Shoulder Pain Treatment in Seoul Find the real cause
Shoulder pain has many causes, from tendon problems and a stiff capsule to arthritis or a pinched nerve in the neck. We find the source first, then start with the simplest treatment that can work.
Gangnam Nanoori Hospital, at 731 Eonju-ro in Gangnam-gu near Hakdong Station (Line 7, Exit 10), diagnoses shoulder pain with an orthopedic exam, X-ray, ultrasound or MRI. Common causes include rotator cuff disease, frozen shoulder, impingement, arthritis and instability. Most people start with physical therapy or image-guided injections. English-speaking coordinators can book your visit via WhatsApp at +82-10-6290-9796.
Common causes of shoulder pain
Where and when it hurts gives useful clues. Pain on the outside of the upper arm when lifting often points to the rotator cuff, while pain that runs past the elbow with tingling may start in the neck.
Rotator cuff disease
Tendinitis or tears of the cuff tendons cause pain lifting the arm, night pain and sometimes weakness. See rotator cuff tear.
Frozen shoulder
The joint capsule thickens and tightens, so motion is lost in every direction. More common in people aged 40 to 60 and with diabetes.
Impingement and bursitis
Tendons and the bursa get pinched under the bony roof of the shoulder, causing pain with overhead reaching.
Arthritis
Worn cartilage in the ball-and-socket or AC joint causes deep aching, grinding and gradual stiffness.
Instability
After a dislocation, the shoulder may feel loose or slip again, often with a torn labrum. Common in younger athletes.
Referred neck pain
A pinched nerve in the neck can cause shoulder-blade and arm pain with numbness or tingling. See neck pain.
Symptoms and warning signs
Write down when the pain started, which movements trigger it and whether it wakes you at night. This helps your surgeon narrow down the cause quickly.
Common symptoms
- Pain when lifting your arm overhead or out to the side
- Pain at night, especially lying on the affected side
- Stiffness or difficulty reaching behind your back
- Weakness when lifting or carrying objects
- Clicking, catching or a feeling the shoulder may slip out
- Pain spreading down the arm, sometimes with tingling
Seek care urgently if you have
- Left shoulder or arm pain with chest pressure, shortness of breath or sweating, which can be a heart attack
- A visibly deformed shoulder or inability to move the arm after a fall or injury
- A hot, red, swollen shoulder with fever
- Sudden severe weakness or numbness in the arm or hand
Get same-day medical care for these, and call 119 if symptoms could be life-threatening.
If your shoulder dislocated, read about shoulder instability and reconstruction.
How we diagnose shoulder pain
Diagnosis starts with a conversation and a hands-on exam of motion, strength and stability. Imaging is chosen to answer a specific question, not by routine.
| Test | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Physical exam | Range of motion, strength of each cuff tendon, stability and signs of nerve involvement |
| X-ray | Arthritis, bone spurs, fractures, calcium deposits and the position of the ball in the socket |
| Ultrasound | Rotator cuff tears, tendinitis and bursitis, and guidance for accurate injections |
| MRI | Tendon and labrum tears in detail, cartilage damage and muscle quality |
| Neck exam or imaging | Whether a pinched nerve in the cervical spine is the true source of pain |
Treatment, from simplest to most involved
Many people with shoulder pain improve within weeks to a few months without surgery. Frozen shoulder can take longer, often a year or more, but usually improves.
Relative rest and medication
Avoid the movements that provoke pain, use ice or heat, and take anti-inflammatory medicine if it is safe for you.
Physical therapy
Our therapists restore motion and strengthen the rotator cuff and shoulder-blade muscles, the foundation of most recoveries.
Image-guided injection
An ultrasound or fluoroscopy-guided injection can settle inflammation in a bursa or joint so rehab becomes easier.
Bone marrow (BMAC) injection
For selected patients with arthritis, a bone marrow aspirate concentrate injection may be discussed as an option.
Arthroscopy
Keyhole surgery to repair a torn tendon or labrum, remove bone spurs or release a frozen capsule when therapy fails.
Shoulder replacement
For severe arthritis, an anatomic or reverse replacement can relieve pain.
How an inflamed tendon heals
Tendinitis and bursitis are among the most common causes of shoulder pain. With rest from aggravating movements, rehab and sometimes an injection, the swollen tendon can settle.
Simplified medical illustration for education only, not a patient image. Results vary by condition and individual; your specialist will explain what to expect for your case.
Your Specialists
Care at this clinic is provided by Nanoori Joint Center orthopedic surgeons. Tap a doctor to see their full profile.
Common Questions
How do I know if my shoulder pain is from my neck?
Pain from the neck often spreads below the elbow, may come with numbness or tingling in the hand, and changes with neck movement. Pain from the shoulder itself usually worsens with arm movements. An exam can tell the two apart, and both can occur together.
Should I rest my shoulder completely?
Usually not. Avoid the movements that cause sharp pain, but keep the shoulder gently moving. Holding it still for long periods can lead to stiffness, especially in people over 40.
Are cortisone injections safe for the shoulder?
A guided steroid injection is a common, generally safe way to reduce inflammation and make therapy easier. Repeated injections into the same area are usually limited because they can weaken tissue over time. Your surgeon will discuss whether one is right for you.
How long does frozen shoulder last?
Frozen shoulder often goes through painful, stiff and thawing phases and commonly lasts one to three years. Physical therapy and injections can ease pain and help motion, and most people recover much of their movement.
Can I use my international insurance for a shoulder visit?
We work with international health insurance by providing the medical reports and billing documents insurers usually request. Whether your visit is covered, and whether direct billing is possible, depends on your policy, so please check with your insurer. Enrolled foreign residents can use Korean NHIS.
How do I book a shoulder appointment?
Message our English-speaking coordinators on WhatsApp at +82-10-6290-9796 or email ihc_info@mfnanoori.co.kr. You can share previous scans in advance. Visit our Shoulder Center page for more.
Get your shoulder pain diagnosed in English
Tell us about your symptoms on WhatsApp and we will help you book with a shoulder specialist.
Related Care
Last updated October 2026. This page is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Contact us · Gangnam Nanoori Hospital home
