About shoulder pain
Shoulder pain can make the simplest things difficult: reaching into a cupboard, fastening a bra, sleeping on your side or lifting a bag into the car. Because the shoulder depends on the rotator cuff and shoulder-blade muscles for its stability, many shoulder problems are about control and load rather than damage.
An assessment helps separate the common causes, which can feel similar but are managed differently, and rules out pain that is actually referred from the neck.
What we assess and treat
Shoulder problems we commonly assess and treat:
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy and rotator cuff tears
- Subacromial pain, impingement and bursitis
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Shoulder instability and recovery after dislocation
- Acromioclavicular (AC) joint pain
- Rehabilitation after rotator cuff repair, stabilisation surgery or shoulder replacement
- Shoulder and arm pain referred from the neck
How physiotherapy helps
Treatment is decided by the assessment, not before it. Depending on what we find, your plan may include:
- 01
Assessment
We test movement, strength and shoulder-blade control, and check the neck, to identify what is driving your pain.
- 02
Hands-on treatment
Joint and soft-tissue techniques to reduce pain and improve range where appropriate.
- 03
Graded strengthening
A progressive programme for the rotator cuff and shoulder-blade muscles. This is the core of most shoulder rehabilitation.
- 04
Load and activity advice
How to keep working, training and sleeping in ways that let the shoulder settle rather than flare.
- 05
Post-surgery protocols
Rehabilitation planned around your surgeon's protocol and timelines, with progress reported back to them.
When to see your doctor first
Some symptoms need a medical assessment before physiotherapy
- Shoulder pain after a fall or injury with obvious deformity, or you cannot lift the arm at all
- Sudden loss of strength in the arm
- Shoulder or arm pain together with chest pain, shortness of breath or sweating
- A hot, swollen shoulder with fever or feeling unwell
These are uncommon. If you are unsure, call the practice and we will guide you on the right first step.
Your first visit
- 1
Assessment
We talk through your history and symptoms, then assess how you move to find the cause.
- 2
Treatment
Hands-on treatment starts in the same session, matched to what the assessment shows.
- 3
Your plan
You leave knowing what we are treating, what to do at home, and what comes next.
Common questions
How long does a frozen shoulder take to get better?
Frozen shoulder typically runs its course over many months, and in some people over one to three years. Physiotherapy focuses on managing pain, maintaining as much movement as possible and guiding activity through each phase.
Do I need a scan of my shoulder?
Often not at first. Many shoulder problems are assessed and treated clinically. If your assessment suggests imaging or a specialist opinion, we will refer you to your doctor.
Can I keep training with a sore shoulder?
Frequently yes, with the right modifications. Part of your plan is working out which movements to adjust, which to keep and how to build back up.
Related conditions
This page is general information about physiotherapy for this condition. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an individual assessment. If you are worried about your symptoms, please contact the practice or see your doctor. Reviewed 2026-09-10. Physiotherapy services are provided by Candice Paulse, BSc Physiotherapy (UCT), registered with the HPCSA (PT 0091502).