Bridge RoadShoulder pain
Shoulder pain physiotherapy in Richmond
Shoulder pain often builds from lifting, reaching, throwing or sleeping on it, and sometimes starts in the neck. I work out what is driving yours and build a plan around your work, training or sport.
Common shoulder problems I see
- Rotator cuff related pain when lifting the arm, reaching or lying on the shoulder.
- Shoulder pain with pressing, overhead lifting or other gym work.
- Pain linked to throwing, bowling or racquet sports.
- Frozen shoulder: gradual, marked stiffness with pain.
- A shoulder that dislocates, slips or feels unstable.
- AC joint sprains after a fall onto the shoulder.
- Rehabilitation after shoulder surgery.
You do not need a referral to book. Not sure your problem fits? Call 0458 007 583 and ask.
What the first appointment involves
The initial consultation is 45 minutes, one to one with me. It covers:
- When it started and which movements bring it on.
- Range of movement, and the strength of the shoulder and shoulder blade muscles.
- How the shoulder handles your work, lifting, throwing or sport.
- Checks of the neck, which can refer pain to the shoulder.
- Screening for anything that needs a doctor’s review.
Most shoulder pain does not need a scan to start treatment. After a significant injury, or if the arm suddenly becomes weak, an ultrasound or a surgical opinion might be needed sooner. I will tell you if that is the case and organise the next step with you or your GP.
How rehabilitation works
- Understand. What is causing the pain and which activities are driving it.
- Settle. Adjust aggravating positions and load, such as sleeping position, overhead work or training volume, while keeping the arm moving.
- Rebuild. Progressive strength work for the shoulder and shoulder blade.
- Return. Step back into full lifting, throwing or sport in stages.
When to get medical help first
Call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department now if you have:
- shoulder or arm pain with chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating or nausea, which could be your heart
- a shoulder that looks deformed after a fall or a knock
See your GP promptly, or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222, if you have:
- an arm you cannot lift after an injury, which needs assessment within days because some tendon tears do better with early repair
- a hot, swollen shoulder with fever, or feeling unwell
- shoulder pain with unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer
Common questions
Not always. Many people keep training with changes to exercises, range or load while the shoulder settles. What to change is worked out at the assessment.
Usually not. A scan helps when the result would change the plan, such as after a significant injury or with sudden weakness. Bring any reports you already have.
Sometimes. Pain from the neck can be felt in the shoulder and upper arm. The assessment checks the neck as well, so the plan targets the right place.
Other areas
Bridge Road Physiotherapy also treats sports and everyday injuries, gym and lifting injuries, running injuries and cricket injuries.
Get your shoulder assessed.
Choose a time online, or call if you want to ask something first. You will speak directly with Thihan.