The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body — and because of that, it is easily irritated. Shoulder pain can appear gradually or after a specific movement or injury. It may affect daily tasks like dressing, lifting, reaching overhead, or sleeping.
Common causes include rotator cuff irritation, tendinopathy, impingement, bursitis, postural strain, instability, arthritis, or referral from the neck or upper back. Symptoms may include weakness, clicking, pain when lifting the arm, night pain, or stiffness.
Physiotherapy helps identify which structures are involved and why they became overloaded. Treatment typically combines manual therapy, mobility exercises, targeted strengthening of the rotator cuff and scapular muscles, posture training, and load management. With consistent exercises, most people regain strength, control, and pain-free movement.
If shoulder pain follows trauma, causes significant weakness, or doesn’t improve, a professional assessment is recommended.
Written by
George Anastasiou