Diagnosis

First, we will gather information to rule in and out possible diagnoses. We will ask you question like when do you get your pain, how long have you had your pain, what makes it better or worse and what is your shoulder pain stopping you from doing. These questions help us to narrow down your possible pathologies.

Next, we will complete a physical assessment to dial in the diagnosis. We will clear other joints such as the neck which may be referring pain to your shoulder (find out more here). We will look at your range of motion, strength and perform some special tests which rule in and out specific pathologies. We will then discuss our findings with you and your possible diagnosis.

If your diagnosis is unclear or could be sinister, we may refer to you to your GP to investigate further.

Treatment

Treatment will involve one or some of the following

Education and advice

We will explain your diagnosis in easy to understand terms, we might draw you a picture or give you an anatomy lesson to help with your understanding. The more you understand about your condition the easier you will be able to self-manage.

Hands on treatment

We may decide to use soft tissue massage, dry needling or joint mobilisations as an adjunct to exercise therapy so that you walk out feeling better than you did walking in.  

Physiotherapy exercises for shoulder pain

Lastly, and probably most importantly, you’ll leave the clinic with a home exercise program to help you achieve the long-term outcomes that you’re after. The exercises we choose will reduce your pain, improve your function and quality of life over the long term.