Shoulder Pain

Shoulder Pain FAQ

• What are the most common causes of shoulder pain?

  Shoulder pain can arise from rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder (stiffness and reduced range of motion), bursitis/tendonitis, arthritis, sports or work-related strains, poor posture or repetitive movements.

• How can physiotherapy help with my shoulder pain?

  Physiotherapy can help diagnose the cause of your shoulder pain, reduce pain, improve mobility, strengthen supportive muscles, correct posture and prevent future injury through tailored exercise and manual therapy.

• Do I need a GP referral to book a physiotherapy appointment?

  No — most private physiotherapy clinics including ours allow you to book directly without a GP referral, making it faster to get assessed and start treatment.

• What should I expect in my first shoulder physio session?

  Your physiotherapist will take a detailed history of your symptoms, assess shoulder movement and strength, check posture, identify contributing factors and begin an individualized treatment plan with education and exercises.

• How long will it take to feel better?

  Recovery time varies depending on the cause and severity of your shoulder issue. Some people feel improvement after a few sessions, while more complex conditions (like frozen shoulder) may take longer with consistent treatment.

• Will physiotherapy be painful?

  Treatment is tailored to your comfort. Some techniques or exercises might cause mild discomfort temporarily, but this is usually part of restoring normal movement and reducing long-term pain.

• Can physio prevent my shoulder pain from coming back?

  Yes — by improving strength, biomechanics and posture, physiotherapy often reduces the risk of recurring shoulder problems.

• Should I seek treatment immediately for shoulder pain?

  It’s a good idea to seek help if your pain is persistent, worsening, limiting movement or affecting daily activities like sleep or dressing. Early assessment can speed recovery and prevent further damage.

• Are there exercises I can do at home for shoulder pain?

  Yes — your physiotherapist can prescribe specific exercises to do at home to improve mobility and strength, which speeds recovery and complements in-clinic treatment.

• What conditions related to the shoulder do you treat?

  We treat a range of shoulder issues including rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, tendonitis, bursitis, shoulder stiffness and post-injury rehabilitation to help restore function and reduce pain.