Physiotherapy for Shoulder Pain

Here’s a warm, informative, and visually structured draft for your physiotherapy website page on Shoulder Pain, aligned with your clinical expertise and patient-first approach:

Whether it’s reaching overhead, lifting your child, or sleeping comfortably—shoulder pain can disrupt the simplest of tasks. At Thrive Health Group, we take a whole-person approach to uncover the cause, ease your pain, and help you move freely again.

Possible Causes of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can arise from a variety of sources, often involving more than just the joint itself:

  • Rotator cuff irritation or tear: Overuse, strain, or age-related changes

  • Shoulder impingement: Tendons pinched during movement

  • Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis): Stiffness and inflammation limiting motion

  • Postural overload: Rounded shoulders, forward head posture, or desk strain

  • Neck or nerve referral: Pain originating from the cervical spine

  • Instability or hypermobility: Common in younger or athletic individuals

  • Trauma or injury: Falls, sports injuries, or repetitive lifting

  • Jaw and thoracic links: TMJ dysfunction or upper back stiffness affecting shoulder mechanics

Shoulder Pain Assessment

We begin with a detailed, whole-body evaluation to understand your unique presentation:

  • Comprehensive history: Exploring your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals

  • Movement analysis: Observing how your shoulder moves during daily tasks

  • Strength and control testing: Assessing rotator cuff, scapular, and core function

  • Postural and ergonomic review: Identifying contributing habits

  • Neck and jaw screening: Checking for referred pain or biomechanical links

  • Functional testing: Tailored to your work, sport, or family roles

We look beyond the shoulder to understand the full story—because pain is rarely isolated.

Treatment Options

Your care plan is personalized, progressive, and empowering:

  • Manual therapy: Soft tissue release, joint mobilization, and neural glides

  • Targeted exercise: Strengthening, mobility, and motor control retraining

  • Postural re-education: For work, sleep, and daily movement

  • TMJ and thoracic integration: Addressing jaw and upper spine influences

  • Pain education: Helping you understand your symptoms and reduce fear

  • Self-care strategies: Home exercises, heat/cold therapy, and load management

We also collaborate with GPs, sports doctors, and specialists when needed—ensuring your care is connected and comprehensive.

Do I Need a Scan?

Not always. Most shoulder issues can be diagnosed and managed without imaging. A scan may be considered if:

  • You’ve had a significant injury or trauma

  • There’s persistent weakness, instability, or night pain

  • Your symptoms aren’t improving with treatment

  • We suspect a structural issue (e.g. full-thickness tear) that may need further intervention (eg. surgery)

We’ll guide you through this decision with clarity and care—always focused on what’s best for your recovery.