Management of Shoulder Pain in Primary Care

Shoulder pain is the third most common musculoskeletal presentation in primary care. Although causes vary, the initial management is largely the same once serious conditions have been excluded. Most patients with subacromial pain will fully recover with minimal intervention and can be safely treated with supportive care. Imaging and referral to surgical subspecialists should be reserved for rare and carefully selected cases to avoid unnecessary intervention.

Corresponding Author: Rachelle Buchbinder, MBBS(Hons), MSc, PhD, Musculoskeletal Health Unit and Wiser Health Care Group, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Rd, Level 4, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia (rachelle.buchbinder@monash.edu).

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