The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, which makes it prone to overload, particularly with overhead sport, lifting and desk posture.
Shoulder pain often comes from the neck and upper back too, so we examine all three.
Common causes
- Rotator cuff irritation or tendinopathy
- Impingement and pain with reaching overhead
- Joint stiffness in the shoulder or upper back
- Overuse from swimming, throwing, racquet sports or gym training
- Pain referred from the neck
How we treat it
Treatment may include soft tissue therapy, joint mobilisation, dry needling and shockwave for tendon problems, plus progressive strengthening of the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles. Rest from the aggravating movement helps early, but we aim to restore load as quickly as is safe.
For overhead athletes
Swimmers, throwers and racquet players need strength, range and control. We will check technique and training load as well as the joint, and plan your return in stages.
What to expect at your first visit
The first appointment is 45 minutes. See what happens at your first visit.
- A conversation about what happened, what makes it better or worse, and what you want to get back to
- A hands-on examination of the painful area and the joints and muscles around it
- A clear explanation of what we find and what we recommend, including how long it may take
- Treatment at the first visit when it is appropriate, plus exercises to take home
