SHOULDER PAIN
Understanding Shoulder Pain
The shoulder is designed to allow a large amount of movement, which also means it relies on the coordinated function of the joints, muscles, and surrounding tissues for strength and control. Shoulder pain may develop suddenly after an injury or gradually from repetitive activity, training, work, or changes in how the shoulder is moving. Understanding what’s contributing to your symptoms can help determine the right approach to recovery.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR SYMPTOMS
Shoulder pain can affect everyday movement.
Shoulder symptoms can involve the muscles, tendons, joints, or other surrounding tissues. Pain may also sometimes originate from the neck or other areas, which is why understanding both your symptoms and how the entire region is functioning is important.
COMMON SYMPTOMS
Pain around the front, side, or back of the shoulder
Pain when reaching overhead
Difficulty reaching behind your back
Pain when lifting, pushing, or pulling
Discomfort when lying on the affected shoulder
Weakness or reduced confidence using the arm
COMMON CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
Muscle or tendon irritation
Reduced shoulder or upper-back mobility
Changes in shoulder strength or control
Repetitive overhead activity
Sports or workplace demands
Previous injury or trauma
Shoulder pain isn't always a shoulder problem.
The neck, upper back, shoulder blade, and surrounding muscles all contribute to how your shoulder moves, which is why we consider the entire region during assessment.
COMMON SHOULDER CONDITIONS
Shoulder pain can be associated with a number of different injuries and conditions. Some commonly encountered examples include:
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Irritation, strain, or tearing involving the muscles and tendons that help move and stabilize the shoulder.
Labral Injuries
Irritation or injury to the cartilage surrounding the shoulder socket, sometimes associated with clicking, catching, instability, or pain with certain movements.
Shoulder impingement / Subacromial Pain
Pain commonly experienced when raising or using the arm, often involving several contributing factors rather than a single structure being “pinched.”
Frozen Shoulder
Progressive pain and significant restriction in shoulder movement.
AC Joint Injuries
Irritation or injury around the joint at the top of the shoulder, sometimes following a fall or direct impact.
Shoulder Instability
Excessive movement or reduced control of the shoulder that may produce feelings of slipping, apprehension, or repeated dislocation.
A diagnosis is only part of the picture.
Two people with the same diagnosed shoulder injury can have very different symptoms, limitations, and goals. Assessment helps us understand how the condition is affecting you and what factors we can address.
HOW WE CAN HELP
Restoring movement, strength, and confidence.
Rather than focusing only on the painful area, we assess how your shoulder moves and functions during the activities that matter to you. This may include evaluating mobility, strength, muscle and tendon function, the shoulder blade, and relevant movement through the neck and upper back.
Thorough Assessment
We’ll discuss your symptoms, health history, activities, and goals while assessing shoulder movement, strength, relevant joints, muscles, and surrounding areas.
Hands-On Care
When appropriate, joint mobilization and soft tissue techniques may be used to help reduce symptoms and improve movement.
Rehabilitation
Targeted mobility, strengthening, and control exercises can help restore shoulder function and gradually build your capacity for everyday, work, or sporting demands.
Education
We’ll help you understand what’s contributing to your symptoms and how to appropriately modify and progress activities during recovery.
Your treatment plan is based on what your shoulder needs and what you need your shoulder to do—whether that’s getting dressed comfortably, working overhead, lifting at the gym, or returning to sport.
TAKING THE NEXT STEP
Keep your shoulder moving within its tolerance.
Modify Aggravating Activities
You don’t necessarily need to stop using your shoulder altogether. Temporarily adjusting the range, load, frequency, or volume of activities that aggravate it can help while you work toward restoring capacity.
Maintain Comfortable Movement
Regular, comfortable shoulder movement can help maintain mobility while symptoms settle. Avoid forcing movements that significantly increase your symptoms.
Consider an Assessment If:
- Pain isn’t improving
- Shoulder pain repeatedly returns
- You’re losing movement or strength
- Symptoms interfere with sleep
- Pain limits work, exercise, sport, or everyday activities
*Please note that these are general examples and do not replace medical advice.
Seek Urgent Medical Attention If:
- Significant pain or loss of function follows a major injury
- The shoulder appears visibly deformed following trauma
- You suddenly cannot move or use the arm normally
- You develop significant swelling, redness, fever, or other concerning symptoms
- Shoulder or arm discomfort occurs with chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, or other symptoms that could indicate a medical emergency
*Please note that these are general examples and do not replace medical advice.
Let's build a plan that works for you.
Whether you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with ongoing pain, or looking to improve the way you move, we’re here to help you take the next step with confidence.