Everything You Need To Know About Shoulder Pain In Your 50s
If you’ve reached your fifties and are experiencing shoulder problems, you’re certainly not alone. In fact, shoulder pain is incredibly common at this age, often due to two main culprits: Frozen Shoulder and Shoulder Impingement.
These conditions can quickly turn simple everyday tasks into major challenges—pulling on a jumper, reaching for items overhead, or even just getting a good night’s sleep might now seem difficult or even impossible.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to put up with shoulder pain or resign yourself to a life of discomfort. Understanding exactly what’s causing your pain is the first—and most important—step to solving it. With the right information and treatment approach, you can regain your mobility, reclaim your comfort, and get back to doing what you love.
Understanding Shoulder Pain – Two Common Culprits
Shoulder pain is particularly common for people in their 50s, and it usually isn’t just “old age” causing the issue. Instead, pain and restricted movement typically stem from two very common, yet distinctly different conditions: Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) and Shoulder Impingement (Subacromial Impingement).
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Frozen Shoulder is exactly what it sounds like, a shoulder that becomes painfully stiff, as though it has literally “frozen.” It develops gradually, often without an obvious injury, causing significant loss of movement in the shoulder. You might find yourself struggling to perform basic tasks like reaching up to a shelf, fastening your seatbelt, or even combing your hair.
It happens because the capsule around your shoulder joint becomes inflamed, thickens, and tightens, dramatically restricting motion. Though the exact cause isn’t always clear, it commonly affects people aged between 40 and 60, and is especially prevalent in your 50s.
Shoulder Impingement (Subacromial Impingement)
Unlike Frozen Shoulder, Shoulder Impingement is typically associated with movements particularly raising your arm overhead or reaching behind your back. This condition occurs when tendons or soft tissues inside your shoulder become pinched or irritated. Often, this results from natural changes in your shoulder anatomy over time.
You might notice sharp or aching pain whenever you raise your arm, or a persistent discomfort that can even disturb your sleep, especially if you lie on that side. This type of shoulder pain is particularly common in active individuals in their 50s.
How to Tell the Difference – Frozen Shoulder vs. Shoulder Impingement
While both Frozen Shoulder and Shoulder Impingement cause pain and limit your shoulder movements, there are some key differences that can help you figure out which one you’re likely dealing with.
Frozen Shoulder – Key Signs:
- Gradual loss of shoulder movement: Your shoulder starts stiffening up, and over time your range of motion becomes very limited.
- Pain and stiffness in all directions: You struggle to move your arm upwards, sideways, behind your back—basically everywhere.
- Constant stiffness, regardless of activity: Even at rest, the shoulder can feel tight or uncomfortable, and the pain can persist at night.
Typical Scenario: You find everyday tasks like reaching behind your back or lifting your arm overhead almost impossible, regardless of how you move your arm.
Shoulder Impingement – Key Signs:
- Pain with specific movements: Pain is typically triggered when lifting your arm up, especially overhead or behind your back.
- Sharp pain or catching sensation: You might feel a sharp “pinching” feeling or a catching sensation when your arm moves through a certain position.
- Pain often reduces with rest: When your shoulder isn’t moving, it tends to feel better, though certain sleeping positions (such as lying on that shoulder) might cause discomfort.
Typical Scenario: You notice pain primarily when performing certain activities—like reaching up to put something on a shelf or taking off a jumper—but you’re still able to move your arm in other ways without much trouble.
When to See a Professional in Your 50s
When you’re busy with life, it’s tempting to ignore shoulder pain and hope it’ll disappear on its own. But if you’re in your 50s, ignoring persistent shoulder symptoms can quickly lead to bigger problems down the line. Here’s exactly when you should seek professional help:
Key Signs Not to Ignore:
- Pain lasting more than a couple of weeks:
- Loss of shoulder movement. If your range of motion is getting worse or you’re struggling with simple tasks like getting dressed or reaching overhead, this is a red flag.
- Worsening symptoms. Pain that’s steadily increasing or intensifying over time needs to be addressed promptly to avoid serious complications.
- Pain affecting your sleep. If shoulder discomfort is disturbing your sleep or preventing you from lying comfortably, this indicates a potentially significant issue.
Why Act Now?
Shoulder Impingement, when ignored, often progresses and can lead to more significant problems like rotator cuff tears. These tears not only require more intensive treatment but can significantly extend recovery time and reduce the chance of a full return to pain-free function.
Likewise, frozen shoulder is known for responding far better, both in the short and long term. When addressed early. Prompt treatment means less pain, faster recovery, and fewer disruptions to your daily activities.
Take Control of Your Shoulder Health
Shoulder pain in your 50s isn’t something you have to just live with, and it’s certainly not something to ignore. Whether it’s Frozen Shoulder slowly limiting your movement, or Shoulder Impingement making everyday tasks painful, these are common problems—but they’re also highly treatable when caught early.
Your 50s are a time when your body needs a bit more care, but it’s also a time when you have the power, knowledge, and resources to make real changes. The key is recognising when something’s not right and taking action, rather than waiting for it to get worse.
We have worked with countless people in this age group who’ve gone from painful, stiff shoulders to moving freely and getting back to doing what they love—whether that’s lifting weights, playing sports, sleeping through the night, or simply reaching into a cupboard without thinking about it.
If something doesn’t feel right with your shoulder, listen to it. Get it checked. The earlier you act, the easier it is to treat, and the faster you’ll get your life back on track.
The Sharp Physio Team
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