Rotator cuff problems, impingement and the shoulder that hurts to lie on — the joint where loading beats resting most clearly.
Most shoulder pain involves the rotator cuff: four muscles that hold the ball into the socket while the arm moves. Tendon irritation, partial tears and impingement are all common, and — importantly — tears found on scans are frequent in people with no pain at all.
Assessment tells us which structure is irritated and what the shoulder can currently tolerate. Then hands-on treatment for comfort, and a progressive rotator cuff and scapular loading program, which is what actually changes the tendon. For stubborn tendon pain, Shockwave therapy is available on site.
Rotator cuff-related pain typically needs a program measured in months, not weeks — tendons adapt slowly. Night pain usually eases well before full strength returns.
Only the ones that make sense for this problem — listing all three on every page would be advertising, not information.
Scans often find changes that are not the source of the pain. Cortisone can settle severe pain in the short term but does not build capacity, and repeated injections are not recommended; if you have had one recently, tell us, because it changes what we can safely do for six weeks.
Lying on the shoulder compresses irritated tendon and reduces blood flow. It is the symptom that bothers people most and usually one of the first to improve.
No. Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) involves the joint capsule tightening and produces a very specific loss of movement in all directions, including when someone else moves your arm. It is managed differently, and we assess for it.
Not sure this is what you have? That is exactly what an assessment is for — and if it turns out to be something else, we will tell you.
Related: Neck pain · Physiotherapy at Forge West End
No referral is needed for a private appointment. Bring one only if you are claiming through Medicare, DVA, WorkCover or insurance.
Unit 4, 249 Montague Road — a short run from South Brisbane, Highgate Hill, Dutton Park, Woolloongabba and South Bank, and from the CBD across the river.
Can’t get to the clinic? We also offer physiotherapy home visits across the same area, with travel included in the fee.
Book your assessment at Forge West End and start a plan built around your goals — not a generic exercise sheet.
Unit 4, 249 Montague Road, West End QLD 4101 · No referral needed for a private appointment · HICAPS on site
