Why does my shoulder hurt more at night?
Night pain is common with rotator cuff and impingement problems because lying down changes the pressure in the joint. Persistent night pain is a good reason to get assessed.
Do I need a scan for shoulder pain?
Not always. A clinical examination is often enough; imaging is ordered only when it will change your treatment plan.
When is surgery indicated for shoulder pain?
Rarely, and only for specific diagnoses: large or traumatic rotator cuff tears (especially in younger patients), recurrent shoulder dislocations with structural damage, and advanced joint arthritis being considered for replacement. For the common causes — impingement, tendinopathy, most cuff problems and frozen shoulder — high-quality trials show structured conservative care matches or beats surgery, which is why rehabilitation is always our first line. If assessment shows a genuinely surgical problem, we say so and refer promptly.