Shoulder pain can make everyday movements surprisingly difficult: reaching into a cupboard, putting on a jacket, doing your hair or sleeping on your side. You might feel a deep ache in the shoulder or upper arm, a pinch when you lift your arm overhead, stiffness that limits how far you can move, or weakness when you carry things. The shoulder is a very mobile joint that relies on muscles and tendons for support, which is why it can be sensitive to overuse, injury and posture. At Blockline Physiotherapy & Wellness in Kitchener, our physiotherapists assess your shoulder and build a plan to help you move and use your arm with more comfort.
Common causes
- Irritation of the rotator cuff tendons from repeated overhead activity or overuse
- Strains of the shoulder muscles from lifting, pulling or a sudden movement
- A stiff, painful shoulder that gradually loses movement (often called frozen shoulder)
- Sports injuries from throwing, racquet sports or swimming
- Posture habits that change how the shoulder blade moves
- Falls onto an outstretched arm
- Arthritis in the shoulder joint
- Recovery after shoulder surgery
How physiotherapy can help
Your physiotherapist will start by asking how your pain began, which movements are difficult, and what you want to get back to doing. They will assess your shoulder movement and strength, look at how your shoulder blade and upper back move, and may check your neck, since neck problems can sometimes cause pain felt in the shoulder. They will explain what they find and discuss a plan with you.
Your treatment may include:
- Manual therapy — hands-on techniques that may help ease stiffness and improve how the shoulder moves.
- Exercise — a progressive program to restore range of motion and build strength in the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles, with exercises to continue at home.
- Activity advice — guidance on modifying work, sport and sleep positions while your shoulder settles.
- Laser therapy — where appropriate, your physiotherapist may discuss laser therapy as an addition to your exercise program.
- Shockwave therapy — for some longer-lasting tendon problems, shockwave therapy may be an option your physiotherapist discusses with you.
- Kinesio taping and massage — kinesio taping or massage therapy may be used alongside your exercise program in some cases.
If your shoulder pain is sports related, our sports physiotherapy can help you plan a gradual return. If you have had shoulder surgery, see our post-operative rehabilitation service.
When to see a doctor first
Some shoulder symptoms need medical assessment before physiotherapy. Seek urgent care if you have:
- Shoulder or arm pain with chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating or nausea
- A fall or injury followed by severe pain, obvious deformity, or being unable to lift your arm
- A shoulder that feels like it has come out of place
- Swelling, redness and warmth around the shoulder, especially with fever
- Sudden weakness or numbness in the arm
If you are not sure, check with your doctor first. Your physiotherapist will also screen for these signs during your assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Should I keep using my arm if my shoulder hurts?
In many cases, gentle movement within a comfortable range is helpful, while heavy or painful activities may need to be modified for a while. Your physiotherapist will guide you on what is appropriate for your shoulder.
Why does my shoulder hurt more at night?
Many people with shoulder pain find lying on the affected side uncomfortable. Your physiotherapist can suggest sleeping positions and pillow support that may help while you recover.
Do I need a referral for shoulder physiotherapy?
No. In Ontario you can see a physiotherapist without a doctor’s referral. Some insurance plans do require one for reimbursement, so it’s worth checking your plan before your first visit. We offer direct billing to most insurance providers.
If shoulder pain is getting in the way of your day, you don’t have to sort it out alone. Book a free 15-minute consultation to talk with a physiotherapist about what you’re experiencing, or book an assessment online through Jane. Prefer to talk to someone? Call us at 519-576-1777. We’re open seven days a week, with evening appointments on weekdays, at our clinic on Block Line Rd in Kitchener.