Shoulder pain is one of the most common complaints we see here in our Glen Iris Clinic. We hear stories of pain that has crept up slowly, arrived without warning or has been ongoing for a number of years. The one common thread through all these accounts, is certain, it’s getting in the way of life. Our Glen and Ashburton locals are frustrated, some are angry but most are just looking for help. How can I get back to life without the nagging daily shoulder pain? And this is where our Osteopaths excel. Here is a great breakdown of all things “Shoulder pain” and how we can help.
Our shoulder is our most mobile joint in the body. Allowing us to lift, throw, reach, brush our hair and more importantly give someone you love a hug. But when things are not working soundly, that simple task of getting dressed, or brushing your hair becomes a loathed activity.
To work our where your shoulder pain is coming from, we need to understanding what’s driving your pain., This is our first step toward lasting relief.
What Can Cause Shoulder Pain?
Our Shoulder’s are complex structures. rarely do we see pain as a singular cause. More often it’s a few different structures all contributing to your pain profille. This is why a “standard” treatment often doesn’t solve your problem. You require a unique approach. 2 shoulders are very seldom the same. A mix of structural, muscular, and lifestyle factors will each contribute to your shoulder pain.
What Are The Most Common Shoulder Pain Presentations we Encounter:
Rotator Cuff Injuries
The rotator cuff is the 4 muscles that are responsible for stabilising the shoulder. These muscles can be subjected to small strains and tears. Often associated with repletion and over -head or throwing movements.
Bursitis
This is the small fluid filled sack that acts to cushion the shoulder joints tendons. It can become inflamed and cause pain with movement.
Subacromial Impingement
Here we see the shoulder tendons or bursa becoming “pinched” and compressed during shoulder movement. This is usually with reaching or lifting actions.
Frozen Shoulder
This one is not only stiff but also very painful at night. A gradual stiffening of the shoulder and often results in quite significant loss of range of motion.
Biceps Tendinopathy
Really, any of the Shoulder tendons, can become irritated and sore. The key is finding which one it is, and how to solve the irritation
AC Joint Pain
Degeneration or injury to the joint between your shoulder and collar bone can result in shoulder pain. Usually boxers or cyclists who have sustained a fall can injure this joint.
Referred Pain from the Neck
Your cervical spine – your neck can be the true source of your neck pain, but via referred pathways- the pain is felt in the shoulder. A common issues that is easily missed.
Postural & Muscular Imbalances
Weakness of your stabilising muscles, in conjunction with your upper back joints and muscles can all create the perfect storm for shoulder pain and stiffness.
Do I Need a Scan?
This is one of the most common questions we get asked, and often the answer surprises and can frustrate our patients. In our modern society, this feels like the best course of action….but actually it’s NOT! Here’s why!
In most cases, a scan will not change what we do next.
There are a multitude of studies that consistently show scans such as MRI, ultrasound, or X-ray often DO NOT match with a patients clinical symptoms. For example there are 1000’s of people who on scans show Rotator Cuff tears and Bursitis – yet these people HAVE NO PAIN!
The opposite is also true – a patient can have a completely normal scan, yet be suffering from pain!
For the majority of our patients, a scan is not going to change their course of treatment. This being – a thorough examination, hands on therapy and most importantly a targeted exercise program specifically designed for the person sitting in front of us. And NOT some generic plan from ChatGPT – this just wouldnt make sense! We need to target YOUR individual weakness’s and strive to achieve your goals!
In some cases, sending you for a scan first can delay your recovery, may lead to you thinking your symptoms are worse than they actually are, but these findings may be entirely coincidental.
Ofcourse there are times when a scan is necessary! Significant trauma, if there are medical red flags we need to rule, or if the clinical picture just isn’t making sense, we will send you for the appropriate scan. And always in conjunction with education around what we are thinking.
But for most people, the best scan you can get is a thorough clinical assessment by our Osteopathic team!
“We’re not just treating a shoulder — we’re treating a person who can’t do the things that matter to them.”
Before we discuss any technique or exercise, we want to understand you. What has shoulder pain stopped you from doing? Is it picking up your child? Sleeping through the night? Returning to swimming, gardening, or the gym? Reaching overhead at work?
These functional goals become the compass for everything we do. Rather than chasing a pain score on a scale of one to ten, we measure progress in real terms: Can you do the things that matter again?
Identifying What’s Holding You Back
Once we understand your goals, we assess the deficiencies that are preventing you from achieving them. This means looking at your shoulder strength, range of motion, movement quality, loading capacity, posture, and how the neck and thoracic spine are contributing. We’re asking: what does this person need to be able to do, and what’s currently in the way?
Addressing the Root Cause, Not Just the Symptom
Pain relief is important — but it’s not the whole picture. Our focus is on correcting the underlying drivers of your shoulder problem, so you’re not back in the clinic with the same issue six months from now. That means identifying and addressing muscle weakness, movement habits, training loads, and lifestyle factors that may be perpetuating the problem.
How We Treat Shoulder Pain:
Our treatment is always patient focused and unique. We combine hands-on care with progressive, evidence-based exercise. Neither in isolation! Always striving to achieve your goals, and re-assessing and altering at each and every session! .
1: Hands-On Therapy
Manual therapy- this is techniques such:
- Joint mobilisation and articulation.
- Soft Tissue Massage
- Dry needling where indicated.
- Shockwave Therapy
- P & F stretching’
All these techniques can help reduce pain, and restore movement
2: Progressive Strengthening
“You cant go wrong getting strong”!
The research is clear, the most effective long-term treatments for the majority of shoulder conditions is strengthening. BUT it needs to be specific to you. We guide you through a program that is specific to you and your dysfunction. And always targeted at your level of strength!
Goal-Based Rehabilitation
Every exercise and every session is orientated toward your specific functional targets. As you hit milestones — such as regaining movement, back on the golf course or simply playing with your children pain free – we recalibrate your program to keep challenging you toward full capacity.
Education & Self-Management
You are always an active participant in your shoulder journey. We ensure you understand your shoulder the mechanics, the structures that are painful. You will help guide your own rehab journey
You leave every appointment with a clear self-management plan in hand.
Long-Term Health & Wellness
Recovery from shoulder pain is not a finish line — it’s a foundation. Our goal is to set you up with the strength, knowledge, and movement habits that keep your shoulder healthy for years to come.
Are You Ready to Get Back to What You Love?
We get it, your shoulder pain can feel like “this is the new normal”. But trust us, this isbns the case. Shoulder pain can be resolved. You just need the right assessment, a clear understanding of what’s driving your symptoms, and a clear plan moving you towards your goals and desires! ,
You DON’T need a scan to get started!
You DON’T need to suffering in silence!
You DON’T need to push through the pain!
You DON’T need to “accept” this as part of life!
What you DO need is an assessment!
You DO need someone who will listen!
You DO need a clear treatment plan and pathway forward!
You DO need hands on initially.
and You DO need to ask for help!
That’s what your Glen Iris Equilibrium Osteopath’s are here for.
