Shoulder pain is extremely common, affecting up to 26% of adults at any one time, and is the third most common musculoskeletal complaint seen in primary care. The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body, which makes it particularly vulnerable to injury and overuse. Most shoulder pain responds well to physiotherapy, manual therapy and graded exercise.
See therapies that may helpThe shoulder is a complex joint involving the glenohumeral joint (ball and socket), the acromioclavicular joint, the sternoclavicular joint, and the scapulothoracic articulation — all of which need to work in coordination. This complexity means many different structures can be involved in shoulder pain.
Common causes of shoulder pain include rotator cuff disorders (tendinopathy, tears or impingement — accounting for the majority of presentations), frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), acromioclavicular joint problems, biceps tendinopathy, and referred pain from the neck or thoracic spine.
Shoulder pain from rotator cuff disorders and impingement is often described as pain on the outer aspect of the shoulder, worsening with overhead movements and lying on the affected side at night.
Shoulder pain symptoms vary by cause, but common presentations include:
Most shoulder conditions respond well to conservative management:
A physiotherapist or GP is the appropriate first contact for most shoulder pain. Specific investigations (ultrasound, MRI) may be needed to clarify the diagnosis for surgical planning or steroid injection decisions. If shoulder pain follows significant trauma, involves severe weakness, or is associated with deformity, urgent medical assessment is indicated.
Showing 28 therapies linked to Shoulder pain.
| Therapy | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Massage Therapist |
strong
|
Core use for shoulder pain. |
| Osteopath |
strong
|
Core use for shoulder pain. |
| Physiotherapist |
strong
|
Core use for shoulder pain. |
| Sports Therapist |
strong
|
Core use for shoulder pain. |
| Acupuncturist |
moderate
|
Strong use for shoulder pain. |
| Bowen Technique Practitioner |
moderate
|
Bowen commonly used for shoulder pain. |
| Chiropractor |
moderate
|
Commonly used for shoulder pain. |
| Fascial Stretch Therapist |
moderate
|
Fascial stretch therapy for shoulder pain. |
| Myofascial Release Practitioner |
strong
|
Core use for shoulder pain. |
| Scar Tissue Release Therapist |
moderate
|
Scar tissue release for shoulder pain. |
| Alexander Technique Practitioner |
moderate
|
Useful for shoulder pain with postural component. |
| Biofeedback Practitioner |
moderate
|
Biofeedback for chronic shoulder pain. |
| Body Stress Release Practitioner |
moderate
|
Used for shoulder pain. |
| Clinical Pilates Practitioner |
moderate
|
Shoulder strengthening and stability for shoulder pain. |
| Cognitive Behavioural Therapist |
moderate
|
CBT for chronic shoulder pain distress. |
| Craniosacral Therapist |
moderate
|
Used for shoulder pain. |
| Emmet Technique Practitioner |
moderate
|
Emmett technique for shoulder pain. |
| Hydrotherapist |
moderate
|
Hydrotherapy for shoulder pain. |
| Hydroterm Masseuse |
moderate
|
Hydrotherm massage for shoulder pain. |
| Indian Head Masseuse |
moderate
|
Indian head massage for shoulder tension. |
| Mindfulness Practitioner |
moderate
|
Mindfulness for chronic shoulder pain. |
| Pilates Practitioner |
moderate
|
Pilates for shoulder stability. |
| Rolfing Practitioner |
moderate
|
Rolfing for shoulder pain. |
| Shiatsu Practitioner |
moderate
|
Used for shoulder pain. |
| Structural Integration Practitioner |
moderate
|
Used for shoulder pain. |
| Thai Masseuse |
moderate
|
Thai massage for shoulder pain. |
| Yoga Therapist |
moderate
|
Yoga for shoulder pain and mobility. |
| Zero Balancing Practitioner |
limited
|
Zero balancing for shoulder pain. |
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) involves progressive tightening of the joint capsule, causing pain and significant loss of movement in all directions. It typically progresses through three phases: freezing (painful, increasing restriction), frozen (less painful but restricted), and thawing (gradual improvement). The natural history is resolution within 1–3 years, though physiotherapy and steroid injections can significantly speed this.
This depends on the extent of the injury. Partial-thickness tears and tendinopathy typically respond well to physiotherapy. Full-thickness tears may require surgical assessment, particularly in younger, active people or those with significant weakness. A physiotherapist or orthopaedic surgeon can assess the appropriate management for your specific injury.
Night pain is very common in rotator cuff disorders and frozen shoulder. Lying on the affected shoulder compresses irritated tissues. Even lying on the unaffected side places the shoulder in a position that can tension the rotator cuff. A physiotherapist can advise on sleeping positions and pillows to reduce night pain.
Yes — the neck (cervical spine) and upper thoracic spine can refer pain into the shoulder and upper arm. If shoulder exercises do not improve the pain, or if neck stiffness and arm symptoms are also present, cervicogenic referral should be considered. A physiotherapist will assess both the neck and shoulder as part of a comprehensive evaluation.
Surgery is considered for full-thickness rotator cuff tears in appropriate candidates, persistent impingement that has not responded to physiotherapy and injection, acromioclavicular joint problems, and shoulder instability. Most shoulder pain does not require surgery and responds well to conservative management.