Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain is a common condition that can affect people of all ages and activity levels. It may occur suddenly following an injury or develop gradually due to repetitive movements, overuse, or everyday wear and tear. Shoulder pain can present as stiffness, weakness, aching, sharp pain, or limited movement, making daily activities such as lifting, driving, working, exercising, or sleeping uncomfortable or difficult.
Conservative, non-invasive treatments such as physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and massage therapy are highly effective in reducing shoulder pain, improving mobility, and addressing the underlying cause.
What Is Shoulder Pain?
Shoulder pain refers to discomfort, dysfunction, or reduced movement involving the shoulder joint or the surrounding muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body, making it especially vulnerable to injury and irritation.
Pain may be felt:
- At the front, side, or back of the shoulder
- Deep within the shoulder joint
- Radiating into the upper arm, neck, or upper back
Shoulder pain may develop suddenly after trauma (such as a fall, sports injury, or car accident) or gradually due to repetitive strain, poor posture, or degenerative changes. It commonly affects athletes, gym-goers, manual labourers, office workers, and older adults.
Shoulder pain may be:
- Acute: Sudden onset following injury or strain
- Chronic: Lasting longer than 3 months
- Mechanical: Related to movement, posture, or load
- Degenerative: Associated with joint or tendon wear
Common Shoulder Pain Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition and may include:
- Shoulder pain or stiffness
- Weakness or reduced strength compared to the opposite side
- Limited range of motion
- Pain when lifting the arm overhead or reaching behind the back
- Pain that radiates into the arm, neck, or upper back
- Clicking, catching, or grinding sensations
- Difficulty sleeping on the affected side
Causes of Knee Pain
Shoulder pain often results from a combination of physical, biomechanical, and lifestyle factors, including:
- Acute injuries (sports injuries, falls, accidents)
- Repetitive strain or overuse (running, jumping, kneeling)
- Sports-related injuries
- Muscle imbalances or weakness
- Tendon irritation or degeneration
- Joint inflammation or instability
- Age-related wear and tear
Common Shoulder Pain Diagnoses
Shoulder pain can result from several specific conditions affecting the joint, tendons, muscles, or surrounding structures. Some of the most commonly searched and diagnosed shoulder conditions include:
Rotator Cuff Injury
One of the most common causes of shoulder pain, involving irritation, strain, or tearing of the rotator cuff tendons. Symptoms include weakness, pain with overhead activity, and difficulty lifting the arm.
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Occurs when shoulder tendons are compressed during movement, leading to pain when lifting the arm overhead or reaching behind the back.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Characterized by progressive stiffness, pain, and significantly reduced shoulder movement. Common in individuals aged 40–60 and those with diabetes.
Shoulder Bursitis
Inflammation of the bursa within the shoulder, often causing pain, swelling, and discomfort with movement or pressure.
Tendonitis (Shoulder Tendinitis)
Overuse or repetitive strain can lead to inflammation of the shoulder tendons, commonly affecting athletes and individuals with repetitive work tasks.
Shoulder Arthritis
Degenerative changes within the shoulder joint causing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, often worsening with activity.
Labral Tear
Damage to the cartilage surrounding the shoulder socket, often causing deep pain, instability, or clicking sensations.
Referred Pain from the Neck
Shoulder pain may originate from the cervical spine due to nerve irritation, disc issues, or joint dysfunction.
A thorough assessment is essential to accurately diagnose the cause of shoulder pain and determine the most effective treatment plan.
Shoulder Pain Treatment
Treatment focuses on relieving pain, restoring mobility and strength, and addressing the root cause—not just managing symptoms. Our integrated, team-based approach supports both short-term relief and long-term recovery.
Physiotherapy plays a key role in shoulder pain recovery and may include:
- Detailed shoulder, neck, and movement assessment
- Manual therapy to reduce pain and stiffness
- Individualized strengthening and mobility exercises
- Rotator cuff and shoulder stability training
- IMS dry needling (when appropriate)
- Education on posture, activity modification, and load management
Chiropractic care can help address your pain with:
- Comprehensive joint and biomechanical assessment
- Shoulder, spine, and rib mobilization or manipulation
- Active Release Techniques (ART) and soft tissue therapy
- Improving joint mechanics and movement efficiency
- Corrective exercises for long-term improvement
Massage therapy supports recovery by targeting soft tissue restrictions and muscle tension:
- Reduction of muscle tension and trigger points
- Improved circulation and tissue recovery
- Joint mobilization and stretching
- Relaxation and stress reduction
- Supportive care alongside physiotherapy or chiropractic treatment
When Should You Seek Treatment?
You should consider seeking professional care if you experience:
- Shoulder pain lasting longer than 1–2 weeks
- Pain that limits work, exercise, or daily activities
- Progressive weakness or loss of movement
- Pain following a fall, accident, or sports injury
- Night pain or difficulty sleeping due to shoulder discomfort
- Recurring or worsening symptoms
Early treatment can help prevent shoulder pain from becoming chronic or leading to long-term dysfunction.
Frequently asked questions
Can shoulder pain go away on its own?
Some mild cases may improve with rest, but persistent or recurring knee pain often requires professional care to address the underlying cause.
Is treatment painful?
Treatment is always tailored to your comfort level. Some techniques may cause temporary soreness, but care is adjusted to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Do I need an X-ray or MRI?
Imaging is not always necessary. Your clinician will determine if imaging is appropriate based on your symptoms and assessment.
Can I stay active during treatment?
In most cases, yes. We guide safe activity and modify movements to support healing without aggravating symptoms.