Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain is one of the most commonly reported musculoskeletal issues, affecting individuals of all ages. While anyone can experience it, those whose occupations involve repetitive movements, such as builders, plasterers, hairdressers, and cashiers, are more prone to developing shoulder pain.
At The Treatment Table, our expert physiotherapists specialise in diagnosing and treating all types of shoulder pain to ensure an accurate diagnosis and effective recovery plan.
Understanding shoulder pain: causes, symptoms, and treatment
There are multiple causes of shoulder pain, which can originate from structures inside the shoulder joint or be referred from other areas of the body.
Broadly, shoulder pain can be classified into:
- Muscular (muscle strain, rotator cuff injury)
- Ligamentous (ligament tears, instability)
- Mechanical (impingement, joint dysfunction)
- Degenerative (arthritis, wear and tear)
- Neurological (nerve compression, referred pain)
- Pathological (infections, tumours)
- Traumatic (fractures, dislocations)
Intrinsic causes — from within the shoulder joint
Extrinsic causes — referred from elsewhere
Seek help early
If you are experiencing persistent shoulder pain, it is essential to seek physiotherapy as soon as possible to:
A joint that needs strength
The shoulder is a highly mobile joint that depends on strong muscle function for stability. If pain restricts movement, early intervention can restore function and allow you to return to your daily and sporting activities as quickly as possible.
Don't ignore it
Ignoring shoulder pain can lead to compensatory movement patterns, which may cause further injuries.
What does a physiotherapy assessment for shoulder pain involve?
At The Treatment Table, our physiotherapists conduct a comprehensive two-part assessment to determine the underlying cause of your shoulder pain and tailor your rehabilitation plan accordingly.
1 · Subjective assessment
- Discussion about your symptoms, pain levels, and triggers
- Understanding how the pain impacts daily life, work, and sports
2 · Objective assessment
- Postural evaluation
- Range of motion testing
- Muscle strength assessment
- Neurological tests (reflexes, sensation, nerve involvement)
- Joint examination (shoulder, neck, and elbow) to rule out referred pain
An accurate diagnosis allows us to create a personalised recovery plan for you.
A personalised plan to restore your shoulder
Your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific condition, goals, and lifestyle. Early treatment helps reduce pain and prevent further complications.
Stretching and strengthening exercises
To restore movement and prevent stiffness.
Soft tissue release
Targeted techniques to relieve muscle tension.
Electrotherapy
Shockwave Therapy.
Joint mobilisation
To improve mobility and alignment.
Posture correction
To reduce strain on the shoulder joint.
Massage therapy
To ease muscle tension and improve circulation.
Acupuncture
To assist with pain management and healing.
Taping
To provide support and pain relief.
Home exercise programme
Tailored rehabilitation exercises for continued progress.
Our priority is to help you regain full function, reduce pain, and get back to your daily activities as quickly as possible.
Book your shoulder pain assessment
If you are experiencing shoulder pain, reduced mobility, or loss of strength, a physiotherapy assessment can help identify the cause and prevent the condition from worsening. Early intervention leads to faster recovery and improved long-term outcomes.
Shoulder pain can have various causes, from repetitive movements to underlying conditions. It may originate within the shoulder joint or be referred from other areas of the body.
A physiotherapy assessment is crucial for identifying the exact cause and designing an effective treatment plan with a realistic recovery timeline.