The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, which is also why it is easy to injure or irritate. Pain might stop you reaching up to a shelf, putting on a coat or sleeping on that side.
Shoulder problems we treat
- Rotator cuff tendon pain and tears
- Subacromial pain (sometimes called impingement)
- Frozen shoulder
- Shoulder instability and dislocation rehab
- Recovery after shoulder surgery
- Pain referred from the neck
How physiotherapy helps
- Joint mobilisation and soft tissue treatment to ease pain and stiffness
- Acupuncture, which can be particularly helpful for frozen shoulder pain
- Exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles
- Advice on sleeping, work and lifting while it settles
When to see a doctor
Seek urgent medical help if your shoulder looks deformed after a fall, you suddenly cannot lift your arm after an injury, or shoulder or arm pain comes with chest pain or breathlessness (call 999).
Book shoulder pain physiotherapy.
Common questions
What is frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is when the shoulder joint capsule becomes inflamed and tight, causing pain and a big loss of movement. It can last many months, and physiotherapy helps manage pain and keep as much movement as possible.
Why does my shoulder hurt at night?
Lying on the shoulder squeezes irritated tendons, and many shoulder problems feel worse at night. Sleeping with a pillow under the arm can help.
Can shoulder pain come from my neck?
Yes. Problems in the neck can cause pain over the shoulder blade and down the arm. We check the neck as part of every shoulder assessment.
How long does a rotator cuff problem take to heal?
Many improve over 6 to 12 weeks with the right exercises. A significant tear after an injury may need a specialist opinion.
Last updated .