Physiotherapy for Shoulder Pain in London
Shoulder Pain
If shoulder pain is making life difficult, it’s time to give your shoulder some much-needed attention and support with physiotherapy care. Designed to reduce pain, improve mobility, and strengthen muscles, Physit’s at-home physio service will help you get back to a pain-free life.
What Is Shoulder Pain?
Your shoulder is one of the most mobile and active joints in your body, and it’s also one of the most complex. When something isn’t working quite right, you might feel pain when you lift your arm, reach behind your back, or even just lie on your side.
Shoulder pain can be caused by many different things, such as age-related changes, inflammation, tendon problems, an injury, or movement patterns that have built up over time. Sometimes the pain comes on suddenly, and sometimes it builds up gradually over time. Either way, it can have a massive effect on your confidence, your comfort level, and your ability to move freely and do all of the activities you enjoy.
At Physit, we work with you to understand what’s causing your shoulder pain and how to treat it in a way that makes all of your everyday movements easier. With hands-on care, thoughtful exercises, and gentle, customised support, we help you regain your comfort, control, and range of motion, right from home.
Common Symptoms of Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain doesn’t always show up in the same way for everyone. Some people feel a sharp pinch with certain movements, while others deal with a deep ache that lingers throughout the day. Here are some of the most common signs that your shoulder needs some extra care and attention:
- Pain when lifting or reaching
- Discomfort when lying on the affected side
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion
- Weakness in the arm or shoulder
- Clicking, catching, or popping sensations
- Difficulty with dressing or grooming
- Fatigue from trying to “work around” the pain
Whether your symptoms are constant or come and go, getting the right kind of physiotherapy can make a whole world of difference. We can help ease the pain, improve your strength, and help you get back to your daily life with confidence.
What Can Increase Your Risk of Shoulder Pain?
Shoulder pain often develops over time, but certain habits and health factors can increase your risk or even make your symptoms worse. Understanding these different triggers can help you protect your shoulder and avoid any further strain.
- Repetitive movements or overuse: Activities that involve lifting, reaching, or carrying items (especially heavy ones) can irritate your shoulder tissues over time.
- Poor posture: Rounded shoulders or slouched posture can change the way your shoulder joint moves and functions.
- Weak rotator cuff or supporting muscles: When the main shoulder muscles aren’t strong enough, other parts of the shoulder can become overloaded.
- History of injury: A past shoulder strain, dislocation, or fracture can affect the long-term function and stability of your shoulder.
- Age-related wear: As we get older, our tendons and joints may become more prone to inflammation or irritation.
- Sedentary lifestyle: A lack of regular movement can lead to stiffness and muscle imbalance.
What Causes Shoulder Pain?
There are many potential causes of shoulder pain, but most fall into a few main categories.
- Rotator cuff injuries: The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that help stabilise, lift and rotate your arm. These tissues work hard to keep the shoulder joint stable, but they can become strained, irritated, or even torn, especially with repeated use or sudden movements. This often leads to pain when lifting, weakness, or a deep ache in the upper arm.
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis): Frozen shoulder happens when the connective tissue around the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, limiting movement. Over time, the shoulder becomes more stiff and painful, often with no clear injury to begin with. It usually progresses in stages and can take months to improve without the right treatment.
- Tendinitis or bursitis: Tendinitis refers to inflammation in a tendon (usually from overuse), while bursitis involves irritation of the bursa, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion your joints. In the shoulder, these conditions often cause sharp pain with movement, especially when reaching overhead or behind your back.
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis is a common type of arthritis that can affect the shoulder, especially as we age. It occurs when the protective cartilage in the joint wears down over time, leading to stiffness, swelling, and grinding or clicking sounds during movement.
- Impingement syndrome: Impingement happens when the soft tissues of the shoulder (like the rotator cuff tendons) get pinched between bones during arm movement. This can lead to pain when reaching or lifting, and over time, may contribute to inflammation or tissue damage if left unaddressed.
At Physit, we don’t just focus on the condition name, we focus on how it affects your life. That’s why your treatment is designed around your unique symptoms, your goals, and the movements that matter most to you.
How Physit Can Help
We know that shoulder pain can feel like it’s getting in the way of everything. That’s why our physiotherapists come to your home, making it easier and much more comfortable to start your recovery.
We take the time to understand what’s going on, how it’s affecting your movement, and what you need in order to feel better, faster. Then, we build a personalised care plan that helps reduce your pain, improve your mobility, and improve your shoulder health for the long term.
Here’s a look at what your treatment may include.
- Hands-on therapy: Gentle manual techniques will help reduce stiffness, ease tight muscles, and give you smoother joint movement. This kind of care can also relieve pain and improve circulation in the shoulder area, setting a strong foundation for recovery.
- Mobility and range of motion work: Through guided stretches and movement patterns, we help restore your flexibility and reduce restriction in your shoulder. These exercises are designed to help you move more freely and comfortably in all of your everyday tasks.
- Strengthening exercises: We focus on building strength in the main muscles (especially the rotator cuff, shoulder blade stabilisers, and core) to provide lasting support and prevent further strain. Stronger muscles also improve your control and help you feel more confident with every move you make.
- Posture and movement coaching: Sometimes small changes in how you move or hold yourself can make a big difference. We’ll teach you practical ways to reduce any unnecessary strain on your shoulder throughout the day, whether you’re sitting, walking, or reaching.
- Daily activity support: From getting dressed to preparing meals, we help you move through your day with a lot more ease and less discomfort. Our goal is to make the movements that matter most feel simpler, smoother, and more manageable.
- Progress tracking: Your recovery is a journey, and we’re with you every step of the way. We regularly review your progress, fine-tune your plan, and celebrate every improvement.
For us, it’s not only about exercises. We focus on ensuring you feel supported, empowered, and more in control of your shoulder health. Every session is designed to meet you where you are, with care that fits your goals, your space, and your pace. We’re here to help you move through life with greater comfort, confidence, and ease.
Conditions We Treat
Our London home and work visit physiotherapists are highly experienced in assessing and treating a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to:
0204 570 2391- Post-surgical rehabilitation (knee, hip, shoulder, and spinal surgeries, as well as general surgical recovery)
- Age-related mobility issues, including falls prevention and balance training
- Chronic pain management (back pain, arthritis, and joint stiffness)
- Neurological conditions impacting mobility and coordination
- Post-hospital deconditioning and general rehabilitation to restore strength, balance, and independence
- All musculoskeletal realted injuries or pain
Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder Pain
1. Can physiotherapy help shoulder pain even if I’ve had it for years?
Yes, it can. Chronic shoulder pain can often be improved with the right mix of movement, strengthening, and manual care. Many people find relief even after years of discomfort.
2. Do I need a scan before I start?
Not necessarily. Our physiotherapists can assess your shoulder and begin treatment safely without the need for imaging. If we believe a scan would be helpful, we’ll let you know and work with your GP if needed.
3. Will I need to keep doing exercises at home?
Yes, but we’ll make sure they’re easy to follow and tailored to your space and lifestyle. Just a few minutes a day can make a big difference.
4. Can physiotherapy fix serious shoulder issues, like a rotator cuff tear?
Sadly, physiotherapy can’t fix everything. However, we will always be here as a part of your care team if you do need a more invasive intervention, communicating with your GP or potentially, a surgeon. And, if you do go for surgery, we’ll work with you before and after your procedure to help you recover as fast as possible.
Luckily, physiotherapy can ease a lot of shoulder pain and complement more invasive procedures when they’re needed.
5. Do I need a referral to work with Physit?
No referral is needed. You can book directly with us for an in-home assessment, and we’ll take it from there.
Shoulder Support That Fits Your Life
Shoulder pain might be a common complaint, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it.
