Understanding shoulder pain
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, which makes it especially prone to injury and dysfunction. Shoulder pain can develop from a specific incident, such as a fall or sports injury, or build gradually from repetitive overhead movement or poor posture.
Common causes we see
- Rotator cuff injury - strains or tears to the group of muscles and tendons stabilising the shoulder joint
- Shoulder impingement - pain from tendons or bursa being compressed during overhead movement
- Frozen shoulder - progressive stiffness and pain that significantly limits shoulder movement
- Instability - a shoulder that feels loose or prone to dislocation, often following previous injury
- Postural shoulder pain - pain linked to rounded shoulders, desk work, or muscle imbalance
How we treat shoulder pain at Mi Physio
Every treatment plan starts with a thorough assessment to understand what's actually driving your shoulder pain. From there, your physiotherapist builds a plan that may include:
- Hands-on manual therapy to restore movement and reduce pain
- A tailored exercise and rotator cuff strengthening programme
- Movement assessment for overhead sports and repetitive work tasks
- Acupuncture or dry needling as part of a broader management plan, where appropriate
- Structured rehabilitation following shoulder surgery, where required
When to see a physio for shoulder pain
It's worth booking an assessment if you're experiencing:
- Shoulder pain that hasn't improved after a few days of rest
- Difficulty raising your arm, reaching overhead, or behind your back
- A feeling of weakness, catching, or instability in the shoulder
- Ongoing shoulder pain following a previous injury or surgery
Common questions
Do I need a referral to see a physio for shoulder pain?
No referral is necessary. Physiotherapists are first-contact practitioners, so you can book directly for assessment and treatment.
Is shoulder pain physiotherapy covered by ACC?
If your shoulder pain is the result of an injury, it's likely covered by ACC. If it isn't injury-related, we're still happy to treat you privately, and can provide receipts for private insurance claims.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on the cause and severity of your shoulder pain. Your physiotherapist will discuss an expected treatment timeline after your initial assessment.
