Conditions / Shoulder Pain

💪 Shoulder Pain

Understand the common causes of shoulder pain, what you can do about it, and when physiotherapy may help.

What is shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain can make everyday tasks like reaching, lifting, or sleeping on that side uncomfortable. It's rarely something you have to just live with, and it usually responds well to the right assessment and exercise.

Common causes

• Rotator cuff strain or irritation
• Frozen shoulder (stiffness that develops gradually)
• Overuse from repetitive overhead activity
• Poor posture affecting shoulder mechanics
• A previous injury or dislocation

Common symptoms

• Pain when lifting your arm overhead
• Stiffness or reduced range of motion
• Pain that disturbs your sleep
• Weakness when carrying or reaching
• A catching or clicking sensation

When to see a physiotherapist

• Is it difficult or painful to lift your arm overhead?
• Is the pain disturbing your sleep?
• Has the stiffness or weakness lasted more than a couple of weeks?
• Is it affecting your ability to work or carry things?

How physiotherapy can help

A physiotherapist can identify what's restricting or irritating your shoulder and guide you through movement and strengthening to help restore range of motion and reduce pain.

Treatment approaches

• Personalised exercise therapy
• Rotator cuff and scapular strengthening
• Mobility and stretching guidance
• Manual therapy where appropriate
• Posture and movement education
• Home exercise programme

What to expect at your first visit

Your physiotherapist will typically start by discussing your symptoms and history, then carry out an appropriate assessment. They'll talk through what they find in plain language, answer your questions, and work with you to build an individualised plan — there's no expectation that everything gets fixed in one visit.

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