Shoulder Pain Treatment | Physio & Sports Therapy

A thorough approach to shoulder pain

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, which also makes it vulnerable to injury. Getting the right plan starts with a proper assessment, not just easing the symptoms.

Our physiotherapists and sports therapists look at which structures are likely to be involved, what's contributing and what you need your shoulder to do. Whether it's a sports injury, a strain at work or a long-standing problem like a frozen shoulder, we'll help you work out the next steps.

Thorough shoulder assessment

Soft tissue therapy and joint mobilisation

Rotator cuff rehab programmes

Help with stiff and frozen shoulders

Return-to-sport and return-to-work planning

Physiotherapists and sports therapists in one team

Book Your Assessment

What's causing your shoulder pain?

Rotator Cuff Injury

Tears, tendinopathy or irritation of the rotator cuff muscles and tendons. A common cause of shoulder pain, especially from middle age onwards.

Frozen Shoulder

Gradually increasing stiffness and pain from inflammation of the shoulder joint capsule, often developing without a clear cause.

Shoulder Bursitis

Irritation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac in the shoulder, causing pain with overhead movements and when lying on that side.

AC Joint Injury

A sprain of the joint at the top of the shoulder, often from a fall onto the shoulder or an outstretched hand.

Labral Tear

Damage to the ring of cartilage around the shoulder socket, which can cause clicking, deep joint pain or a feeling of instability.

Referred Pain

Pain from the neck can be felt in the shoulder, upper arm or hand, and is sometimes mistaken for a shoulder problem.

When to see a doctor first

Please contact your GP, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency, rather than booking with us, if you have:

Shoulder or arm pain with chest pain, breathlessness, sweating or feeling sick: call 999

A fall or injury where the shoulder looks deformed or you can't move your arm: go to A&E

A hot, red, swollen shoulder, especially with a fever: seek urgent medical help

Sudden loss of the ability to lift your arm after an injury: see your GP promptly

Shoulder pain help near you

You can book a shoulder assessment at our clinics in Cambridge, Saffron Walden, Sawston and Willingham, or in Bishop's Stortford, where our strength studio lets you progress from gentle exercises to proper strength work.

32 Raynham Road, Bishop's Stortford, CM23 5PE

Shoulder pain questions answered

What are the most common causes of shoulder pain?

Common causes include rotator cuff problems (tears, tendinopathy or irritation), frozen shoulder, bursitis, AC joint injuries, labral tears and pain referred from the neck. A proper assessment is the first step to choosing the right approach.

Can physiotherapy or sports therapy help with a rotator cuff injury?

Yes. Many rotator cuff problems, including tendinopathy and partial tears, are managed with hands-on treatment and a progressive strengthening programme. If we think you need imaging or a specialist opinion, we'll tell you and refer you to your GP.

How long does shoulder pain take to settle?

It depends on the cause. Some shoulder problems settle fairly quickly, while frozen shoulder can take many months to run its course. After your assessment we'll explain what to expect and review your progress as we go.

What is frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is when the shoulder joint capsule becomes inflamed and thickened, causing pain and stiffness that build gradually. It usually goes through stages of freezing, frozen and thawing. Gentle mobilisation, stretching and gradual loading can help you keep moving while it settles.

"Highly recommend for running-related issues. Jess put together a clear plan to get me ready for my marathon, and her communication was excellent throughout. Thank you!"

"Referred after an increasingly painful knee was impacting on my exercise. Hannah was very thorough in her investigation and analysis of the problem. I noticed a steady but sustained improvement following the recommended exercises over the first week. The exercises were subsequently changed up and the improvement sustained over the next two weeks. What definitely helped was the link between the Injury Active Clinic and the Barn. Hannah provided a briefing for the coaches, ensuring the gym sessions reinforced the recommended physio programme."

"Jess was so lovely and supportive throughout my time with her. She really helped build my confidence and get me back to doing the sports I love! I'm so grateful for all her help and would highly recommend :)"

Book a Pain & Movement Assessment

Rather than resting and hoping it settles, get it looked at. Your assessment gives you a clear explanation of what we think is going on, a plan, and a way to measure your progress.

Book an Assessment

Assessment

A thorough look at your history, how you move and what aggravates it, so we understand what's driving your symptoms.

Your Plan

A clear plan with realistic goals and the right mix of hands-on care and exercise for you.

Build Back Up

Progressive strength and movement work so you can get back to full activity with confidence.

Shoulder Pain
Treatment

A thorough approach to shoulder pain