Where there is not a direct injury to the shoulder, it may have gradually built up over time following an injury to your upper limb, neck or even back.

The shoulder has to work harder than usual to compensate for other areas that are not functioning properly.

Common shoulder complaints we treat:

Rotator cuff injury, frozen shoulder, instability, bursitis, fractures, tendonitis, muscle or tendon tears, nerve entrapment, among many others.

If you experience pain in your shoulder, you may also feel pain going down into your arm. The sensation of this can differ, with it sometimes causing considerable pain and at other times creating pins and needles. Neck and upper back pain are also quite commonly linked with shoulder pain.

It is highly recommended to consult a professional to determine the source of the pain. Remember, it is not just important to treat the symptoms but to target the source of the pain and prevent it from coming back. We are here to help!

Shoulder pain can often be caused by:

• Overuse (or repetitive strain) - Shoulder pain is commonly related to repetitive activities such as the gym, DIY, gardening, or moving home. We recommend a “Body MOT”  for those who want to get into or increase physical activity.

• Poor posture - The mobility and posture of the spine can directly impact the shoulder. Slouched or stooped postures, sitting for long periods and being crouched or hunched over in awkward positions can have an impact on how the spine and shoulder function.  

• Trauma such as sports injuries, road traffic accidents, falls, and twists are all incidents in life that can cause lasting problems if not properly addressed and rehabilitated properly.

• Previous injuries to the upper limb, neck or back. Old injuries can come back to haunt us if not managed properly.

• Imbalances in strength, mobility, flexibility, posture, or alignment can all contribute to shoulder pain. Weak or tight muscles can impact joints, muscles, tendons and nerves in other parts of the body. Your body functions as a team, and we want to ensure that one body area isn’t left doing all the work.

• Referred pain - The body is a wonderfully complex machine and we use the consultation and Body MOT to make sense of it. Even if you don’t have pain in your neck or back, it can sometimes contribute to your shoulder pain. Organs can also refer symptoms to other areas of the body. If we believe you could benefit from working with another health professional then we can refer you to this also.

• Age/Arthritis - As you get older, you lose 3-8% muscle mass per year which can help us to understand why things might get harder with age. Arthritis isn’t a disease; it is wear and tear, and it is inevitable, even for those who don’t have pain. However, it doesn’t mean you have to live in constant pain. We can’t get rid of arthritis but we can help reduce pain by making you more resilient and keeping your muscles and joints functioning at their best, like a well-oiled machine. Here's a link to a blog post for more information about wear and tear, arthritis, and keeping your body well-maintained.

• Women’s health issues such as those related to pregnancy, post-natal or menopause can cause various problems with the body.

• Underlying medical history such as diabetes, rheumatoid or osteoarthritis, nutritional deficiencies, previous history of cancer, and neurological problems, can make you more susceptible to experiencing pain in different parts of your body. Our team collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure that you receive the appropriate care, even if physiotherapy is not the best option for you.

• Core, pelvic floor and breathing function - The way your diaphragm, ribcage and core function can have a significant impact on the rest of your body. Believe it or not, men have a pelvic floor too!  

Why do I have shoulder pain?

The DR Physiotherapy Approach

At DR Physiotherapy, we are here to help you get back to feeling like yourself. We offer a variety of treatments and exercises tailored to your specific symptoms and goals. Our step-by-step system is designed to pinpoint the source of your pain, so we can work together to get you back to doing the things you love and keep living the life you want!

Step 1: The Puzzle

We listen to your story. Our consultation helps us to determine the best course of action for us so we can start to get to work!

Step 2: The MOT

We conduct a thorough screening of your body to look at how it is functioning. We assess your range of movement, strength, and posture, and produce a report of findings. This will help us to create a personalised treatment and rehabilitation program that fits your needs.

Step 3: The Plan

We will sit down with you and explain to you how your body is functioning, and what the likely cause of your symptoms are, and provide you with clear and expert advice on how we will help you get back to doing the things you love. You get to create the goals, and we will help you achieve them.

Step 4: The Action

We will get started with the plan created for you. This involves expert hands-on treatment, guidance on day-to-day management, and rehabilitation exercises. It helps to target, not only the symptoms but also the source of the pain.  

Step 5: The Goal - The Progress - The Recovery

At every session, we will review your progress since the previous visit and keep working towards your goal. The treatment and exercises will change along the way as some areas start to improve. Your symptoms will begin to improve, making you feel better, but it is essential to stick with the plan and focus on achieving your goals. This way your symptoms can be resolved long-term, rather than returning in a few weeks or months.