Should I be concerned about shoulder pain when running?

Shoulder pain is, unfortunately, extremely difficult to avoid no matter what you do in life. It is, thus, an extremely common condition that can seriously affect how one goes about their daily activities, with running and general exercise included. 

On hand to explain what causes shoulder pain when running, and what this could indicate, is highly regarded London-based orthopaedic surgeon, Ms Susan Alexander.

Is shoulder pain while running a sign of a serious problem?

Shoulder pain is a very common symptom and it is the third most common reason why patients go to see their GP. General aching around the shoulder region is not usually a sign of something more serious.

Warning signs that need a more urgent assessment include severe deep pain (especially during the night), reduction in the range of movement of the arm, as well as numbness or pins and needles that radiate down the arm.

What can cause shoulder pain when running?

Shoulder pain can come on whilst running because as one actively raises and lowers their arms, this can cause the tendons around your shoulder to rub against the bones and cause pain. If the pain persists for days, then patients should consult a physiotherapist or doctor.

Should you stop running if you feel shoulder pain?

An onset of shoulder pain does not mean you need to stop running straightaway. Maintaining flexibility and doing regular stretches before you start running to open up your calf muscles, hip flexors and mobilising your thoracic spine, are all things that can help with your pain. If your pain is persistent, then taking some rest and simple analgesia may help with the pain. 

Can running help shoulder pain?

Keeping your shoulder flexible and mobile can help with your pain. This could be done through running, but it is important to make sure that your running technique is good so that you do not sustain any new injuries.

Can changing your running technique help shoulder pain?

If you have a new onset of pain in your shoulder, it would be helpful to see a physiotherapist for an assessment of your shoulder function. Strengthening the muscles around the shoulder will help the pain in the shoulder, but this should be done with supervision of a physiotherapist with a specialist interest in shoulder pain.

Alternatively, it may be worth considering a running assessment by a running coach to see if there are improvements that can be made to your running technique. I often find that pain in the shoulder is due to problems elsewhere in the body such as tight calf muscles or hamstrings that can easily be improved with correct stretching techniques.

When should I see a doctor?

If the pain in your shoulder does not improve after you have taken some rest, analgesia and have seen a physiotherapist, then come and see me for a more detailed examination of your shoulder. I will organise a scan and this will assess the structures within your shoulder to exclude any damage. 

Ms Susan Alexander is a highly experienced and well-regarded London-based orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in conditions that affect the shoulder, such as frozen shoulder. Book a consultation with her today via her Top Doctors profile.