Shoulder pain can sneak up on you gradually or hit suddenly, but either way, it can make simple tasks like brushing your hair, reaching overhead, or sleeping on your side feel uncomfortable or even impossible.
Senior physiotherapist Ameeth Ruparelia draws on his extensive experience working with professional football clubs and national-level swimmers in the UK to expertly assess and treat a wide range of shoulder injuries at our Redcliffe clinic. Here are five of the most common issues Ameeth sees regularly, along with how his expertise in shoulder physiotherapy can speed your recovery.
1. Rotator Cuff Injury
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilise your shoulder, but it can tear from overuse, improper lifting, or a sudden fall where you land awkwardly. The sooner you start treatment, the better your recovery—so it’s worth getting on top of this kind of injury early.
Key signs:
• Shoulder pain when lifting your arm.
• Weakness or difficulty with overhead movements.
• A dull ache that worsens at night.
Treatment:
In Redcliffe, Ameeth, our shoulder physio, focuses on restoring movement and building strength in your shoulder using tailored exercises, hands-on treatments, and practical advice to help you avoid further injury.
2. Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder impingement happens when the rotator cuff tendons get pinched as you lift or use your arm, often developing gradually from poor posture or repeated movements.
Key signs:
• Sharp pain when lifting your arm above shoulder height.
• Difficulty reaching behind your back.
• Pain that worsens with activity.
Treatment:
Ameeth’s treatment for shoulder impingement focuses on improving your posture, building strength in the muscles that support the joint, and identifying habits that may be placing unnecessary strain on your shoulder. With his guidance, these changes reduce your shoulder pain, restore movement, and prevent the problem from returning.
3. Frozen Shoulder
Also known as adhesive capsulitis, a frozen shoulder occurs when the connective tissue around the joint thickens and tightens, restricting movement of your arm. It often develops after an injury such as a rotator cuff tear, dislocation, or shoulder surgery, especially when movement is limited during recovery.
Key signs:
• Gradual onset of shoulder pain and stiffness.
• Difficulty with everyday movements like dressing or reaching.
• Limited range of motion, even when someone else moves your arm.
Treatment:
As an expert in shoulder physiotherapy at our Redcliffe clinic, Ameeth’s treatment includes gentle stretching and mobilisation of the joint, as well as exercises you can do at home. Patience is key to your recovery because a frozen shoulder takes time to heal, even with the best treatment.
4. Shoulder Bursitis
Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion your joints, and when the shoulder bursa becomes inflamed—often from overuse, pressure, or poor movement patterns—it can lead to persistent pain.
Key signs:
• Constant aching or pressure on the outer shoulder.
• Shoulder pain when lying on the affected side.
• Swelling or warmth in the joint.
Treatment:
To calm the inflammation in your shoulder, Ameeth uses a mix of rest, gentle exercises, manual therapy, and postural correction. He also works with you to uncover the underlying cause of the bursitis, including any daily habits that may be adding strain to the joint.
5. Shoulder Dislocation
A shoulder dislocation happens when the upper arm bone pops out of the socket, often from a fall or sports injury—it’s a very painful injury that needs immediate attention.
Key signs:
• Intense, sudden pain and visible deformity in the shoulder joint.
• Inability to move your arm.
• A feeling of looseness, weakness, or instability in the shoulder after an injury.
Treatment:
Once the dislocation is resolved, Ameeth focuses on reducing the pain and inflammation in your joint, restoring stability and preventing re-injury.
Shoulder Physio in Redcliffe
If shoulder pain has been holding you back, it’s time to do something about it. Book an appointment with Ameeth—our senior shoulder physio in Redcliffe—and get back to doing what you love without the pain.