Understanding Shoulder Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Shoulder pain is one of the most commonly reported musculoskeletal issues, affecting

individuals of all ages. While anyone can experience it, those whose occupations involve

repetitive movements, such as builders, plasterers, hairdressers, and cashiers, are more

prone to developing shoulder pain.

At The Treatment Table, our expert physiotherapists specialise in diagnosing and treating

all types of shoulder pain to ensure an accurate diagnosis and effective recovery plan.

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

There are multiple causes of shoulder pain, which can originate from structures inside the

shoulder joint or be referred from other areas of the body.

Broadly, shoulder pain can be classified into:

✅ Muscular (muscle strain, rotator cuff injury)

✅ Ligamentous (ligament tears, instability)

✅ Mechanical (impingement, joint dysfunction)

✅ Degenerative (arthritis, wear and tear)

✅ Neurological (nerve compression, referred pain)

✅ Pathological (infections, tumours)

✅ Traumatic (fractures, dislocations)

Since overlapping conditions are common, an accurate diagnosis by a physiotherapist is

crucial to ensure the correct treatment plan.

Shoulder pain can be classified into:

Intrinsic Causes (originating from the shoulder itself):

  • Rotator cuff disorders

  • Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)

  • Dislocation

  • Acromioclavicular joint trauma

  • Arthritis

  • Shoulder instability

  • Labral tear

  • SLAP lesion

  • Biceps tendon rupture

  • Bursitis

  • Impingement syndrome

Extrinsic Causes (referred pain from elsewhere):

  • Pain referred from the cervical spine (neck issues)

  • Pain referred from the diaphragm

  • Cancer (e.g., apical lung cancer)

What Should I Do If I Have Shoulder Pain?

If you are experiencing persistent shoulder pain, it is essential to seek physiotherapy as

soon as possible to:

✅ Prevent the condition from worsening

✅ Speed up recovery

✅ Avoid long-term complications

The shoulder is a highly mobile joint that depends on strong muscle function for

stability. If pain restricts movement, early intervention can restore function and allow you

to return to your daily and sporting activities as quickly as possible.

Ignoring shoulder pain can lead to compensatory movement patterns, which may cause further injuries.

What Does a Physiotherapy Assessment for Shoulder Pain Involve?

At The Treatment Table, our physiotherapists conduct a comprehensive two-part

assessment to determine the underlying cause of your shoulder pain and tailor your

rehabilitation plan accordingly.

�� Assessment Includes:

1️⃣ Subjective Assessment

✅ Discussion about your symptoms, pain levels, and triggers

✅ Understanding how the pain impacts daily life, work, and sports

2️⃣ Objective Assessment

✅ Postural evaluation

✅ Range of motion testing

✅ Muscle strength assessment

✅ Neurological tests (reflexes, sensation, nerve involvement)

✅ Joint examination (shoulder, neck, and elbow) to rule out referred pain

�� An accurate diagnosis allows us to create a personalised recovery plan for you.

Physiotherapy Treatment for Shoulder Pain

Your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific condition, goals, and lifestyle. Early treatment helps reduce pain and prevent further complications.

��️ Treatment May Include:

✅ Stretching and strengthening exercises – To restore movement and prevent stiffness

✅ Soft tissue release – Targeted techniques to relieve muscle tension

✅ Electrotherapy – Shockwave Therapy

✅ Joint mobilisation – To improve mobility and alignment

✅ Posture correction – To reduce strain on the shoulder joint

✅ Massage therapy – To ease muscle tension and improve circulation

✅ Acupuncture – To assist with pain management and healing

✅ Taping – To provide support and pain relief

✅ Home exercise programme – Tailored rehabilitation exercises for continued progress

�� Our priority is to help you regain full function, reduce pain, and get back to your daily activities as quickly as possible.

How Can I Arrange a Physiotherapy Assessment for Shoulder Pain?

If you are experiencing shoulder pain, reduced mobility, or loss of strength, a

physiotherapy assessment can help identify the cause and prevent the condition from worsening.

�� Email us: info@thetreatmenttable.com

�� Call us: 0151 559 1107

�� Early intervention leads to faster recovery and improved long-term outcomes.your brand

Summary

Shoulder pain can have various causes, from repetitive movements to underlying

conditions. It may originate within the shoulder joint or be referred from other areas of

the body.

A physiotherapy assessment is crucial for identifying the exact cause and designing an

effective treatment plan with a realistic recovery timeline.

At The Treatment Table, our expert physiotherapists provide:

✅ Comprehensive assessments

✅ Hands-on treatment

✅ Personalised rehabilitation programmes

�� To book a physiotherapy assessment, contact us today:

�� Email: info@thetreatmenttable.com

�� Phone: 0151 559 1107