SHOULDER PAIN
Shoulder pain can make everyday activities such as reaching overhead, lifting, getting dressed, sleeping, working or playing sport difficult.
At FITE Health Physiotherapy in Chester-le-Street, we assess and treat a wide range of shoulder problems including rotator cuff-related shoulder pain, frozen shoulder, shoulder instability, tendon problems, AC joint injuries, sports injuries and persistent shoulder pain.
Our aim isn't simply to reduce your pain. We want to understand why your shoulder is painful, restore movement and strength, and help you return confidently to work, exercise, sport and everyday life.
Every treatment programme is tailored to you and can include physiotherapy assessment, exercise rehabilitation, progressive strengthening, hands-on treatment where appropriate and practical advice.
We also offer early morning and evening physiotherapy appointments in Chester-le-Street, making it easier to fit treatment around work, family and training.
Shoulder pain can develop gradually or follow a specific injury.
Some people notice pain when lifting their arm or reaching overhead. Others experience weakness, stiffness, night pain or difficulty sleeping on the affected shoulder.
Because many different structures can contribute to shoulder symptoms, a detailed physiotherapy assessment is important.
At your first appointment, we may assess:
-
Your symptoms and medical history
-
Previous shoulder injuries or surgery
-
Activities that aggravate or relieve your pain
-
Shoulder movement and range of motion
-
Rotator cuff strength
-
General shoulder strength
-
Shoulder stability
-
Scapular movement and control
-
Joint mobility
-
Neck movement where relevant
-
Your work, gym or sporting demands
Following your assessment, we'll explain our findings clearly and develop an individual treatment and rehabilitation programme based around your goals.
SHOULDER Pain Conditions
We Treat
Rotator Cuff-Related Shoulder Pain
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help control and stabilise the shoulder.
Rotator cuff-related pain can cause discomfort when lifting your arm, reaching overhead, exercising or sleeping on the affected side.
Physiotherapy may include progressive strengthening, movement rehabilitation, activity modification and appropriate hands-on treatment.
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, can cause significant pain and progressive stiffness.
People often notice difficulty reaching overhead, putting on clothing, reaching behind their back or sleeping comfortably.
Treatment is based around your stage of recovery and may include movement exercises, progressive strengthening, education and appropriate joint mobilisation.
Rotator Cuff Tears
Rotator cuff tears can develop following an injury or gradually over time.
Not every rotator cuff tear requires surgery. Your treatment will depend on your symptoms, strength, function, age, activity levels and rehabilitation goals.
Physiotherapy can focus on rebuilding shoulder strength, improving movement and restoring function.
Shoulder Instability
Shoulder instability can cause the joint to feel loose, unstable or as though it may slip out of position.
It is particularly common following a previous dislocation or in people involved in contact or overhead sports.
Rehabilitation often focuses on shoulder strength, rotator cuff control, stability and sport-specific movement.
Shoulder Tendinopathy
Shoulder tendinopathy can cause pain during lifting, reaching, gym exercises or repetitive activities.
Treatment commonly involves progressive loading and strengthening designed around the activities you need to return to.
AC Joint Pain
The acromioclavicular, or AC, joint sits at the top of the shoulder.
Pain may develop following a fall onto the shoulder, sporting injury, heavy training or repetitive loading.
Physiotherapy can help restore movement and progressively rebuild shoulder function.
Sports-Related Shoulder Injuries
We regularly work with athletes, gym users and physically active people experiencing shoulder pain.
Shoulder injuries are common in:
-
Rugby
-
Football
-
Swimming
-
Tennis
-
Cricket
-
Weight training
-
CrossFit
-
Throwing sports
-
Contact sports
Rehabilitation can include progressive strength and conditioning and a structured return to training and competition.
Work-Related Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can also affect people working in manual, repetitive or physically demanding jobs.
We can tailor rehabilitation to lifting, carrying, reaching or other tasks required for your job.
What Can Cause Shoulder Pain?
Shoulder symptoms can be influenced by activity, training load, strength, mobility, previous injuries and work demands. They may also relate to tendon or joint problems, instability or pain referred from the neck.
Symptoms We Commonly Assess
Pain when reaching, lifting, carrying, exercising or sleeping; stiffness; weakness; reduced movement; and recurring shoulder problems.
Assessment helps identify the factors most relevant to your symptoms and guides an individual rehabilitation plan.
Our Treatment Approach
ASSESS
Every plan starts with a full assessment of your symptoms, movement, strength, and history. We take the time to properly understand your pain and your goals, so we can identify the real cause, not just treat the symptoms.
TREAT
We find the cause of your symptoms and provide targeted treatment to ease pain and improve mobility. It includes hands-on techniques like joint mobilisation, soft tissue work, massage and muscle release, used alongside exercise rather than instead of it.
EDUCATE
We help you understand your condition, so you have the knowledge to manage it yourself.
REBUILD
We build a structured programme to rebuild your strength, mobility, and confidence. It includes core strengthening, mobility and flexibility work, strength and conditioning, progressive loading, and return-to-sport rehab. Exercise is one of the biggest factors in long-term recovery.
PREVENT
We work on your movement, strength, and habits to lower the risk of it happening again.