Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain is a common problem that affects people of all ages and lifestyles, from active gym-goers and tradies to desk-bound professionals and retirees. Whether it’s a sharp twinge when you lift your arm, a dull ache that disrupts sleep, or stiffness that makes daily tasks a chore, shoulder pain can significantly impact your quality of life. At Cairnhill Physiotherapy, we specialise in treating a wide range of shoulder injuries with hands-on care and evidence-based strategies to help you move with comfort and confidence again.
Understanding Shoulder Pain
The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body, but with that mobility comes complexity. It’s a ball-and-socket joint made up of bones, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bursae, all working in harmony to allow a wide range of movement. That also means there's a lot that can go wrong.
Shoulder pain can arise from inflammation, overuse, instability, or trauma. Some experience sharp pain lifting their arm overhead, while others notice gradual stiffness or weakness over time. Symptoms often include reduced range of motion, pain when lying on the affected side, clicking or catching sensations, or difficulty reaching behind your back.
Because of the joint's complexity, pinpointing the source of pain early is key. Left untreated, even minor shoulder issues can become chronic, leading to reduced function and long-term discomfort. That’s why early intervention with shoulder physiotherapy is so important; it not only relieves pain but also helps restore proper movement and prevent further injury.
Physiotherapy Services
Shoulder Conditions We Treat
Shoulder pain can arise from a range of conditions - some common, some rarer. At Cairnhill Physiotherapy, we regularly treat the following:
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint. Bursitis often causes pain during overhead movements or when lying on the affected side.
- Frozen Shoulder: Also known as adhesive capsulitis, this condition causes progressive stiffness and restricted motion, often without a clear cause. Pain is typically worse at rest and gradually leads to limited shoulder mobility.
- Rotator Cuff Injuries: Tears or inflammation in the rotator cuff muscles can result in weakness, difficulty lifting the arm, and aching that worsens with activity or at night.
- Shoulder Dislocation: Usually caused by trauma or falls, this occurs when the arm bone slips out of its socket. Without proper rehab, repeat dislocations and instability are common.
- Shoulder Instability: Characterised by a loose joint that may partially or fully dislocate, often affecting younger, active individuals. Left untreated, it can cause ongoing discomfort and functional problems
- Subacromial Pain: This refers to pain beneath the acromion (top of the shoulder blade), often due to impingement where tendons or bursa become compressed.
- Overuse Shoulder Injury: Repetitive strain from activities like swimming, tennis, or even typing can lead to chronic inflammation and weakness. Overuse injuries develop slowly but can become debilitating if ignored.
- Posture-Related Shoulder Pain: Prolonged poor posture, especially rounded shoulders and forward head positioning, can alter joint alignment and muscle balance, leading to ongoing pain and restricted movement.
Physio Approaches for Shoulder Pain
At Cairnhill Physiotherapy, we take a tailored approach to managing shoulder pain, focusing on restoring mobility, reducing discomfort, and strengthening the joint. Our custom treatment plans will include one or more of the below:
- Manual Therapy: Using joint mobilisations and soft tissue techniques, we aim to relieve pain, reduce stiffness, and restore functional movement in the shoulder. Hands-on treatment can improve alignment and increase range of motion in even the stiffest joints.
- Exercise Prescription: We provide progressive, tailored physio exercises for shoulder pain, designed to strengthen the rotator cuff, improve scapular control, and support overall joint stability. These exercises are gradually increased in difficulty as your shoulder improves.
- Postural Education: Poor posture can put strain on the neck and shoulders, especially in those who sit at a desk for long periods. We teach posture correction and ergonomic strategies to prevent pain from recurring.
- Massage Therapy: Our physiotherapists also offer targeted massage therapy for shoulder pain to ease muscle tension, reduce inflammation, and support circulation in the healing process.
Shoulder Rehabilitation and Strengthening
Once pain is under control, building strength and restoring full function is the next step. Shoulder rehabilitation is crucial for preventing re-injury and ensuring the joint can handle everyday activities and sport-specific movements.
We incorporate shoulder strengthening exercises into your programme, targeting the muscles that support the joint, particularly the rotator cuff and scapular stabilisers. Improved muscle support helps protect the joint from future strain and improves endurance.
Scapular mobility is another essential focus. The shoulder blade plays a key role in how the shoulder moves, and dysfunction in this area can lead to impingement or pain. Through guided scapular mobility drills and control exercises, we ensure the shoulder moves smoothly and efficiently.
Each rehab plan includes physio exercises for shoulder pain that match your activity level and recovery goals. Whether you’re returning to sport, lifting your toddler, or just wanting to sleep without pain, we’ll get you there with a smart, structured plan.
When to Seek Professional Help
If shoulder pain is interfering with your sleep, work, or ability to move comfortably, it’s time to get it checked out. Many shoulder injuries respond well to physiotherapy, especially when caught early.
You should see a physiotherapist if you’re experiencing:
- Persistent pain that isn’t improving with rest
- Difficulty lifting your arm or performing everyday tasks
Recurrent dislocations or ongoing joint instability
Why Choose Cairnhill Physiotherapy
Shoulders are tricky. They’re brilliant when they work well, and deeply frustrating when they don’t. At Cairnhill Physiotherapy, we know how easily a small problem can turn into a full-blown limitation, and how much shoulder pain can impact everything from dressing in the morning to sleeping at night.
That’s why we don’t do one-size-fits-all rehab. Our team of experienced physio combines clinical insight with hands-on care to get to the root of your shoulder pain and build a plan that actually works. Whether you’re dealing with a rotator cuff injury, frozen shoulder, or that mysterious ache that’s been hanging around for months, we dig deeper to understand what’s really going on.
We guide you through every stage: from pain relief and movement restoration to building shoulder strength and confidence for the long haul. No rushed appointments, no copy-paste treatment plans, just real results tailored to real life.
Need Help with Shoulder Pain?
If shoulder pain is slowing you down, it’s time to take the first step. Book a full physiotherapy assessment at Cairnhill Physiotherapy and get a personalised treatment plan designed to restore movement and relieve pain.
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