Shoulder Pain
Article by John Miller


Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain and injury are commonplace. Your shoulder is the most mobile of all your joints. Just think about how much it can move.
The reason for this movement is a tiny shoulder joint contact zone. This small contact area essentially means that your shoulder is quite unstable. That is why your shoulder muscles are so vital to a normally functioning shoulder.
In most cases, if you are suffering shoulder pain, it is because your muscles are simply not strong enough or they are uncoordinated.
Luckily, you can normalise both of these dysfunctions: a high-quality shoulder assessment and specific exercises prescribed by a skilled shoulder healthcare practitioner such as your physiotherapist.

Most shoulder pain falls into one of the following categories:
Common Shoulder Pain & Injury Conditions
Rotator Cuff
- Rotator Cuff Syndrome
- Shoulder Tendinopathy
- Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendinopathy
- Rotator Cuff Tear
- Bicep Tendinopathy
- Shoulder Impingement
- Swimmer's Shoulder
Adhesive Capsulitis
Shoulder Bursitis
Shoulder Instability
Acromioclavicular Joint
Bone Injuries
Post-Operative Physiotherapy
- Subacromial Decompression
- Shoulder Arthroscopy
- Acromioplasty
- Rotator Cuff Repair
- SLAP Repair
- Biceps Tenodesis
- Biceps Tenotomy
- Total Shoulder Replacement
Muscle Conditions
Systemic Conditions
Referred Pain
Shoulder Treatment
Researchers have discovered that managing your shoulder injury with physiotherapy is usually successful. Typically, you have two options: non-operative or a surgical approach. Your condition will dictate which option is best for you at this time. Non-operative care is conservative rehabilitation.
If shoulder surgery is required, then your physiotherapist may undertake:
Pre-operative rehabilitation - to either trial a non-operative/conservative treatment approach or to condition and prepare your shoulder and body for a surgical procedure.
Post-operative physiotherapy - to safely and methodically regain your normal range of movement, strength, speed and function.
PhysioWorks physiotherapists have a special interest and an excellent working relationship with leading shoulder surgeons. Our physiotherapy team provide you with both conservative and post-operative shoulder rehabilitation options. We aim for you attaining the best possible outcome for your shoulder injury.
For specific information regarding your shoulder, please consult your trusted shoulder physiotherapist.