Shoulder Pain

Expert Physiotherapy for Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can make even the simplest daily activities feel difficult. Reaching overhead, lifting objects, getting dressed, driving or sleeping comfortably may all become challenging when your shoulder isn't functioning properly.

At [Clinic Name], we provide thorough assessments and personalised physiotherapy to identify the cause of your shoulder pain and help you regain movement, strength and confidence.

Whether your symptoms started after an injury, gradually developed over time or have been affecting you for months, we're here to help you move forward.

Book An Appointment

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body, allowing a wide range of movement. Because of this, many different structures including muscles, tendons, ligaments and the joint itself can contribute to pain.

Common shoulder conditions we treat include:

Rotator cuff injuries and tendinopathy
Shoulder impingement
Frozen shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Shoulder bursitis
Shoulder instability
AC (Acromioclavicular) joint injuries
Shoulder osteoarthritis
Biceps tendon pain
Muscle strains
Sports and gym-related shoulder injuries

You don't need a diagnosis before booking an appointment. Our assessment will help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms.

How Does Shoulder Pain Affect You?

Shoulder problems can affect people of all ages and activity levels.

You may notice pain or stiffness when:

Pain when lifting your arm
Difficulty reaching overhead
Pain reaching behind your back
Weakness when lifting or carrying
Pain when sleeping on the affected shoulder
Clicking or catching sensations
Stiffness and reduced movement
Pain during sport or gym training
Difficulty dressing or fastening a bra
Pain that travels into the upper arm

Because many shoulder conditions share similar symptoms, a detailed assessment is essential for choosing the most appropriate treatment.

Shoulder Pain Assessment

Find Out What's Really Going On

Your first appointment is designed to understand not only where your shoulder hurts, but why.

We'll discuss:

When your pain began
Whether there was a specific injury
Your work and daily activities
Sports and hobbies
Previous shoulder problems
What movements aggravate your symptoms
Your goals for recovery

We'll then carry out an appropriate physical assessment.

This may include looking at:

Shoulder range of movement
Muscle strength
Rotator cuff function
Joint mobility
Shoulder blade movement
Neck movement where appropriate
Functional movements specific to your lifestyle or sport

After your assessment, we'll explain our findings in clear language and develop a treatment plan tailored to your goals.

Shoulder Pain Treatment

A Treatment Plan Built Around You

Treatment is based on your assessment findings rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Your rehabilitation may include:

Treatment may include:

Exercise Therapy

Targeted exercises to improve shoulder strength, mobility and control.

Strength & Conditioning

Progressive strengthening of the shoulder, rotator cuff and surrounding muscles to improve function and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Manual Therapy

Hands-on treatment may be used where appropriate to improve comfort and movement alongside active rehabilitation.

Postural & Movement Education

Small changes in movement patterns and daily habits can sometimes reduce strain on the shoulder and support recovery.

Activity Modification

We'll help you stay active while temporarily adjusting activities that aggravate your symptoms.

Return to Sport & Exercise

Whether you lift weights, swim, play racquet sports or have a physically demanding job, your rehabilitation will be progressed towards your individual goals.

Conditions

Rotator Cuff Pain

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help stabilise and move the shoulder.

Physiotherapy often focuses on improving shoulder strength, movement, tendon capacity and confidence while gradually returning you to normal activities.

Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder impingement occurs when structures within the shoulder become irritated during certain movements, particularly lifting the arm overhead.

Following a detailed assessment, treatment may include improving shoulder mobility, strengthening the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles, modifying aggravating activities and gradually restoring normal movement.

Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) causes pain and significant stiffness, often developing gradually over several months.

Physiotherapy aims to help maintain movement, manage pain and support your recovery through each stage of the condition.

Shoulder Pain in Sport

Shoulder injuries are common in sports involving throwing, swimming, tennis, rugby, CrossFit and weight training.

Your rehabilitation programme is designed to help you safely return to your chosen activity while reducing the risk of future injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my shoulder pain needs physiotherapy?

If shoulder pain is affecting your everyday activities, exercise, work or sleep, an assessment can help identify possible causes and determine whether physiotherapy is appropriate.

Do I need a GP referral?

For private physiotherapy, you can generally arrange an appointment directly without a GP referral. If you have private medical insurance, check with your provider as they may have their own requirements.

Can physiotherapy help shoulder pain?

Yes. Physiotherapy may help many shoulder conditions by improving strength, mobility, movement control and function while reducing pain and improving confidence.

Can I still exercise with shoulder pain?

In many cases, yes. Rather than stopping all activity, we'll often help you modify exercises so you can remain as active as possible while your shoulder recovers.

How long does shoulder pain take to improve?

Recovery varies considerably depending on the cause of the pain, how long you've had symptoms, your activity levels and other individual factors. Your physiotherapist can give you a more personalised idea after assessment.

Will I need a scan?

Not necessarily. Many hip problems can be assessed clinically without immediate imaging. If your symptoms indicate that imaging or further medical assessment may be helpful, we'll discuss this with you.

What should I wear to my appointment?

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely and allows the physiotherapist to assess the relevant area.

Don't Let Shoulder Pain Hold You Back

Shoulder pain doesn't have to limit your work, hobbies or quality of life.

At Core Physiotherapy, we'll help you understand the cause of your symptoms and create a rehabilitation plan designed around your goals.

Whether you're looking to get back to the gym, return to sport or simply move without pain, we're here to help.