Understanding Shoulder Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and How Physiotherapy Can Help
Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints seen in physiotherapy clinics. Because the shoulder is a highly mobile joint, it is also more vulnerable to injury, overload, and instability. Shoulder pain can affect work, sports, sleep, and simple daily tasks such as dressing or reaching overhead.
Why Is the Shoulder So Prone to Pain?
The shoulder is made up of several joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments working together to allow a wide range of motion. This complexity means that even small imbalances or movement restrictions can lead to pain over time.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
Some of the most frequent causes of shoulder pain include:
Rotator cuff tendinopathy or tears
Often related to repetitive overhead movements, sports, or age-related changes.
Shoulder impingement syndrome
Occurs when tendons are compressed during arm movements, leading to pain and reduced range of motion.
Postural issues
Prolonged sitting, poor desk ergonomics, and forward head posture can place excessive stress on the shoulder and neck muscles.
Overuse and repetitive strain
Common in athletes, manual workers, and individuals who perform repetitive tasks.
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
Characterized by stiffness, pain, and progressive loss of shoulder movement.
Signs You Should Not Ignore
You should consider seeking professional help if you experience:
Pain that lasts more than a few days
Difficulty lifting or rotating your arm
Pain that interferes with sleep
Weakness, stiffness, or reduced mobility
Recurrent shoulder pain
Early assessment can prevent the condition from becoming chronic or worsening over time.
How Physiotherapy Helps Shoulder Pain
Physiotherapy plays a key role in both the treatment and prevention of shoulder pain. A physiotherapist will assess your posture, movement patterns, strength, and flexibility to identify the root cause of the problem.
Treatment may include:
Manual therapy to reduce pain and improve joint mobility
Targeted strengthening and mobility exercises
Postural correction and ergonomic advice
Education on activity modification and injury prevention
The goal is not only to relieve pain, but also to restore function and reduce the risk of future injuries.
Take Care of Your Shoulder Health
Shoulder pain should not be ignored or simply “pushed through.” With the right guidance and a personalized physiotherapy program, most shoulder conditions respond very well to conservative treatment.
If you are experiencing shoulder pain, a physiotherapy assessment can help you understand your condition and get you back to moving comfortably and confidently.
