Shoulder pain arises from damage to local structures in the shoulder, such as joints, tendons and ligaments or referred from the neck or the abdomen. A shoulder pain map can be a useful tool to help find out the cause of your shoulder pain. Find out possible causes of shoulder pain using a shoulder pain diagnosis chart. 

Front of shoulder pain map

Click on the site of your pain at the front of the shoulder. Then, follow the link for specific conditions to find out more

shoulder pain map
Clavicle pain AC joint pain Front of shoulder Biceps tendon pain Pectoralis pain Trapezius pain Chest wall pain

Clavicle pain

Biceps tendon pain

Pectoralis pain

Trapezius pain

Chest wall pain

Back of shoulder pain diagnosis chart

Click on the location of your pain at the back of the shoulder. Then, follow the link for each specific condition to learn more about how to assess and manage.

picture of upper back in young man
Trapezius pain Scapular pain Back of shoulder Triceps Pain

Trapezius pain

Scapular pain

Triceps Pain

Is a shoulder pain map useful in helping find the cause of your pain? 

A recent study found that the common disease of the shoulder presents with a distinctive shoulder pain diagnosis chart. They studied nearly 100 people with shoulder pain and found similar pain patterns for common shoulder conditions:

  • Shoulder arthritis pain was the most severe pain and could affect the shoulder and entire arm.
  • Pain due to labral tears, such as a SLAP tear, was localised to the shoulder and upper arm.

Dr Masci is a specialist sports doctor in London. 

He specialises in muscle, tendon and joint injuries.