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Shoulder Pain
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Shoulder Pain Treatment in Perth

The most mobile joint in the body — and the most commonly injured. Accurate diagnosis is what separates effective treatment from wasted time.

Book an Appointment08 6113 8062

Shoulder Pain

Shoulder Pain Treatment in Perth

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body — and as a result, one of the most commonly injured. The trade-off for that extraordinary range of movement is inherent instability, making the rotator cuff, labrum, and surrounding musculature critical to normal shoulder function.

Shoulder pain presentations are diverse. Rotator cuff pathology, subacromial bursitis, glenohumeral joint instability, frozen shoulder, and acromioclavicular joint injury all require different approaches. Accurate diagnosis is the critical first step.

At Move Physiotherapy, we assess the full shoulder complex — including thoracic spine mobility and scapular control, which are commonly overlooked contributors to shoulder dysfunction.

🛡️
Satisfaction Guarantee
Have we met your expectations? If not, we will refund your out-of-pocket expense — no questions asked.
Shoulder Pain
Shoulder Pain
🛡️
Satisfaction Guarantee
Have we met your expectations? If not, we will refund your out-of-pocket expense — no questions asked.

Causes

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Subacromial pain syndrome (impingement) — rotator cuff tendinopathy or bursitis
Rotator cuff tear — partial or full thickness
Glenohumeral instability — anterior, posterior, or multidirectional
Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)
Acromioclavicular joint sprain or arthrosis
Biceps tendinopathy or SLAP tear
Scapular dyskinesis — poor scapular control affecting glenohumeral mechanics
Referred pain from cervical spine or thoracic spine

Our Approach

The Move Process

01
Diagnostic Assessment
Comprehensive shoulder assessment including rotator cuff strength, joint stability, scapular control, and thoracic mobility to accurately identify the pain source.
02
Pain Relief
Manual therapy, dry needling, and targeted soft tissue work to reduce pain and restore initial range of motion — creating the foundation for rehabilitation.
03
Rotator Cuff Rehabilitation
Progressive strengthening of the rotator cuff force couple to restore glenohumeral stability and centration. This is the cornerstone of all shoulder rehabilitation.
04
Return to Activity
Sport or work-specific loading, scapular control training, and graduated return to overhead activity — verified with objective strength testing.

Why Move Physiotherapy

What sets us apart

✦
Diagnostic Precision
We don't treat shoulder pain — we identify whether the source is rotator cuff, bursa, labrum, AC joint, or cervical spine, and target the treatment accordingly.
✦
VALD Strength Testing
Rotator cuff strength asymmetry is a key risk factor and treatment target. We quantify it objectively and track improvement throughout rehabilitation.
✦
Satisfaction Guarantee
Have we met your expectations? If not, we will refund your out-of-pocket expense — no questions asked.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does shoulder pain take to resolve?+
It depends on the diagnosis. Acute bursitis can improve substantially within 4-6 weeks. Rotator cuff tendinopathy and impingement typically take 3-6 months. Frozen shoulder has a natural history of 1-3 years but physiotherapy significantly reduces this. Rotator cuff tears managed conservatively may take 6-12 months.
Do I need surgery for my shoulder?+
Most shoulder conditions are managed successfully without surgery. Subacromial impingement, bursitis, and partial rotator cuff tears rarely require surgical intervention. Full-thickness rotator cuff tears in younger, active individuals may require repair, but physiotherapy should always be trialled first.
Can I still train or exercise with shoulder pain?+
In most cases, yes — with appropriate modification. Loading the rotator cuff progressively is a key part of treatment, not something to avoid. Your physiotherapist will advise on which exercises to continue, modify, or temporarily cease.
Why does my shoulder hurt at night?+
Night pain is a common feature of rotator cuff tendinopathy and bursitis. Side-lying compression of the subacromial space, reduced movement during sleep, and lower cortisol levels at night all contribute. Sleeping position and pillow support can significantly affect night pain.
What is scapular dyskinesis?+
Scapular dyskinesis refers to altered movement or positioning of the scapula during arm elevation. Because the scapula forms the base of the glenohumeral joint, abnormal scapular kinematics affect the subacromial space, rotator cuff mechanics, and overall shoulder function. It is a common contributing factor in shoulder impingement and instability.

Full Treatment Pathway

Related Services

Effective treatment for shoulder pain often involves more than one service. Explore the approaches we use as part of a complete care pathway.

General Physiotherapy

Expert assessment, hands-on treatment, and progressive rehabilitation for all musculoskeletal conditions.

Learn more →
Sports Physiotherapy

Sport-specific diagnosis, load management, and criteria-based return-to-sport rehabilitation.

Learn more →
Exercise Rehabilitation

Progressive, gym-based rehabilitation programs that rebuild strength and prevent recurrence.

Learn more →

Ready to get moving?

Beeliar, Booragoon and East Fremantle -- early morning, evening and Saturday appointments available.

Book OnlineCall 08 6113 8062