Hwajeong Shoulder Pain · Frozen Shoulder · Rotator Cuff | Goyang Team Doctor Orthopedic Clinic

It is easy to assume that all shoulder pain is frozen shoulder, but in reality it can stem from many different causes, including rotator cuff conditions, impingement syndrome, and calcific tendinitis.

In particular, symptoms such as being unable to lift your arm, severe pain at night, or difficulty lifting objects may require different treatment depending on the cause. Looking not only at where the pain occurs but also at limited movement, changes in strength, and the positions that trigger pain helps distinguish the cause of shoulder pain.

Dr. Sang-beom Kim, Director of Goyang Team Doctor Orthopedic Clinic, draws on his experience as team physician for the Korean national basketball team at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and as an instructor for the Korean Orthopaedic Ultrasound Society to evaluate shoulder movement and function together from a sports medicine perspective and guide a treatment plan suited to each patient's condition.

Goyang Team Doctor Orthopedic Clinic is a 2-minute walk from Exit 1 of Hwajeong Station (Vision Plaza, 3F) in Deokyang-gu, Goyang-si, making it easy to visit from Hwajeong, Haengsin, Neunggok, Wondang, and anywhere in Deokyang-gu. We also offer evening clinic hours until 9 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, so you can be seen for your shoulder after work.

Illustration of shoulder pain and rotator cuff anatomy

Symptoms to watch for if you have shoulder pain

If the following symptoms recur or appear together, it is a good idea to see a doctor.

CHECK 01Waking up at night because of the painThis is a common symptom of rotator cuff conditions.
CHECK 02Weakness in the arm and difficulty lifting objectsThis may be related to damage to the rotator cuff tendons and needs to be evaluated.
CHECK 03Sudden onset of severe painAn acute inflammatory condition such as calcific tendinitis may be the cause.

Shoulder pain: symptoms can differ depending on the cause

CASE 01Pain only when raising the armIf you feel pain when washing your hair, getting dressed, or reaching for something on a high shelf, it may be related to shoulder impingement syndrome or a rotator cuff condition.
CASE 02Difficulty raising the armIf you struggle to lift your arm on your own or the pain is severe with movement, both frozen shoulder and rotator cuff conditions need to be considered. We evaluate range of motion and strength together to distinguish the cause.
CASE 03Recurring shoulder pain after golf or swimmingSports that involve repeatedly raising the arm can put strain on the shoulder tendons. If the pain keeps returning after exercise, it can help to check the condition of the tendons and surrounding muscles.
CASE 04Numbness that extends from the shoulder down the armThis may not be a shoulder condition at all, but a symptom of nerve irritation in the neck. We examine the neck and shoulder together to distinguish the cause.

How is it diagnosed?

Because shoulder pain can look alike across many different conditions, we combine your medical history with a physical examination and imaging tests.

Physical ExaminationLocating the pain · Testing shoulder range of motion · Strength assessment · Movement and function assessment
X-rayChecks the joint structure and looks for calcific deposits.
Ultrasound · MRI (when needed)May be performed to assess rotator cuff damage or the condition of the tendons.

Illustration of rotator cuff tendon damage

Shoulder Pain Treatment

The course of treatment is decided by weighing your symptoms together with the test results.

Medication
Physical therapy
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT, when needed)
Injection therapy (when needed)
Exercise rehabilitation

If surgical treatment is needed, such as for a rotator cuff tear, we refer you to a partner medical institution and support your rehabilitation before and after surgery.

Lifestyle habits for prevention

The shoulder is a joint that handles a great deal of repetitive movement.

Stretch thoroughly before exercise
Strengthen the muscles around the shoulder
Rest adequately during repetitive activities
Maintain good posture
See a doctor if pain recurs

Frequently Asked Questions

Does frozen shoulder get better on its own over time?

Symptoms do improve in some cases, but recovery can take a long time. If limited range of motion persists, it helps to have your condition evaluated by a doctor.

Should I exercise if my shoulder hurts?

It depends on the cause. Overdoing exercise can make symptoms worse, so it is best to identify the cause first and then decide on an appropriate exercise approach.

Does every rotator cuff tear require surgery?

Depending on the size of the tear and your symptoms, non-surgical treatment can be considered first. The treatment approach is decided by weighing the test results together with your overall condition.

My shoulder makes clicking sounds. Is that okay?

Sounds without pain may simply be normal joint movement. If they are accompanied by pain or weakness, however, it is best to see a doctor.

I had injection therapy, but the pain has come back.

Injection therapy is used to control pain and inflammation. Once symptoms improve, it is important to follow up with exercise rehabilitation and lifestyle management.

The goal of treatment is to restore movement.

Treating shoulder pain is not just about reducing pain. It is also about restoring shoulder movement and function so you can raise your arm comfortably and continue with daily life and sports.

The shoulder is the joint we use most, not only in daily life but also in sports. Rather than stopping at pain relief, our treatment also addresses the recovery of range of motion and strength so you can raise and use your arm comfortably.

If you are looking for a clinic for shoulder pain, frozen shoulder, or a rotator cuff condition in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, visit Goyang Team Doctor Orthopedic Clinic near Hwajeong Station for an examination and testing.

TEL031-970-7588

RESERVATIONBook on Naver

ADDRESS58, Hwasin-ro 260beon-gil, Deokyang-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Vision Plaza, 3F (2-minute walk from Hwajeong Station Exit 1) · Directions

Shoulder Pain · When You Can't Lift Your Arm