Shoulder pain is commonly caused by trigger points in one or more of the four rotator cuff muscles. The belly of these muscles each lie along the scapula (shoulder blade) and their job is to help move the ball and socket shoulder joint.
Trigger points are referred pain that often mimic joint injury. The most common shoulder trigger point, in the infraspinatus muscle, refers sharp and aching pain to the front of the shoulder joint. This trigger point is exacerbated by any repetitive motion that requires your arms out in front of you such as typing with poor ergonomics, driving, even mowing the lawn.
Releasing the trigger point(s) causing shoulder pain can be an immediate “off switch” to what seemed like a deep joint injury.
It’s important to rule out whether or not some or all of your shoulder pain is being caused by trigger points before seeking surgery.