SHOULDER PAIN
Our multidisciplinary team of highly skilled clinicians can help diagnose, manage & fix your shoulder pain
We have every non-surgical option for treating and assessing shoulder injuries, including diagnostic ultrasound scans, physiotherapy, chiropractors, sports massage, acupuncture, shockwave therapy & more!
THE ANATOMY
The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body, relying on a complex interaction between bones, joints, muscles, rotator cuff tendons, ligaments, and nerves.
The shoulder complex includes the glenohumeral joint, acromioclavicular (AC) joint, scapulothoracic articulation, and the rotator cuff muscles, all of which must work together for smooth, pain-free movement.
Because of this high mobility and relatively low inherent stability, the shoulder is particularly vulnerable to overload, poor movement patterns, repetitive strain, and injury. Dysfunction or irritation of any of these structures can result in shoulder pain, weakness, or loss of movement.
WHAT CAUSES SHOULDER PAIN?
1. Rotator Cuff & Tendon Pathology
Rotator cuff tendinopathy, partial tears, calcific tendinopathy, and subacromial impingement are common causes of shoulder pain. These often present with pain during lifting, reaching overhead, or lying on the affected side.
2. Joint & Bursal Irritation
Irritation of the glenohumeral joint, AC joint, or inflammation of the subacromial bursa can cause sharp or aching pain, stiffness, and restricted range of motion. Degenerative changes may also contribute, particularly with age or repetitive loading.
3. Movement Dysfunction & Load Management Issues
Poor scapular control, thoracic spine stiffness, muscle imbalance, or sudden increases in activity can overload shoulder tissues. Without correcting these contributing factors, symptoms often persist or recur.
SHOULDER PAIN TRIGGERS
Shoulder pain often shows up during simple, everyday movements — not just sport or heavy lifting. You may notice shoulder pain when:
Lifting weights at the gym, especially overhead presses, bench press, or pull-ups
Reaching overhead, such as putting items away on a high shelf
Doing your hair, washing or styling, particularly with one arm raised
Putting on or taking off clothing, especially jackets or sports bras
Sleeping on your side, causing aching or sharp pain at night
Reaching behind your back, such as fastening a bra or tucking in a shirt
Carrying bags or children, even at relatively light weights
Repetitive work tasks, including desk work, manual labour, or prolonged mouse use
Throwing or racquet sports, including tennis, swimming, or cricket
If these movements are painful, restricted, or worsening over time, it’s often a sign that one or more shoulder structures are being overloaded or irritated — and early assessment can prevent the problem becoming chronic.
BOOK AN ASSESSMENT & TREATMENT OR YOUR SHOULDER PAIN NOW AT SARISBURY GREEN FAREHAM OR WEST END SOUTHAMPTON, HAMPSHIRE
OUR APPROACH TO SHOULDER PAIN
Our team takes a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to shoulder pain management. We combine detailed clinical assessment, MSK diagnostic ultrasound, hands-on treatment, targeted rehabilitation, and education to address the root cause of your pain. Rather than simply masking symptoms, we focus on restoring optimal movement, improving load tolerance, and preventing recurrence.
By using a multimodal treatment strategy, we help you move better, feel stronger, and return confidently to work, sport, and everyday activities.
WHAT’S THE BEST THING TO TREAT MY SHOULDER?
Shoulder pain responds best to a multimodal, multidisciplinary approach, addressing both tissue pathology and movement dysfunction:
Physiotherapy focuses on pain reduction, restoring range of motion, strengthening, and functional rehabilitation
Chiropractic care assists with shoulder, thoracic spine, and cervical biomechanics that influence shoulder function
Massage therapy targets muscle tension, trigger points, and soft tissue restriction
Acupuncture may assist with pain relief, inflammation reduction, and neuromuscular regulation
Clinical Pilates improves shoulder stability, posture, scapular control, and movement efficiency
Shockwave therapy is an effective treatment for chronic tendon-related shoulder pain, including calcific tendinopathy and persistent rotator cuff pathology. It works by stimulating tissue healing, increasing blood flow, and promoting tendon regeneration when conservative care alone has plateaued
This integrated approach ensures both short-term symptom relief and long-term recovery.
We offer MSK Diagnostic Ultrasound scanning as part of our shoulder assessment process.
Ultrasound allows real-time visualisation of tendons, muscles, bursae, and joint structures, helping to identify conditions such as rotator cuff tendon tears, tendinopathy, bursitis, calcification, or fluid accumulation.
This enables a more accurate diagnosis, guides treatment decisions, and ensures your care is targeted and appropriate from the outset.
BOOK ULTRASOUND SCANS AT SARISBURY OR WEST END LOCATIONS BELOW
