Shoulder pain. Understood, not just treated.
Your shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in your body, allowing you to reach, lift, throw, push and pull with remarkable freedom. That mobility also makes it susceptible to injury, overuse and movement dysfunction.
Whether your pain developed gradually or followed an injury, shoulder pain can make everyday tasks surprisingly difficult — from reaching into a cupboard to sleeping comfortably or exercising. We don't simply focus on the shoulder itself. We assess how your neck, upper back, ribs, posture and overall movement may be contributing to your symptoms before developing a personalised treatment plan.
Shoulder pain presents in many ways.
Every shoulder problem is different, which is why a thorough assessment is essential.
- Pain when lifting your arm
- Difficulty reaching overhead
- Pain when sleeping on one side
- Weakness
- Stiffness
- Clicking or catching sensations
- Pain reaching behind your back
- Pain during sport
- Pain after gym training
- Reduced range of movement
Rarely just the shoulder.
The way your neck, thoracic spine, ribs and shoulder blade move together often plays a significant role in shoulder symptoms.
- Rotator cuff irritation
- Shoulder impingement
- Muscle imbalance
- Joint restriction
- Poor posture
- Neck dysfunction
- Previous injuries
- Repetitive lifting
- Sporting activities
- Reduced upper back mobility
Understanding why it hurts.
Your consultation begins with a discussion about:
- —Your symptoms
- —Previous injuries
- —Work demands
- —Sporting activities
- —Exercise habits
- —Daily movements that aggravate your shoulder
- —Your goals
This is followed by a comprehensive assessment of your shoulder and surrounding movement systems.
A comprehensive look.
Assessment may include:
- —Health history
- —Shoulder movement
- —Neck assessment
- —Upper back mobility
- —Shoulder blade function
- —Muscle strength
- —Functional testing
- —Orthopaedic assessment
- —Neurological screening where appropriate
We'll explain our findings and discuss the most appropriate management plan before treatment begins.
Treatment tailored to your presentation.
Chiropractic Care
Dr Gabrielle Gully may address joint movement, shoulder mechanics, spinal function and surrounding musculoskeletal contributors — including joint mobilisation, adjustments where appropriate, soft tissue techniques, exercise prescription and rehabilitation advice.
Learn about chiropracticStructural Bodywork & Myofascial Therapy
Neville Dunne focuses on movement quality, fascial restriction and muscle balance throughout the shoulder, chest, upper back and neck — aiming to restore efficient movement rather than simply reducing local tension.
Learn about structural bodyworkCollaborative Care
Some shoulder presentations benefit from both approaches. Where appropriate, our practitioners work together to provide coordinated care tailored to your individual needs.
How we work togetherCommon across many activities.
Shoulder pain is common in people participating in:
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Golf
- CrossFit
- Weight training
- Cricket
- Throwing sports
Returning to sport requires more than pain relief. We'll help restore movement, improve function and support a confident return to activity.
Long days can take their toll.
Long hours sitting at a computer can contribute to shoulder discomfort through changes in posture, muscle fatigue and reduced upper back mobility.
As part of your care we'll discuss practical workplace strategies to help reduce unnecessary strain.
A specific condition that needs a specific approach.
Frozen shoulder involves pain and significant loss of shoulder movement. If your assessment suggests this may be contributing to your symptoms, we'll explain the condition, discuss appropriate management and provide guidance throughout your recovery.
Some presentations require prompt review.
Seek prompt medical attention if your shoulder pain follows significant trauma or is associated with:
- Obvious deformity
- Inability to move your arm
- Sudden severe weakness
- Loss of sensation
- Fever
- Significant swelling
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent night pain unrelated to movement
If your presentation suggests further investigation is required, we'll discuss this with you and arrange referral where appropriate.
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Ready to move your shoulder with confidence again?
Whether your shoulder pain developed gradually or followed an injury, we're here to help you understand what's contributing to your symptoms and develop a personalised plan to restore comfortable movement.