I am over the age of 18Back upHave you had any central or left-sided chest pain with left-arm symptoms (e.g. pain or tingling) in the last 24 hours?
Yes
NoBack upDo you have any pain in the right side of your stomach (abdomen) with pain in your right shoulder that is getting worse?
YesBack upDo you have any of the following symptoms?
- Feeling sick or vomiting
- Sweating
- Loss of appetite or worsening pain when eating fatty foods
- Yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes
- A bulge or swelling in your stomach
-
YesBack up
Do you have a fever or feel unwell?
YesBack upDo you have ANY of the following symptoms:
- Confusion, slurred speech or difficulty making sense / being understood
- Blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue - on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- A rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis
- Difficulty breathing, breathlessness or breathing very fast
-
Yes to anyBack up
Thank you for using the symptom checker.We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker.
Please contact 999 IMMEDIATELY for further advice and guidance.
-
NoBack up
Thank you for using the symptom checker.We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your symptoms.
Please contact your GP practice for an URGENT same-day appointment, mentioning your symptoms. If you cannot get an appointment with your GP practice today, please contact NHS 111 for further advice and guidance.
NoBack upThank you for using the symptom checker.We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your symptoms.
Please contact your GP practice for an URGENT same-day appointment, mentioning your symptoms. If you cannot get an appointment with your GP practice today, please contact NHS 111 for further advice and guidance.
-
NoBack upThank you for using the symptom checker.
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your symptoms.
Please contact your GP practice for an URGENT same-day appointment, mentioning your symptoms. If you cannot get an appointment with your GP practice today, please contact NHS 111 for further advice and guidance.
NoBack upDo you recall any specific trauma (e.g. car accident, fall, direct impact, etc.) that caused your shoulder pain symptoms to start?
-
YesBack up
Did this happen within the past 6 weeks?
YesBack upDid you attend A&E or see your GP following this shoulder injury or trauma?
YesBack upHave you had an x-ray or any other investigations for this shoulder trauma?
YesBack upDid your x-ray show an injury to the bone?
YesBack up
Thank you for using the symptom checker.We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your history of trauma and bone injury.
If you do not have a current management plan for your injury, please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance. You may require an appointment at a fracture clinic.
NoBack upSince this trauma, have you noticed that you cannot lift your arm above your shoulder because of severe pain or weakness?
NoBack upSince this trauma, have you noticed that you cannot lift your arm above your shoulder because of severe pain or weakness?
NoBack upHave you dislocated your shoulder or did you feel it come out of the socket at the time your shoulder pain started?
-
YesBack up
Thank you for using the symptom checker.
As you have reported a shoulder dislocation, please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance. This may include an assessment by a first-contact physiotherapist.
Many first-time shoulder dislocations can be managed with exercise only. However, it is important to book an appointment with your GP practice to discuss the right treatment plan for you.
Find self-help advice and suggested exercises
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
-
NoBack up
When you perform the test shown in this video, do you feel pain at Zone A (90 to 160 degrees) or Zone B (160 to 180 degrees)?
Zone A - 90 to 160 degreesBack upWhen you perform the test shown in this video, is there less movement on your painful side compared with your non-painful side?
-
NoBack up
When you perform the test shown in this video, does the movement reproduce your pain?
-
YesBack up
You likely have symptoms of rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP), which is a very common cause of pain on the outer side of your shoulder to the elbow.
RCRSP is the leading cause of shoulder pain, especially in people aged over 40. It is more common in people who work overhead or are usually less active but have recently increased activity levels a bit too quickly (such as painting a fence or gardening).
Mild RCRSP often improves within 2 to 6 weeks, but it can take between 6 and 12 weeks to make progress. Unfortunately, it can take much longer to improve or worsen over time if it is not managed well.
It is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength), movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, avoiding unsupportive footwear, quitting smoking and seeking help for any problems with mental health or poor sleep.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
Unfortunately, rotator cuff-related shoulder pain can get worse over time if it is not properly managed and develop into persistent pain, which is complex and harder to treat. Persistent pain is complex and can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
-
NoBack up
When you perform the test shown in this video, does the movement reproduce your pain?
-
YesBack up
You likely have symptoms of rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP), which is a very common cause of pain on the outer side of your shoulder to the elbow.
RCRSP is the leading cause of shoulder pain, especially in people aged over 40. It is more common in people who work overhead or are usually less active but have recently increased activity levels a bit too quickly (such as painting a fence or gardening).
Mild RCRSP often improves within 2 to 6 weeks, but it can take between 6 and 12 weeks to make progress. Unfortunately, it can take much longer to improve or worsen over time if it is not managed well.
It is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength), movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, avoiding unsupportive footwear, quitting smoking and seeking help for any problems with mental health or poor sleep.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
Unfortunately, rotator cuff-related shoulder pain can get worse over time if it is not properly managed and develop into persistent pain, which is complex and harder to treat. Persistent pain is complex and can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
-
NoBack up
When you perform the test shown in this video, does the movement reproduce your pain?
-
YesBack up
You likely have symptoms of rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP), which is a very common cause of pain on the outer side of your shoulder to the elbow.
RCRSP is the leading cause of shoulder pain, especially in people aged over 40. It is more common in people who work overhead or are usually less active but have recently increased activity levels a bit too quickly (such as painting a fence or gardening).
Mild RCRSP often improves within 2 to 6 weeks, but it can take between 6 and 12 weeks to make progress. Unfortunately, it can take much longer to improve or worsen over time if it is not managed well.
It is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength), movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, avoiding unsupportive footwear, quitting smoking and seeking help for any problems with mental health or poor sleep.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
Unfortunately, rotator cuff-related shoulder pain can get worse over time if it is not properly managed and develop into persistent pain, which is complex and harder to treat. Persistent pain is complex and can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
-
NoBack up
Do you have any neck pain or stiffness or pain in your shoulder blade (the area highlighted in this image) which started around the same time as your shoulder pain?
YesBack upHave you been experiencing any pins and needless, numbness or a burning-type pain radiating in your arm or hand on the same side as your affected shoulder, since your shoulder pain started?
YesBack upYour shoulder or arm pain could be a problem primarily coming from your neck.
NoBack upThank you for using the symptom checker.We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker.
Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance. This may include an assessment by a first-contact physiotherapist.
NoBack upThank you for using the symptom checker.We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker.
Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance. This may include an assessment by a first-contact physiotherapist.
Zone B - 160 to 180 degreesBack upHave you noticed any change in appearance, swelling or clicking in the area shown in this image (acromioclavicular joint)?
-
YesBack up
When you perform the test shown in this video, does the movement reproduce your pain or does it feel more bouncy compared with your non-painful side?
-
YesBack up
Thank you for completing the symptom checker. Based on the information you provided you may have an injury to your acromioclavicular joint (ACJ).
This can often occur following a fall onto an outstretched hand or direct impact to the top of your shoulder. Mild soft tissue injuries like this can improve within 1 to 3 weeks, but more significant injuries can take from 6 to 12 weeks to get better.
They are best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength), managing swelling by applying ice packs, movement, exercise and pain relief (if required).
IMPORTANT: While many ACJ sprains are mild and can be managed with relative rest and simple exercise, some ACJ sprains can result in significant injury or deformity which need prompt medical assessment, use of a sling and, on very rare occasions, surgery.
If your injury happened within the past 24 to 48 hours, please attend A&E for URGENT assessment or call 111.
If your injury happened more than 48 hours ago but within the past 6 weeks, please contact your GP practice for URGENT advice or call 111. You may be seen by a first-contact physiotherapist at your GP practice and after your appointment you may be referred to a fracture clinic for further assessment.
If your injury occurred more than 8 weeks ago, please book an appointment at your GP practice for further advice and guidance. This could be with a first-contact physiotherapist.
While you wait for assessment, it is important to manage the swelling (using ice packs) and move to maintain your shoulder's range of movement and muscle strength. As the pain and swelling settles, and your range of movement improves, you can move to resistance exercises using weights.
Suggested exercises and further self-help advice
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
-
NoBack up
When you perform the test shown in this video, does the movement reproduce your pain?
-
YesBack up
Thank you for completing the symptom checker. Based on the information you provided you may have an injury to your acromioclavicular joint (ACJ).
This can often occur following a fall onto an outstretched hand or direct impact to the top of your shoulder. Mild soft tissue injuries like this can improve within 1 to 3 weeks, but more significant injuries can take from 6 to 12 weeks to get better.
They are best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength), managing swelling by applying ice packs, movement, exercise and pain relief (if required).
IMPORTANT: While many ACJ sprains are mild and can be managed with relative rest and simple exercise, some ACJ sprains can result in significant injury or deformity which need prompt medical assessment, use of a sling and, on very rare occasions, surgery.
If your injury happened within the past 24 to 48 hours, please attend A&E for URGENT assessment or call 111.
If your injury happened more than 48 hours ago but within the past 6 weeks, please contact your GP practice for URGENT advice or call 111. You may be seen by a first-contact physiotherapist at your GP practice and after your appointment you may be referred to a fracture clinic for further assessment.
If your injury occurred more than 8 weeks ago, please book an appointment at your GP practice for further advice and guidance. This could be with a first-contact physiotherapist.
While you wait for assessment, it is important to manage the swelling (using ice packs) and move to maintain your shoulder's range of movement and muscle strength. As the pain and swelling settles, and your range of movement improves, you can move to resistance exercises using weights.
Suggested exercises and further self-help advice
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
-
NoBack upThank you for using the symptom checker.
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker.
Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance. This may include an assessment by a first-contact physiotherapist.
NoBack upDid you attend A&E or see your GP following this shoulder injury or trauma?
-
YesBack up
Since this trauma, have you noticed that you cannot lift your arm above your shoulder because of severe pain or weakness?
NoBack upThank you for using the symptom checker.We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker.
Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance. This may include an assessment by a first-contact physiotherapist.
-
NoBack up
Have you noticed pain or stiffness in BOTH shoulders and / or hips, which started at the same time as your worsening shoulder pain?
-
YesBack up
Have you been suffering with worsening or severe headaches, jaw pain or any new vision problems since your shoulder or hip pains started?
YesBack upThank you for using the symptom checker.We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your symptoms.
Please contact NHS 111 IMMEDIATELY for further advice and guidance.
Please tell the call handler about all of your symptoms, especially any symptoms of headaches, jaw pain or vision problems. You may have a condition called polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).
NoBack upThank you for using the symptom checker.We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your symptoms.
Please contact your GP practice for an URGENT same-day appointment, mentioning your symptoms. If you cannot get an appointment with your GP practice today, please contact NHS 111 for further advice and guidance.
-
NoBack up
Did you have a fever around the time your shoulder pain started?
-
YesBack up
Do you have ANY of the following symptoms:
- Confusion, slurred speech or difficulty making sense / being understood
- Blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue - on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- A rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis
- Difficulty breathing, breathlessness or breathing very fast
-
Yes to anyBack upThank you for using the symptom checker.
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker.
Please contact 999 IMMEDIATELY for further advice and guidance.
-
NoBack upThank you for using the symptom checker.
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your shoulder pain and previous fever symptoms.
Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance.
-
NoBack up
Do you have a history of cancer AND progressively worsening shoulder pain?
-
YesBack upThank you for using the symptom checker.
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your previous history of cancer.
If you are still under the care of the oncology service, please contact the department URGENTLY TODAY for further advice.
If you have been discharged from the oncology service or are unsure, please contact NHS 111 IMMEDIATELY and mention to the call handler that you have a previous history of cancer.
-
NoBack up
Do you have ANY of the following?
- An underlying inflammatory joint condition (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis)
- The skin condition psoriasis
- Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
- Uveitis, also known as iritis, a condition that involves inflammation at the front of the eye
-
Yes to anyBack up
Have you recently had any infections (e.g. stomach upset, diarrhoea, other gut infection, conjunctivitis or a sexually transmitted infection)?
-
YesBack up
Do you have ANY of the following?
- A red or bloodshot eye
- A painful eye
- Visual disturbance (blurred or misty vision)
Yes to anyBack upThank you for using the symptom checker.We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your symptoms.
Please contact NHS 111 IMMEDIATELY for further advice and guidance.
You may have a condition called reactive arthritis.
NoBack upThank you for using the symptom checker.We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your symptoms.
Please contact your GP practice for an URGENT same-day assessment, making sure to mention your symptoms. If you cannot get an appointment with your GP practice today, please contact NHS 111 for further advice and guidance.
You may have a condition called reactive arthritis.
-
NoBack upThank you for using the symptom checker.
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your symptoms.
Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance, making sure to tell them about your symptoms.
-
NoBack up
Do you have any neck pain or stiffness which started around the same time as your shoulder pain?
-
NoBack up
Have you dislocated your shoulder or did you feel it come out of the socket at the time your shoulder pain started?
-
YesBack up
Thank you for using the symptom checker.
As you have reported a shoulder dislocation, please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance. This may include an assessment by a first-contact physiotherapist.
Many first-time shoulder dislocations can be managed with exercise only. However, it is important to book an appointment with your GP practice to discuss the right treatment plan for you.
Find self-help advice and suggested exercises
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
-
NoBack up
When you perform the test shown in this video, do you have limited movement on your painful side compared with your non-painful side?
-
YesBack up
When you perform the test shown in this video, do you have limited movement on your painful side compared with your non-painful side?
-
YesBack up
Do you experience any grinding, clicking or crunching of the shoulder joint during movement?
-
YesBack up
Are you over 55 years of age?
-
YesBack up
You are likely experiencing a flare-up of shoulder osteoarthritis.
Shoulder osteoarthritis is less common than in other joints but is a common cause of shoulder pain in those aged over 60 or people who have had previous shoulder injuries or surgery.
Most acute flare-ups of shoulder osteoarthritis settle within 2 to 6 weeks, but it can take much longer to improve or even get worse over time if it is not managed properly.
Shoulder osteoarthritis is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength), movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, avoiding unsupportive footwear, quitting smoking and seeking help for any problems with mental health or poor sleep.
Osteoarthritis is NOT caused by activity or exercise. You WON'T wear your joints out by using them. In fact, being more active and exercising can be a great way to ease symptoms.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
Unfortunately, shoulder osteoarthritis can get worse over time if it is not properly managed and develop into persistent pain, which is complex and harder to treat. Persistent pain is complex and can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
-
NoBack up
Is your pain severe and keeping you awake at night?
-
YesBack up
Thank you for completing the symptom checker. You have symptoms of frozen shoulder, which involves worsening pain and stiffness of the shoulder from tightness in surrounding ligaments.
Frozen shoulder is more common in women than in men and most often occurs between the ages of 40 and 65 years. It is much more common in those with diabetes or thyroid disease.
There are two stages to frozen shoulder - the first is where pain is most noticeable and the second where stiffness is most noticeable. Exercises can help to manage symptoms in both stages.
IMPORTANT - If you are experiencing high levels of pain and cannot exercise or sleep, an early steroid injection can help to ease pain and reduce the impact of the condition. If you would like to discuss this further, contact your GP practice for further advice. This may involve an appointment with a first-contact physiotherapist.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
Unfortunately, frozen shoulder can take up to 2 years to get better and recovery can be affected by lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
-
NoBack up
Is your pain severe and keeping you awake at night?
-
YesBack up
Thank you for completing the symptom checker. You have symptoms of frozen shoulder, which involves worsening pain and stiffness of the shoulder from tightness in surrounding ligaments.
Frozen shoulder is more common in women than in men and most often occurs between the ages of 40 and 65 years. It is much more common in those with diabetes or thyroid disease.
There are two stages to frozen shoulder - the first is where pain is most noticeable and the second where stiffness is most noticeable. Exercises can help to manage symptoms in both stages.
IMPORTANT - If you are experiencing high levels of pain and cannot exercise or sleep, an early steroid injection can help to ease pain and reduce the impact of the condition. If you would like to discuss this further, contact your GP practice for further advice. This may involve an appointment with a first-contact physiotherapist.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
Unfortunately, frozen shoulder can take up to 2 years to get better and recovery can be affected by lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
-
NoBack up
When you perform the test shown in this video, do you feel pain at Zone A (90 to 160 degrees) or Zone B (160 to 180 degrees)?
-
Zone A - 90 to 160 degreesBack up
Is your shoulder pain constant (i.e. your pain is present every minute of every day, even when resting, and keeping you awake at night)?
YesBack upYou may benefit from a course of anti-inflammatory medication or a local steroid injection.
Please contact your GP practice to discuss an appointment with a GP or a first-contact physiotherapist.
NoBack upWhen you perform the test shown in this video, does the movement reproduce your pain?
-
YesBack up
You likely have symptoms of rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP), which is a very common cause of pain on the outer side of your shoulder to the elbow.
RCRSP is the leading cause of shoulder pain, especially in people aged over 40. It is more common in people who work overhead or are usually less active but have recently increased activity levels a bit too quickly (such as painting a fence or gardening).
Mild RCRSP often improves within 2 to 6 weeks, but it can take between 6 and 12 weeks to make progress. Unfortunately, it can take much longer to improve or worsen over time if it is not managed well.
It is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength), movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, avoiding unsupportive footwear, quitting smoking and seeking help for any problems with mental health or poor sleep.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
Unfortunately, rotator cuff-related shoulder pain can get worse over time if it is not properly managed and develop into persistent pain, which is complex and harder to treat. Persistent pain is complex and can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
-
NoBack up
When you perform the test shown in this video, does the movement reproduce your pain?
-
YesBack up
You likely have symptoms of rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP), which is a very common cause of pain on the outer side of your shoulder to the elbow.
RCRSP is the leading cause of shoulder pain, especially in people aged over 40. It is more common in people who work overhead or are usually less active but have recently increased activity levels a bit too quickly (such as painting a fence or gardening).
Mild RCRSP often improves within 2 to 6 weeks, but it can take between 6 and 12 weeks to make progress. Unfortunately, it can take much longer to improve or worsen over time if it is not managed well.
It is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength), movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, avoiding unsupportive footwear, quitting smoking and seeking help for any problems with mental health or poor sleep.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
Unfortunately, rotator cuff-related shoulder pain can get worse over time if it is not properly managed and develop into persistent pain, which is complex and harder to treat. Persistent pain is complex and can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
-
NoBack up
When you perform the test shown in this video, does the movement reproduce your pain?
-
YesBack up
You likely have symptoms of rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP), which is a very common cause of pain on the outer side of your shoulder to the elbow.
RCRSP is the leading cause of shoulder pain, especially in people aged over 40. It is more common in people who work overhead or are usually less active but have recently increased activity levels a bit too quickly (such as painting a fence or gardening).
Mild RCRSP often improves within 2 to 6 weeks, but it can take between 6 and 12 weeks to make progress. Unfortunately, it can take much longer to improve or worsen over time if it is not managed well.
It is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength), movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, avoiding unsupportive footwear, quitting smoking and seeking help for any problems with mental health or poor sleep.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
Unfortunately, rotator cuff-related shoulder pain can get worse over time if it is not properly managed and develop into persistent pain, which is complex and harder to treat. Persistent pain is complex and can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
-
NoBack up
When you perform the test shown in this video, does the movement reproduce your pain?
-
YesBack up
You are likely experiencing a flare-up of acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) osteoarthritis, which is a common cause of pain at the top of the shoulder.
ACJ osteoarthritis is experienced by half of people aged over 50 but it rarely causes pain. It is more common is those who repeatedly lift overhead (such as weight training or lifting for work).
Most acute flare-ups of ACJ osteoarthritis settle within 6 weeks, but it can take much longer to improve or even get worse over time if it is not managed properly.
It is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength), movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, avoiding unsupportive footwear, quitting smoking and seeking help for any problems with mental health or poor sleep.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
Unfortunately, ACJ osteoarthritis can get worse over time if it is not properly managed and develop into persistent pain, which is complex and harder to treat. Persistent pain is complex and can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
-
NoBack up
When you perform the test shown in this video, does the movement reproduce your pain?
-
YesBack up
You are likely experiencing a flare-up of acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) osteoarthritis, which is a common cause of pain at the top of the shoulder.
ACJ osteoarthritis is experienced by half of people aged over 50 but it rarely causes pain. It is more common is those who repeatedly lift overhead (such as weight training or lifting for work).
Most acute flare-ups of ACJ osteoarthritis settle within 6 weeks, but it can take much longer to improve or even get worse over time if it is not managed properly.
It is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength), movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, avoiding unsupportive footwear, quitting smoking and seeking help for any problems with mental health or poor sleep.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
Unfortunately, ACJ osteoarthritis can get worse over time if it is not properly managed and develop into persistent pain, which is complex and harder to treat. Persistent pain is complex and can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
-
NoBack up
When you perform the test shown in this video, does the movement reproduce your pain?
-
YesBack up
You likely have symptoms of rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP), which is a very common cause of pain on the outer side of your shoulder to the elbow.
RCRSP is the leading cause of shoulder pain, especially in people aged over 40. It is more common in people who work overhead or are usually less active but have recently increased activity levels a bit too quickly (such as painting a fence or gardening).
Mild RCRSP often improves within 2 to 6 weeks, but it can take between 6 and 12 weeks to make progress. Unfortunately, it can take much longer to improve or worsen over time if it is not managed well.
It is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength), movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, avoiding unsupportive footwear, quitting smoking and seeking help for any problems with mental health or poor sleep.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
Unfortunately, rotator cuff-related shoulder pain can get worse over time if it is not properly managed and develop into persistent pain, which is complex and harder to treat. Persistent pain is complex and can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
-
NoBack up
When you perform the test shown in this video, does the movement reproduce your pain?
-
YesBack up
You likely have symptoms of rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP), which is a very common cause of pain on the outer side of your shoulder to the elbow.
RCRSP is the leading cause of shoulder pain, especially in people aged over 40. It is more common in people who work overhead or are usually less active but have recently increased activity levels a bit too quickly (such as painting a fence or gardening).
Mild RCRSP often improves within 2 to 6 weeks, but it can take between 6 and 12 weeks to make progress. Unfortunately, it can take much longer to improve or worsen over time if it is not managed well.
It is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength), movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, avoiding unsupportive footwear, quitting smoking and seeking help for any problems with mental health or poor sleep.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
Unfortunately, rotator cuff-related shoulder pain can get worse over time if it is not properly managed and develop into persistent pain, which is complex and harder to treat. Persistent pain is complex and can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
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NoBack up
When you perform the test shown in this video, does the movement reproduce your pain?
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YesBack up
You likely have symptoms of rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP), which is a very common cause of pain on the outer side of your shoulder to the elbow.
RCRSP is the leading cause of shoulder pain, especially in people aged over 40. It is more common in people who work overhead or are usually less active but have recently increased activity levels a bit too quickly (such as painting a fence or gardening).
Mild RCRSP often improves within 2 to 6 weeks, but it can take between 6 and 12 weeks to make progress. Unfortunately, it can take much longer to improve or worsen over time if it is not managed well.
It is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength), movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, avoiding unsupportive footwear, quitting smoking and seeking help for any problems with mental health or poor sleep.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
Unfortunately, rotator cuff-related shoulder pain can get worse over time if it is not properly managed and develop into persistent pain, which is complex and harder to treat. Persistent pain is complex and can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
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NoBack upThank you for using the symptom checker.
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker.
Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance. This may include an assessment by a first-contact physiotherapist.
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Zone B - 160 to 180 degreesBack up
Is your shoulder pain constant (i.e. your pain is present every minute of every day, even when resting, and keeping you awake at night)?
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YesBack up
You may benefit from a course of anti-inflammatory medication or a local steroid injection.
Please contact your GP practice to discuss an appointment with a GP or a first-contact physiotherapist.
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I am over the age of 18
I am under the age of 18
