The Difference The Right Support Can Make
With the right treatment and rehabilitation, everyday movements can become more comfortable and you can gradually regain confidence in using your shoulder. Tasks such as reaching overhead, lifting at work or sleeping on your affected side may become easier.
As your shoulder improves, the focus shifts towards helping you return to the activities that matter to you. Building strength and gradually increasing what your shoulder can comfortably handle can also help reduce the likelihood of the problem recurring.
Common causes of shoulder pain
Shoulder pain can develop for several different reasons. In some cases symptoms come from the tendons, joint or surrounding structures of the shoulder itself, while in others the pain is referred from the neck or upper back. Understanding what may be contributing to your symptoms helps guide the most appropriate next step.
Rotator cuff injuries and tendinopathy
Rotator cuff-related shoulder pain can develop gradually, particularly with repeated overhead activity or changes in lifting demands. You may notice discomfort or reduced confidence when lifting or reaching overhead. Symptoms can also begin more suddenly, such as after a fall or an unexpected load through the shoulder.
Shoulder bursitis and impingement
Bursitis and impingement-related shoulder pain can make reaching and lifting uncomfortable, particularly above shoulder height. Symptoms can develop when the tissues around the shoulder become sensitive or irritated, often following changes in activity or increased load.
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
Frozen shoulder causes pain and stiffness that build gradually over months, often worse at night. It happens when the joint capsule thickens and tightens, limiting how far the shoulder can move.
Shoulder instability and dislocation
Shoulder instability can make the joint feel loose or unreliable, particularly with your arm raised or behind your body.
Shoulder arthritis
Shoulder arthritis can cause aching, stiffness and a grinding sensation with movement. Symptoms usually build gradually and may be more noticeable in the morning or after activity.
AC joint injuries
The AC joint is located at the top of the shoulder, where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade. Pain in this area can develop after a fall or direct impact and is often felt at the top of the shoulder, particularly when reaching across your body.
Neck-related and referred pain
Problems involving the neck or upper back can sometimes cause pain that is felt around the shoulder or into the arm and hand, with or without numbness or tingling. A thorough assessment can help determine where your symptoms are coming from and guide the most appropriate treatment.
Other contributing factors
Inflammatory conditions, previous surgery and the demands of your work, sport or daily activities can all influence shoulder pain and recovery. Your physiotherapist will consider these factors as part of your assessment and, where needed, recommend additional medical input.
Our approach to shoulder physiotherapy
Shoulder physio starts with a detailed assessment of how your shoulder moves and copes with careful load. We use the findings to understand what may be contributing to your symptoms and build a treatment plan around it. We also explain clearly what is happening to you.
Detailed shoulder assessment
Your first appointment includes a review of your symptoms, medical history and the movements that bring on your pain. We assess shoulder range of movement, rotator cuff strength, shoulder blade control and neck function to understand how each area may be contributing.
Treatment matched to your presentation
Treatment is selected according to the cause and pattern of your symptoms. This can include hands-on therapy and graded movement for a stiff or frozen shoulder, progressive loading for rotator cuff and tendon pain, control and stability work after a dislocation, or dry needling where muscle tightness is contributing to your symptoms.
Progressive strength and movement training
Exercise can help restore strength, movement and confidence in your shoulder. Your program will start at a level that feels manageable and gradually progress as your shoulder improves, helping you build back towards the activities you want to do.
Home strategies and ongoing review
You will receive a clear home exercise program to continue between appointments, along with practical advice for managing your symptoms day to day. We will review how you are responding and update the plan as needed.
Why choose Integrity Physio for shoulder physiotherapy?
Shoulder pain can be frustrating, particularly when it is limiting the things you want or need to do. At Integrity Physiotherapy, you’ll receive unrushed care from a physiotherapist who takes the time to understand your symptoms, identify the factors contributing to them, and provide a clear plan to help you move forward.
Care from senior physiotherapists
We have a highly experienced team of Senior Physiotherapists and Physiotherapists working very closely together, so you can expect quality care in managing your shoulder pain and getting your movement back. You will work directly with an experienced clinician, highly trained and well resourced to support your recovery.
30 minutes is our standard at every appointment
Each consultation runs for 30 minutes, including Medicare appointments. This gives your physiotherapist enough time to assess your shoulder carefully and provide treatment without rushing.
Hands-on, patient-centred care
Where appropriate, treatment begins during your first appointment. This may include hands-on therapy or other targeted treatment based on what your assessment shows.
Clear explanations at every stage
You will be kept informed about what we find and why a particular treatment approach has been recommended. We make sure you understand the plan, what to expect and how your progress will be reviewed.
When to book a shoulder assessment with us
If shoulder pain is not settling or starts affecting your confidence in everyday movement, it is worth getting it assessed. We can help work out what may be contributing to your symptoms and whether physiotherapy is suitable for you.
