People often describe pinching pain when lifting the arm overhead
There are many causes for shoulder bursitis and impingement pain including prolonged postures with work or sports, rotator cuff strain or injury, or even weakness of the muscles.
Symptoms people often describe can range from difficulty sleeping on the side, feeling of tightness and soreness around the neck and shoulder, and sometimes a pinching pain when lifting the arm overhead.
Recent research suggest exercise, tape, manual therapy and shock wave therapy may be more effective than steroid injections when treating shoulder bursitis and impingement pain.
Shoulder pain can affect almost every aspect of daily life, from reaching overhead and lifting objects to sleeping comfortably and participating in sport. At Functional Physio SA, we provide personalised shoulder pain physiotherapy to help reduce pain, improve movement and restore confidence.
Located in Torrensville, we support people across Adelaide with evidence-based treatment designed around their individual goals.
What Causes Shoulder Pain?
The shoulder is a complex joint that relies on strength, flexibility and coordinated movement. Pain can occur due to injury, overuse or changes in movement patterns.
Common causes of shoulder pain include:
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Tendon irritation
- Shoulder impingement
- Bursitis
- Sporting injuries
- Workplace injuries
- Poor posture
- Shoulder stiffness
- Previous trauma
A detailed physiotherapy assessment helps identify the factors contributing to your symptoms.
How Can Physiotherapy Help Shoulder Pain?
Treatment depends on your diagnosis, lifestyle and goals. Your physiotherapy program may include:
- Strengthening exercises
- Mobility exercises
- Manual therapy
- Postural advice
- Activity modification
- Dry needling where appropriate
- Return-to-sport or work planning
Our goal is to restore shoulder function and help you confidently return to normal activities.
Why Choose Functional Physio SA?
Shoulder pain is rarely just about the shoulder itself. Our physiotherapists assess how your strength, movement patterns, work demands and lifestyle may be contributing to your symptoms.
We focus on providing practical strategies that support long-term recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I stop using my shoulder if it hurts?
Not necessarily. Avoiding all movement can sometimes reduce strength and delay recovery. Your physiotherapist can advise which activities are safe.
Can physiotherapy help rotator cuff injuries?
Yes. Many rotator cuff-related conditions respond well to structured rehabilitation and strengthening.
Do I need surgery for shoulder pain?
Many shoulder conditions improve with conservative treatment. Your physiotherapist can help determine the most appropriate approach.
Helping Adelaide Recover From Shoulder Pain
Shoulder rehabilitation often combines Exercise Rehabilitation, Manual Therapy, Dry Needling, and Sports Physiotherapy where appropriate.
Contact Functional Physio SA today to book your shoulder pain physiotherapy assessment.
How can Functional Physio SA help?
Physios are experts with pain and function, so whether it’s a major injury, or assistance to improve performance there is always a reason to see a physio.
Our highly experienced physios use a wide range of treatment approaches based on extensive qualifications and further training.
After visiting Functional Physio SA you should have a clear diagnosis and understanding of what is going, and a treatment plan detailing how you will get better including how long it will take to heal, how often you will need to see the physio, what treatments we will provide in your program, and what exercises you need to do to get back to doing the things you love.
Want to know if Functional Physio SA can help with your shoulder bursitis and impingement pain?
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