Physiotherapy Interventions for Shoulder Pain

There are a number of interventions that our physiotherapists can use when treating your shoulder pain, depending on the particular condition, impairments or deficits that are found during the initial examination. 

These interventions can include manual therapy techniques, such as massage and joint mobilisations, taping techniques, as well as an exercise program that will form the fundamental foundation of your treatment plan. 

This exercise program will centre around building and progressing the mobility, strength and control of the shoulder joint complex to build a healthy, strong and robust shoulder. Your physiotherapist will work collaboratively with you to develop an appropriate program that is tailored to your individual needs and schedule. 

Additionally, your physiotherapist will spend time educating you on the cause of your shoulder pain and options for management to ensure that you are adopting a collaborative approach to get your shoulder back to feeling its best.

Does Physiotherapy Work for Shoulder Pain?

Physiotherapy techniques are subject to ongoing robust research to affirm their effectiveness in treating various conditions. Research has shown very strong evidence in favour of exercise as a front line treatment for shoulder pain, with positive benefits including improvements in pain scores, range of motion of the shoulder and overall shoulder function both in the short and long term. 

Additionally, it has been found that manual therapy techniques, when combined with a personalised exercise program, are strongly recommended for physiotherapy management of shoulder pain. 

Building a healthy, strong shoulder doesn’t always require lifting heavy weights or having to go to the gym. Below are some exercises that you can complete at home with minimal to no equipment.

Exercises for Shoulder Pain at Home

Banded Pull Apart

Start with your elbows tucked by your sides and bent to 90 degrees. Keeping your elbow tucked, pull the band apart by rotating at your shoulders. This is a great exercise to activate your rotator cuff, the deep muscles that play a big role in stabilising the shoulder joint. Try starting with 3 sets of 10 reps.

Front and Lateral Raises

Start with holding a light weight by your side. Alternate between lifting the weight directly up in front and out to the side, all while keeping your elbow straight. If you don’t have access to a weight, try using a water bottle or a bag of rice. Try starting with 3 sets of 12 reps. 

Shoulder Taps

Start in a position similar to if you were going to do a push up. Now touch your hand to your opposite shoulder while keeping your body steady. Alternate between sides each repetition. This is a great exercise for building shoulder stability, as well as having the added benefit of getting your core firing! Start with 3 sets of 12 reps.

If you are struggling with shoulder pain and wish to have a tailored program designed to suit your specific needs, our physiotherapists are ready to help get you fit and firing and back to doing what you love.

Coen Andrew

Physiotherapist and Coach

PEAK Sports And Spine Centre

 

Hawthorne

Address
5/171 Riding Road,
Hawthorne, QLD, 4171
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Opening Hours -
6 days per week
  • Monday - Friday: 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Saturday: 7:00 am - 1:00 pm

To make a booking outside of business hours, please use our form by clicking here.

New Farm

Address
1/15 Lamington Street,
New Farm, QLD, 4005
Get Directions
Opening Hours -
6 days per week
  • Monday: 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thursday: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Friday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Saturday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

To make a booking outside of business hours, please use our form by clicking here.