Shoulder pain can sneak up on you slowly or hit you all at once. One day it might be a dull ache when you reach overhead. The next day, it's sharp pain when you try to lift groceries, sleep on your side, or get dressed. When that happens, most people start looking for answers–and fast.

What many don't realize right away is that there are multiple treatment options for shoulder pain, each of which has very different costs, risks, and long–term outcomes. Some of the most common options include physical therapy, injections, medications, and, in some cases, surgery. For many patients, cost plays a major role in deciding which path to take, sometimes as much as pain level or convenience.

That's understandable. Healthcare is expensive, and shoulder pain often doesn't resolve overnight. Costs can add up quickly, especially when treatments only provide temporary relief and need to be repeated.

In this article, we'll break down the national average costs of the most common shoulder pain treatments, explain how those costs can accumulate over time, and share a physical therapist's perspective on which options provide the best long–term value.

Important note: The costs listed below are national U.S. averages. Actual prices vary based on where you live, your insurance plan, and the healthcare providers in your area. These numbers are meant to help you compare options–not predict your exact bill.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

As discussed in one of our previous newsletters, shoulder pain can be caused by many different conditions. Some of the most common include:

• Rotator cuff tendinitis and small tears


• Shoulder impingement


• Bursitis


• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)


• Arthritis


• Muscle strains or overuse injuries

While these diagnoses sound different, they often share one thing in common: a positive response to conservative (nonsurgical) treatment, especially when addressed early.

Physical Therapy: Treating the Cause, Not Just the Pain

Typical national cost

• Without insurance: $75–$150 per visit


• With insurance: $10–$50 copay per visit

Physical therapy focuses on identifying why your shoulder hurts and correcting the problem. This may include addressing weakness, poor movement patterns, stiffness, postural issues, or repeated overuse. A licensed physical therapist will then develop an individualized program designed to:

• Improve circulation and facilitate healing


• Improve strength and shoulder stability


• Restore mobility and flexibility


• Reduce stress on irritated tissues


• Teach safe and efficient movement strategies


• Prevent the pain from returning

Most patients complete a treatment plan of 6–12 physical therapy visits. Even with multiple visits, the total cost is often significantly lower than repeated injections or surgery.

Why Physical Therapy Stands Apart

Unlike injections or pain medications, physical therapy is designed to resolve the underlying issue, not just quiet symptoms. When shoulder mechanics improve, pain often decreases naturally–and stays away. This is a key reason physical therapy is often the most cost–effective option in the long term.

Injections: Relief That Often Comes With a Clock

Typical national cost

• Without insurance: $100–$500+ per injection


• With insurance: $20–$50 copay (varies widely)

Corticosteroid injections are commonly used to reduce inflammation and pain. While they may help in the short term, relief is often temporary. Many patients receive multiple injections over months or years, which can significantly increase overall cost.

Repeated injections may also weaken tendons and soft tissues, potentially increasing the risk of future injury.

With injections, no effort is made to address movement dysfunction, weakness, poor mobility or flexibility. In other words, the underlying problems that resulted in pain often continue to exist.

Surgery: High Cost, Long Recovery

Typical national cost:

• Arthroscopic shoulder surgery: $7,000–$30,000+


• Shoulder replacement: $22,000–$50,000+

Surgery is sometimes necessary, particularly for severe trauma or advanced arthritis. However, many common shoulder conditions improve without surgery, meaning it is typically only considered a last resort after conservative treatments fail.

Additional costs associated with surgery often include:

• Imaging and pre–operative testing


• Anesthesia and facility fees


• Time away from work


• Months of post–surgical physical therapy

Even with insurance, patients may still pay thousands of dollars out of pocket.

Medications: Low Cost, Limited Solution

Pain medications–both over–the–counter and prescription–are often used as an early intervention for shoulder pain. Over–the–counter medications typically cost $5–$20 per month. While affordable, medications do not improve strength, mobility, or movement quality and are best used as short–term support.

How Shoulder Pain Costs Add Up Over Time

When comparing treatments, it's important to consider how often each intervention may be needed. For example:

• Injections might be repeated several times


• Medication use is often ongoing


• Ineffective treatments can delay proper care and increase the likelihood of needing surgery


• Ongoing pain may lead to missed work or reduced productivity

What may start as a “quick fix” can become a long and expensive cycle. Physical therapy helps break that cycle by addressing the root cause early.

If you're dealing with shoulder pain, we recommend the following:

1. Don't wait months hoping it goes away


2. Start with conservative (nonsurgical) care


3. Consider total treatment costs – not just per–visit costs


4. Use injections selectively, not repeatedly


5. View surgery as a last option

The earlier shoulder pain is addressed, the less expensive and more effective treatment usually is.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you're dealing with shoulder pain and want a clear plan–not just temporary relief–physical therapy can help. Working with a licensed physical therapist allows you to address the root cause of your pain, improve shoulder function, and avoid unnecessary or costly treatments whenever possible.

Call our clinic today to schedule your first physical therapy appointment. The sooner you begin, the sooner you can get back to moving comfortably and confidently again.

References and Further Reading

1. https://www.healthprices.org/shoulder-pain/national


2. https://www.buoyhealth.com/cost/cost-to-treat-a-shoulder-strain


3. https://www.buoyhealth.com/cost/cost-to-treat-non-specific-shoulder-pain


4. https://mymeditour.com/shoulder-replacement-surgery-cost-without-insurance/


5. https://mymeditour.com/average-cost-of-shoulder-surgery-without-insurance/


6. https://www.newchoicehealth.com/arthroscopic-shoulder-surgery/cost


7. https://expertcarecenter.com/conditions/shoulder-pain/


8. https://stemcellmia.com/prp-injection-cost-shoulder/


9. https://placidway.com/answer-detail/444391/how-much-does-shoulder-surgery-cost-without-insurance


10. https://www.howmuchisit.org/shoulder-surgery-cost/


11. https://icloudhospital.com/specialties/frozen-shoulder-adhesive-capsulitis


12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12435035/