Shoulder pain is becoming more and more common, affecting people of all ages and lifestyles. Studies show its onset has increased by 26%, with people experiencing it in their lifetime climbing to 66.7% (Luime et. al., 2004).
In Australia alone, nearly one in four people (22.5%) report experiencing shoulder pain, aching, or stiffness (Hill et. al., 2010). And it’s not just older individuals feeling the strain.
While shoulder pain is particularly widespread among those aged 50 and above, it can also affect younger people—especially those with active lifestyles or physically demanding jobs. In fact, a long-term study (Hodgets et. al., 2023) found that 31.4% of adults aged 40–80 had experienced shoulder pain within the past month.
So, what’s behind these numbers?
Certain jobs which involve repetitive or heavy physical activity are often to blame, as they can lead to overuse and strain. These findings emphasise just how common shoulder pain has become—and why seeking treatment early is so important to prevent it from worsening.
But what exactly causes shoulder pain? It can result from various conditions which include:
