Shoulder Pain
Care for rotator cuff problems, frozen shoulder and impingement that make reaching, dressing and sleeping difficult.
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, trading stability for an enormous range of movement. That trade-off makes it prone to a handful of common problems — rotator cuff tendon pain, impingement, frozen shoulder and instability — each of which needs a different approach.
Because we use our arms for almost everything, shoulder pain is genuinely disruptive: reaching overhead, putting on a coat, washing your hair or lying on the affected side can all become difficult, and disturbed sleep often makes everything feel worse.
We carefully identify which structures are involved and how the shoulder blade and neck are contributing, then use manual therapy alongside a precisely graded strengthening program to restore pain-free movement and lasting stability.
Common causes
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy or tears
- Subacromial impingement of the tendons
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Shoulder instability or previous dislocation
- Poor shoulder-blade control and neck contribution
Signs & symptoms
- Pain reaching overhead or behind your back
- Night pain when lying on the shoulder
- Weakness lifting or carrying
- Stiffness and a marked loss of range (frozen shoulder)
- Painful catching or arc of movement
How we treat shoulder pain
A clear, step-by-step path from settling your symptoms to lasting recovery — tailored to you at every stage.
Diagnose the driver
We test the rotator cuff, joint and shoulder blade and assess the neck, to determine exactly which problem we're dealing with — they each need different treatment.
Reduce pain & restore motion
Manual therapy, mobilisation and gentle movement reduce pain and, for stiff shoulders, gradually restore range.
Progressive strengthening
A carefully dosed rotator cuff and shoulder-blade program is the most evidence-based treatment for most shoulder pain, rebuilding strength and control.
Return to function
We restore the specific movements you need — overhead, lifting, sport — and address posture and habits that contributed.
What to expect
Most rotator cuff and impingement problems respond very well to a progressive exercise program, with research showing it's as effective as surgery for many people. Improvement is typically measured over weeks to a few months.
Frozen shoulder follows its own longer timeline through distinct stages, and our role is to manage pain and maintain as much movement as possible while it runs its course — a process we'll guide you through clearly.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about shoulder pain and how we treat it.
Do I need a scan for shoulder pain?
Usually not initially. Many cuff 'findings' on scans are normal and painless. We diagnose from clinical testing and reserve imaging for cases that need it.
What is frozen shoulder?
It's a condition where the joint capsule becomes inflamed and tight, causing pain and major stiffness. It typically resolves over time, and physiotherapy helps you manage it and preserve movement.
Should I rest my shoulder?
Complete rest tends to make stiffness and weakness worse. Guided, appropriately loaded movement is the key to recovery.
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Your recovery starts with one appointment
Book online in under two minutes, or call us and we'll find a time that works. Most extended health plans accepted with direct billing.