You reach up to grab a mug from the cupboard and—ouch. That familiar twinge in your shoulder is back. Maybe it’s been a nagging ache for weeks, or it flared up suddenly after a weekend game of badminton. Either way, you may be wondering: Should I see the doctor? Will I need surgery?

The good news… in most cases, the answer is no. With the right approach, many people find relief and regain full use of their shoulder without going under the knife!

Why Your Shoulder Might Be Hurting
Your shoulder is one of the most flexible joints in your body—and one of the easiest to injure. Everyday wear and tear, sports, or even sleeping awkwardly can irritate the muscles, tendons, and tissues that keep it moving. Common culprits include:

  • Tendinitis – inflamed tendons from overuse
  • Bursitis – swelling of the fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint
  • Rotator cuff strains or tears
  • Frozen shoulder – progressive stiffness that makes movement harder
  • Impingement syndrome – when a tendon gets pinched by bone

A small injury might seem harmless at first. But if the pain doesn’t go away, get it treated before it becomes a bigger problem.

If you have pain, here are three simple steps to getting better

Step 1: Start Simple at Home
If your pain is mild, you can often start with:

  • Rest and avoiding movements that trigger pain
  • Applying ice packs to reduce swelling
  • Taking over-the-counter pain relief (when safe for you)
  • Using a supportive brace or sling for short periods

These first steps give your shoulder the chance to calm down and heal.

Step 2: Get Moving, with Guidance
If the pain sticks around for more than a couple of weeks, physiotherapy can be a game changer. A trained therapist will:

  • Teach you stretches that gently restore flexibility
  • Strengthen the muscles around your shoulder
  • Help you avoid movements that slow healing

Done consistently, this can stop stiffness from setting in and get you back to your normal activities faster.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) approaches — such as tuina massage or acupuncture — may also help by:

  • Relieving muscle tension
  • Improving blood flow to speed recovery
  • Reducing inflammation and swelling
  • Supporting the body’s natural healing recovery

Step 3: Consider Targeted Injections
When home care and physiotherapy aren’t enough, your doctor may recommend targeted injections — but it’s vital to treat the right problem. At Singapore Paincare, we start with Painostic®: a detailed assessment of your posture, movement, imaging results, and pain patterns to pinpoint the true cause of your discomfort.

With that clarity, we deliver targeted injections using image guidance for pinpoint accuracy. These minimally invasive treatments — from cortisone to PRP — are performed in-clinic, often in under 30 minutes, and can provide significant pain relief so you can get back to what you love sooner. 

The Bottom Line
Most shoulder pain doesn’t need surgery. Acting early, following a clear treatment plan, and getting the right diagnosis can help you avoid long recoveries and keep your shoulder strong for years.

If your shoulder pain is holding you back, don’t wait for it to get worse. Book an appointment with our team today and explore your options for lasting, non-surgical relief.

Learn More About Shoulder Pain
Read the full clinical guide →