When Shoulder Pain Won’t Go Away: What to Try Next

Knee Pain, Softwave
June 20, 2025•3 min read

Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints—affecting people of all ages and activity levels. Whether it's a dull ache, sharp twinge, or stiffness that makes it hard to sleep or lift your arm, shoulder discomfort can seriously impact your daily life.

And while rest, ice, and over-the-counter medications can help in the short term, what happens when shoulder pain just won’t go away?

If you're stuck in the cycle of recurring or chronic shoulder pain, it's time to look beyond temporary fixes. Let’s break down the potential causes, what you might be missing, and what options to try next.

old man shoulder pain

Common Causes of Persistent Shoulder Pain

Understanding the cause of your pain is the first step toward long-term relief. Some of the most common culprits include:

  • Rotator cuff injuries – tears or inflammation from overuse, strain, or aging

  • Shoulder impingement – when tendons are pinched between bones during movement

  • Tendonitis or bursitis – inflammation from repetitive motion or poor posture

  • Frozen shoulder – stiffness and pain due to thickened joint tissue

  • Osteoarthritis – gradual wear and tear of the cartilage in the shoulder joint

Often, these conditions are underlying issues that don’t heal on their own—especially if inflammation or restricted blood flow limits recovery.

You’ve Tried the Basics—Now What?

If your go-to options like stretching, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), or even physical therapy haven’t brought lasting relief, here are advanced approaches to consider:

1. Diagnostic Imaging

An MRI or ultrasound may reveal a tear, inflammation, or joint degeneration that wasn’t previously detected—helping guide more effective treatment.

2. Trigger Point or Cortisone Injections

These may offer temporary relief by reducing localized inflammation, but they often don’t address the root cause and carry risks with repeated use.

3. SoftWave Therapy (Recommended)

One of the most exciting and non-invasive innovations in regenerative medicine is SoftWave therapy (also called SoftWave Tissue Regeneration Technology, or TRT).

✅ What Is SoftWave Therapy?

SoftWave therapy uses low-intensity acoustic shockwaves to stimulate cellular repair, improve blood flow, and reduce inflammation at the site of injury or chronic pain.

Here’s what makes it stand out:

  • No needles, no downtime

  • Stimulates stem cell recruitment and tissue regeneration

  • Promotes natural pain relief and healing

  • Often effective even when other treatments fail

Clinical studies have shown that SoftWave therapy can significantly improve shoulder function and reduce pain, especially in conditions like rotator cuff tendinopathy, calcific tendonitis, and chronic inflammation [1][2].

Most patients report noticeable improvement within 3–5 sessions, making it a compelling option for those who want to avoid surgery or long-term medications.

Softwave therapy shoulder pain

Lifestyle Tips to Support Healing

Along with clinical treatment, consider these supportive strategies:

  • Improve posture during work and sleep

  • Focus on gentle mobility exercises and avoid repetitive overhead lifting

  • Apply heat before activity and ice after movement if inflammation flares

  • Stay consistent with rehab or physical therapy, especially if prescribed

When to See a Specialist

If your shoulder pain lasts more than 3 weeks, limits your range of motion, or worsens at night, it’s time to see a provider who can evaluate deeper tissue issues and recommend next steps—like SoftWave therapy or targeted rehab.

Conclusion: Relief Is Possible

Don’t settle for daily discomfort. If your shoulder pain won’t go away, it’s often a sign that your body needs deeper support to truly heal. Whether it’s chronic inflammation, old injuries, or cellular breakdown, SoftWave therapy offers a non-invasive, science-backed option to get you moving again—without surgery or downtime.

woman stretching shoulders

References

  1. Moya, D., Ramón, S., Schaden, W., Wang, C. J., Guiloff, L., & Cheng, J. H. (2018). The Role of Extracorporeal Shockwave Treatment in Musculoskeletal Disorders. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 100(13), 1181–1190. https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.17.01067

  2. Notarnicola, A., & Moretti, B. (2012). The biological effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on tendon tissue. Muscles, Ligaments and Tendons Journal, 2(1), 33–37.

  3. Hausdorf, J., Lemmens, M. A., Kaplan, S., & Milz, S. (2011). Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for the treatment of chronic shoulder pain. Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, 131(11), 1545–1550. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-011-1374-2

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