shoulder pain, especially with labral or biceps problems. I use orthopedic tests to differentiate, then adjustments to clear it.

Busting Common Myths About Shoulder Pain Treatment

Let's clear up some misconceptions I hear all the time—they can keep you from getting the right help.

Myth: Surgery's Inevitable for Tears or Impingement.
Truth: Most respond to conservative care like mine, with 80% success rates avoiding the knife.

Myth: Total Rest is the Cure.
Truth: It might calm things short-term, but it weakens tissues—guided activity rebuilds better.

Myth: It's Just Getting Older.
Truth: Nope, it's mechanics; I've fixed this in patients from 20s to 70s.

Myth: Pain Means Bursitis Every Time.
Truth: Bursitis is one piece; could be tendinitis, tears, or more. You need a proper eval.

Myth: Pills Fix the Root.
Truth: They dull symptoms, but chiropractic and rehab tackle the cause for lasting results.

How I Approach Fixing Shoulder Pain at Westy Sports Chiro

My goal is straightforward, effective care without the red tape.

• First Visit: We chat about your history (workouts, daily habits), then I do a full exam: motion tests, strength checks, and specifics for injuries like cuff tears or labrum issues.
• Tailored Treatment: Based on findings, we might use dry needling for tendon pain, myofascial release for adhesions, DNS for biomechanics, and adjustments for mobility. For lifters, I include form tweaks to protect during training.
• Follow-Ups: Usually 1-2 times a week at first, blending hands-on work with home exercises. Progress is tracked, aiming for relief in weeks.
• Maintenance: Once you're solid, monthly tune-ups keep things preventive, especially during intense training.

FAQs on Recurring Shoulder Pain

Why does it flare after workouts?
-Often instability or unhealed tears—needs a functional assessment.

Can chiro help cuff tears?
-Absolutely, with rehab and release to strengthen and reduce inflammation.

How soon for relief?
-Typically 2-4 weeks with consistent sessions.

Safe for lifters?
-Yes, I tailor it to support heavy training.

Bursitis vs. Tendinitis?
-Bursitis is bursa swelling; tendinitis is tendon—treatments overlap but start with eval.

Poor form cause permanent damage?
-Not if caught early; we prevent escalation.