The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body, which also makes it more likely to become painful or injured. Whether your pain has come from sport, work, or everyday activities, shoulder issues can quickly start to affect sleep, movement, and quality of life.
Physiotherapy is a proven and effective way to reduce pain, restore movement, and help prevent ongoing problems, especially when treatment starts early.
Aditya Thakur (known as Adi) is an experienced senior physiotherapist at South Melbourne Medical Hub, with over 6 years of expertise in treating muscle and joint injuries. Read below to see Adi’s breakdown of shoulder pain.
Why Shoulder Pain Happens
The shoulder is made up of several joints, supported by muscles, tendons, and ligaments that all need to work together. This design allows for a wide range of movement, but it also means the shoulder relies heavily on good strength, control, and posture. When something isn’t working as it should, pain and stiffness can develop.
Common Shoulder Conditions We Treat
Rotator cuff injuries: These involve the muscles and tendons that help lift and stabilise the shoulder. Pain may come on gradually or after an injury, and is often felt with lifting or reaching.
Frozen shoulder: This causes increasing pain and stiffness, making everyday movements difficult. Recovery can be slow without the right treatment.
Shoulder impingement: Occurs when tendons are irritated or “pinched” during movement, often linked to posture, muscle imbalance, or repetitive overhead activity.
Shoulder instability or dislocation: After a dislocation, the shoulder may feel weak or unstable, increasing the risk of it happening again without proper rehabilitation.
Shoulder bursitis: Inflammation around the shoulder that can cause sharp or aching pain, especially with movement or pressure.
How Physiotherapy Helps
Physiotherapy focuses on treating the cause of your shoulder pain, not just the symptoms. Your treatment may include:
- Hands-on therapy to reduce pain and improve movement
- Specific exercises to build strength and control
- Postural advice and movement retraining
- Education to help you manage symptoms and prevent recurrence
Starting treatment early can speed up recovery, reduce stiffness, and lower the risk of long-term pain.
When Should You Seek Help?
It’s a good idea to see a physiotherapist if you notice:
- Shoulder pain lasting more than a few days
- Pain that interrupts sleep
- Difficulty lifting or using your arm
- Increasing stiffness or weakness
- Pain that worsens with activity
Shoulder pain is common, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. With the right physiotherapy treatment, most shoulder problems improve without the need for invasive procedures. Early care leads to better results and a faster return to the activities you enjoy.
Book an appointment with physiotherapist Aditya Thakur.