- Published on:
- Updated on: October 28, 2026
When to see a doctor for shoulder pain
This guide explains when to see a doctor for shoulder pain and what we check at an assessment. It is general information, so your symptoms and health history still need a personal review.
A sore shoulder can get in the way of reaching a shelf, putting on a coat or getting a good night’s sleep. Some symptoms need urgent medical care. Others can be checked at a booked visit.
When shoulder pain needs urgent care
Call 911 if shoulder or arm pain comes with chest pain or other signs of a heart attack. These may include shortness of breath or nausea. [1]
Call 911 if arm weakness comes on suddenly with face drooping or trouble speaking. [7]
- Sudden, severe shoulder pain, especially after a fall or collision.
- A shoulder that looks out of place, a lot of swelling, or you cannot move your arm.
- New weakness, numbness that is getting worse, or a hand or arm that is cold, pale or blue.
- Shoulder pain with a fever, feeling unwell, or a joint that is red, hot and swollen.
- Shoulder pain with a history of cancer or weight loss you cannot explain. Also seek care for constant night pain that does not ease when you change position.
Not sure where to get care? For non-emergency advice in Ontario, call 811 to speak with a registered nurse. [3]
When to book an assessment
Get your shoulder checked if pain is getting worse, keeps waking you or makes daily tasks hard. Pain that has not started to improve after about two weeks also needs a review. Do not wait two weeks if you have severe pain or any of the warning signs above. [2]
You don’t need to know what’s causing the pain before you ask for help. Tell us what you want to get back to, whether that’s reaching a cupboard, lifting at work or playing a sport.
What could be causing your shoulder pain
Several shoulder problems can feel alike. Possible causes include:
- Rotator cuff problems: pain or injury in the muscles and tendons that help control your shoulder. The small sacs that cushion the joint can also get sore. [4]
- Frozen shoulder: pain and stiffness that make the shoulder harder to move over time. [5]
- Arthritis: joint changes that can cause pain and stiffness. [4]
- Injury or instability: a fall or impact can hurt the bones or soft tissues. A joint may also move out of place. [4]
- Neck problems: an issue in the neck can cause pain that you feel in the shoulder or arm. [9]
A symptom list can’t tell you which problem you have. We use your health history and an exam to look for the cause. Our shoulder physiotherapy page explains more about the care we offer.
You don't need to know what's causing the pain before you ask for help. An assessment starts with your symptoms and health history.
Your first shoulder assessment at Kent Chiro-Med
At your first visit, we’ll ask how the pain started, how it affects you and what you’d like to get back to. We’ll go over your health history and check how your shoulder moves.
We also check your neck, upper back and strength, since these can affect the shoulder. If you need tests or care outside our clinic, we will explain the next step. This may include a referral to your family doctor.
We’ll explain what we find and talk through the next steps with you. If treatment suits your case and you agree, it may start at that first visit.
It helps to bring:
- A short note on when the pain began and whether you had an injury.
- Examples of what makes it better or worse, including any sleep problems.
- A list of medicines and any doctor or scan reports you already have.
- Comfortable clothes and the work, daily activity or sport goals you want to discuss.
Request an assessment when you’re ready to have your shoulder checked. We’ll contact you to agree on a time.
Before you leave, ask what the findings mean for you. You can also ask which activities you can keep doing and when to review your progress.
Will you need an X-ray ultrasound or MRI
Not every sore shoulder needs a scan. For adults with suspected rotator cuff tendinopathy, the 2025 guideline calls for an exam first, rather than routine scans. Tendinopathy means a tendon problem. [6]
How we choose a care plan
A 2025 guideline led by Canadian researchers recommends exercise as a first step for adults with rotator cuff tendinopathy. This may include exercises to build strength and movement control. [6]
Hands-on treatment may be used alongside exercise to help with pain in the short term. These steps are for rotator cuff tendon problems. Care for other causes of shoulder pain may differ. [6]
Depending on your assessment, care may include physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, acupuncture, soft tissue therapy, rehab exercises, or a mix of these.
We’ll talk through the care options and what each aims to help with. Ask how we’ll check your progress, too.
We'll explain what we find and discuss which care options suit your assessment.
D.C
How long recovery may take
Some patients feel better quickly, while others need several weeks or longer. It depends on the cause, how severe it is and how long you have had it. How closely you follow your care plan also matters.
We’ll discuss what progress might look like for you and when to review it. Tell us if your symptoms get worse or you aren’t making progress.
Working and going to the gym with shoulder pain
In many cases, you can stay active with changes. We may suggest less weight, a change of exercise or changes to your work duties. What is safe depends on your symptoms, exam and the task.
A general guide cannot tell you if you are ready for lifting, overhead work or sport. Bring those questions to your visit so we can discuss them with you.
Book a shoulder assessment in Ottawa
Tell us how the pain started and what it’s keeping you from doing. We’ll check how your shoulder moves, explain what we find and plan your next steps with you.
We’re at 563 Gladstone Ave in Centretown, where we offer physiotherapy and chiropractic care.
Send us a request online and we’ll be in touch to agree on a time and confirm your visit. If you’d rather talk first, call 613-695-8600.
Send us a request online. We'll be in touch to agree on a time and confirm your visit.
Sources
[1] HealthLink BC. Rotator Cuff Disorders.
[3] Government of Ontario. Your health. Health811.
[4] American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Shoulder Pain and Common Shoulder Problems.
[5] American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Frozen Shoulder. OrthoInfo Basics.
[6] Desmeules F, Roy JS, Lafrance S, et al. Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy Diagnosis, Nonsurgical Medical Care, and Rehabilitation. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2025;55(4):235-274. doi:10.2519/jospt.2025.13182.
[7] Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Signs of stroke.
[8] NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Self-help and information for shoulder pain. Red flags.
[9] NHS inform. Shoulder problems. Pain referred from the neck.
[10] American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Shoulder Trauma Fractures and Dislocations.
Shoulder pain questions
Get your shoulder checked if pain is getting worse, keeps waking you or makes daily tasks hard. Pain that has not started to improve after about two weeks also needs a review. Do not wait two weeks if you have severe pain or any of the warning signs above. [2]
Neck problems: an issue in the neck can cause pain that you feel in the shoulder or arm. [9]
Not every sore shoulder needs a scan. For adults with suspected rotator cuff tendinopathy, the 2025 guideline calls for an exam first, rather than routine scans. Tendinopathy means a tendon problem. [6]
After a fall or injury, an X-ray may be needed to check for a fracture or dislocation. A large tear or pain that does not improve may also call for tests. Your health professional can explain which tests you need. [6] [10]
In many cases, you can stay active with changes. We may suggest less weight, a change of exercise or changes to your work duties. What is safe depends on your symptoms, exam and the task.
A general guide cannot tell you if you are ready for lifting, overhead work or sport. Bring those questions to your visit so we can discuss them with you.
Some patients feel better quickly, while others need several weeks or longer. It depends on the cause, how severe it is and how long you have had it. How closely you follow your care plan also matters.
We’ll discuss what progress might look like for you and when to review it. Tell us if your symptoms get worse or you aren’t making progress.
Send us a request online and we’ll be in touch to agree on a time and confirm your visit. If you’d rather talk first, call 613-695-8600.
Physiotherapist
Physiotherapy and chiropractic care at 563 Gladstone Ave in Centretown.
Request a visit and we’ll contact you to confirm a time.