Condition

Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can be remarkably restricting, affecting sleep, sport, work and the simplest daily tasks like reaching up or putting on a coat. The shoulder has many potential sources of pain, which is why thorough specialist assessment is so important.

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About This Condition

Understanding Shoulder Pain

The shoulder depends on a precise interplay between the rotator cuff, scapular muscles, glenohumeral joint and the cervical and thoracic spine. A problem anywhere in this chain can cause pain and restricted movement.

Our assessment examines not just the joint in isolation but how it interacts with the neck, thorax and surrounding musculature. This broader picture allows us to identify the true source of dysfunction and restore full, pain-free movement.

Signs and Symptoms

Common Symptoms

These are the most common presentations we see. Every patient is different, and your physiotherapist will assess your individual symptoms thoroughly.

Pain on Reaching or Lifting

Discomfort when raising the arm, reaching overhead or lifting objects away from the body.

Night Pain

Pain that disturbs sleep, particularly when lying on the affected shoulder.

Restricted Movement

Reduced ability to raise, rotate or move the arm fully, sometimes with a painful arc.

Weakness

Difficulty sustaining overhead activities or carrying loads.

Clicking or Clunking

Audible or palpable clicking, snapping or grinding in the shoulder with movement.

Progressive Stiffness

Loss of range of motion in all directions, particularly characteristic of frozen shoulder.

Our Approach

How We Treat Shoulder Pain

Your treatment plan will be tailored to you specifically. Here is what a typical course of physiotherapy for shoulder pain looks like at Urmston Physio Clinic.

01
Specialist Shoulder AssessmentComprehensive examination of the rotator cuff, glenohumeral joint, scapula, cervical spine and upper thorax.
02
Rotator Cuff RehabilitationTargeted strengthening of the rotator cuff and scapular stabilisers to restore shoulder stability and function.
03
Manual TherapyJoint mobilisation, soft tissue techniques and neural mobilisation to reduce pain and restore movement.
04
Postural and Scapular RetrainingAddressing thoracic posture and scapular control, which underpin healthy shoulder function.
05
Return to Sport or ActivityProgressive rehabilitation to get you back safely to overhead sport, lifting, swimming or other activities.

Common Questions

FAQs about Shoulder Pain

Yes. The great majority of rotator cuff tears, including partial thickness tears, can be treated successfully without surgery. Even where surgery is ultimately needed, physiotherapy before and after the procedure significantly improves outcomes.

Frozen shoulder can last 18 months to 3 years if left untreated. With physiotherapy, recovery is typically much faster. Treatment focuses on maintaining and progressively restoring range of motion. Early intervention gives the best outcomes.

It is possible. Neck problems can refer pain into the shoulder and upper arm, and some shoulder conditions also involve neural tension from the cervical spine. A thorough assessment will determine the source.

It depends on the injury and the activity. Your physiotherapist will advise on what is safe and help you maintain as much activity as possible while protecting the shoulder during recovery.

Take the First Step

Get Assessed Today

Our physiotherapists have extensive experience treating shoulder pain. A thorough assessment is the first step to understanding what is causing your problem and what can be done about it.

Initial consultations are 45 minutes and cost £60. Same-week appointments are usually available.

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Related Conditions

Our Fees

£60

Initial (45 min)

£60

Follow-up (30 min)

BUPA, AXA, Aviva and WPA recognised.