Why Your Shoulder Pain Isn’t Going Away—and What to Do Instead
Clinically Proven Approaches to Shoulder Pain That Actually Work
So… the ice packs didn’t work. Rest days didn’t help. And those stretches you found online aren’t cutting it either. It sucks when you realize Icy Hot and good intentions aren’t going to fix what’s actually wrong.
But if you’re here typing “how to get rid of shoulder pain in active adults” into Google, you already know that.
The real question is: are you going to keep hoping it magically goes away—or are you ready to understand what’s really going on and finally do something about it?
We bet you are.
Let’s break down what causes shoulder pain, why shoulder pain lingers, and what actually works to get rid of shoulder pain for good.
Common Shoulder Pain Causes in Active Adults
For our patients in the greater American Fork, Utah area and surrounding cities, we frequently see shoulder pain linked to:
- Rotator cuff strain
- Shoulder impingement syndrome
- Instability from overuse or poor lifting form
- Postural overload from long hours at a desk or in the car
These issues are especially common in more active adults (gym-goers, athletes, outdoorsy types) and anyone doing high-rep upper body work. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain from sports or shoulder pain after working out, the cause likely goes deeper than tight muscles.
Why Rest Doesn’t Fix Shoulder Pain in Active Adults
A lot of people try to power through or take a few days off—only to have the pain return. That’s because most shoulder pain in active adults isn’t from one dramatic injury—it’s from repeated movement patterns that slowly wear the joint down.
Resting doesn’t correct movement dysfunction. And that’s why shoulder pain relief exercises pulled off YouTube don’t always work. You don’t just need relief. You need understanding—of how you move, where you compensate, and what needs to change.
What Real Shoulder Rehab Looks Like
Most persistent shoulder pain doesn’t improve with rest alone—and cookie-cutter exercise sheets rarely address the full picture. For active adults, especially those training or competing regularly, rehab needs to be more specific.
Effective recovery often includes:
- A thorough assessment to understand your unique movement patterns
- Hands-on techniques to improve mobility and reduce irritation
- Progressive loading strategies that reflect how you actually use your body—whether that’s in the gym, on the court, or just getting through your workday
In many cases, addressing the root of the problem early can prevent the need for more invasive interventions later. That’s true whether you’re training in Orem, coaching in Provo, or hiking in Draper.
If your pain isn’t improving, it may be time to re-evaluate the approach—not your activity level.
How to Avoid Shoulder Surgery
Not every case of shoulder pain leads to surgery. In fact, many can be treated with a smart, consistent rehab approach tailored to your goals and daily demands.
If you’re looking for shoulder injury rehab in American Fork, or a shoulder pain physical therapist near Lehi or Sandy, it starts with asking better questions—not just pushing through.
If you’re still searching for answers, start here. This is a free, downloadable guide with workouts that will strengthen and fortify your rotator cuff, wherever you are.
Understanding your pain is the first step toward relieving it, the next is taking action.
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