There are several different types of shoulder pain, which fall into these main categories: Bursitis — Located in joints throughout the body, a bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac. They help reduce friction between muscles and bones, acting as cushions between bones and the overlying soft tissues. Tendinitis — Tendons are tough, fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones. When a tendon becomes inflamed, it is known as tendonitis and can occur on any tendon in the body. Tendon Tears — Tendon tears typically occur from overexertion or overuse injuries, and can also occur from overextension. Impingement — A painful condition caused by rubbing or pressure on a tendon, an impingement can cause pain and inflammation in the shoulder. Instability — Dislocations and injuries can cause instability in the shoulder, which can lead to pain and discomfort. Arthritis — One of the most common causes of joint pain, arthritis can affect any joint in the body and is characterized by inflamed, stiff and painful joints. Fracture — Also referred to as broken bones, fractures occur when a bone becomes damaged and partially or completely separates. Ranging in severity from hairline to compound, fractures in the shoulder commonly involve the collarbone (clavicle), shoulder blade (scapula) or upper arm bone (humerus).