Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain refers to discomfort, stiffness, or weakness in the muscles, tendons, ligaments, or joint structures of the shoulder. As one of the most mobile joints in the body, the shoulder is highly susceptible to overuse injuries, instability, and soft tissue strain. Pain can range from mild soreness to significant discomfort that limits movement and interferes with daily activities, work, and sleep.

There are many causes of shoulder pain, including impingement, bursitis, and rotator cuff dysfunction, to name a few. Left untreated, shoulder issues can progress to chronic dysfunction, reduced mobility, and long-term weakness.

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain can occur after an acute injury or can result from overuse or repetitive movements. As we age, normal wear & tear of the joint can develop into arthrosis (chronic arthritis), which causes chronic pain. Anatomical variants (such as a curved acromion) are less common but can also contribute to pain or biomechanical limitations.

Without proper treatment, shoulder pain can progress to become a chronic problem, significantly limiting daily function (as you need shoulder movement to put on a shirt).

Common causes include:

Rotator Cuff Injuries: Overuse, trauma, or poor lifting mechanics can cause inflammation or tears in the rotator cuff.
Repetitive Strain: Weightlifting, throwing sports, and manual labour can overload the shoulder stabilisers. Prolonged computer use can also cause chronic shoulder pain.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): Inflammation in the joint capsule can cause severe stiffness and limited range of motion.
Tendonitis & Bursitis: Overuse can inflame tendons or bursae, resulting in pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion.
Nerve compression: Compression of nerves in the cervical spine or shoulder girdle may cause referred pain, tingling, or weakness.
Shoulder Instability & Dislocations: A History of dislocation or joint laxity can result in chronic pain and instability.
Osteoarthritis: Degenerative changes in the joint may cause stiffness, inflammation, and discomfort with movement.

Trauma & Impact Injuries: Falls, sports collisions, or accidents can lead to sprains or soft tissue tears, and old fractures from prior injury can contribute to chronic pain with specific movements.

Symptoms & Treatments of Shoulder Pain

Symptoms vary depending on the cause, but may include:

Aching or sharp pain during movement
Stiffness and restricted range of motion
Weakness or instability when lifting the arm
Pain radiating up to the neck or down the arm
Clicking, grinding, or catching in the joint
Discomfort when lying on the affected shoulder

At Carbon Chiro, your Perth Chiropractor provides an evidence-based, movement-focused approach to shoulder pain. Our care is non-invasive, drug-free, and tailored to your specific needs—especially for athletes or those with physically demanding jobs.

Treatment may include:

Manual therapy and joint mobilisation of the shoulder and spine to restore range of motion
Soft tissue release techniques for surrounding muscles, such as the rotator cuff, deltoids, and upper back
Rehabilitation exercises to regain strength and stability
Postural and ergonomic advice to minimise repetitive strain
Stretching and strengthening programs to support long-term recovery
Education on load management and recovery strategies for active individuals

FAQs

What lifestyle changes help prevent pain?

Regular strength training specific to your sport and job, along with exercises to optimise mobility, can reduce your risk of shoulder issues. For all gym-goers, lifting with proper technique and avoiding rapid overload is the most effective way to prevent shoulder injuries.

Can weak back muscles contribute to pain?

Yes. Poor scapular and upper back strength can place additional load on the shoulder stabilisers.

Can a chiropractor adjust the shoulder joint?

Yes – adjusting the shoulder will help with range of motion, especially if you tend to have rounded shoulders (e.g., long desk hours), which can cause tightness at the front of the shoulder and chest.

Should I use heat or ice for shoulder pain?

Ice is ideal in the first 48 hours after an injury; heat is preferred to relieve chronic muscle pain & tension and promotes healing by increasing blood flow.

Can shoulder pain be linked to neck issues?

Yes. Shoulder pain can sometimes be caused by nerve compression in the neck. On the other hand, a limited range of motion of the shoulder due to pain can also reduce the range of motion of the neck.

What is the best exercise for shoulder pain?

This depends on the cause of the problem, but our go-to is “W & V” using a theraband. You can find this movement on our Instagram.

Why does my shoulder hurt after sleeping?

Poor sleeping posture can exacerbate pain in a shoulder that is already experiencing inflammation or wear & tear. Gentle movement and heat packs can help get you moving in the mornings.

What is the most common cause of shoulder pain?

Rotator cuff injury, impingement, and bursitis are the most frequent.

Worried About Pain?

It’s time to stop. Book an appointment today with Dr. Kirill and get your mobility back.

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