Shoulder pain can affect dressing, lifting, sleep, work and sport. It may begin after an injury, follow a change in activity or develop gradually without one clear cause.
The shoulder works with the neck, upper back and shoulder blade. An assessment therefore looks beyond the exact point of pain.
What may be assessed?
A physiotherapist may ask how the pain began, which movements affect it, whether there is weakness or numbness and how symptoms affect daily tasks. The physical assessment may look at neck and shoulder movement, strength, control and function.
What might treatment include?
- advice about temporarily adjusting painful activities
- mobility exercises
- gradual strengthening of the shoulder and shoulder blade muscles
- help with lifting, work or sporting movements
- manual therapy where appropriate
- a graded return to usual activity
Complete rest is not always helpful. But repeatedly forcing a painful movement can also aggravate symptoms. The starting point should match the likely problem and current ability.
Recovery may be gradual
Some shoulder problems take time to settle. Progress is often judged by sleep, movement, strength and everyday function rather than by pain alone.
When to seek medical advice
Seek urgent help after a major injury if the shoulder looks deformed, you cannot move the arm, or the hand becomes cold, pale or numb. Chest pain, sweating, breathlessness or pain spreading to the jaw or arm may indicate a heart problem and needs emergency assessment.
Book a shoulder assessment
Crestwell Medical can assess shoulder movement and help you plan a safe return to daily activity, work or sport. Book an appointment with our physiotherapy team.
This article provides general information and is not a substitute for diagnosis or individual medical advice.
