The evaluation of shoulder pain begins with a history and physical exam.

Physical findings in someone with shoulder pain may include:

• Shoulder bruise
• Shoulder redness
• Shoulder swelling
• Shoulder tenderness
• Deformed shoulder
• Poor circulation to the hand

Tests that may be used to evaluate shoulder pain include:

• Complete blood count
• Rheumatoid factor
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
• Uric acid level
• X-rays of the shoulder:
• Normal x-ray
• Clavicle fracture
• Shoulder dislocation
• Shoulder or humerus fracture
• Arthroscopy of the shoulder
• Arthrogram of the shoulder
• MRI scan of the shoulder

For more information:

• Rotator cuff tear evaluation
• Shoulder A-C separation evaluation
• Shoulder contusion evaluation
• Shoulder dislocation evaluation
• Shoulder fracture evaluation
• Shoulder sprain evaluation
• Shoulder tendinitis evaluation