Common shoulder conditions we treat, from frozen shoulder to rotator cuff injuries and post-surgical rehabilitation.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Pratik Khaire (PT), BPT, COMT, CDNT, CDCT, CIAFMT · Last reviewed 2026-08-16
Why this happens: The capsule around the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, often after a period of immobility, injury, or in people with diabetes, causing progressively worsening stiffness and pain.
How physiotherapy helps: Physio restores range of motion through graded mobilisation, stretching and pain-relief techniques, guiding you through the freezing, frozen and thawing stages.
Why this happens: The four rotator cuff muscles and tendons get irritated, strained or torn from overuse, poor posture, or a fall or lifting injury.
How physiotherapy helps: Physio strengthens the cuff and surrounding stabilisers, corrects movement patterns, and uses manual therapy to reduce pain and restore function.
Why this happens: Tendons get compressed between the shoulder bones during overhead movement, often due to repetitive overhead activity or poor shoulder blade control.
How physiotherapy helps: Physio improves shoulder blade positioning and rotator cuff strength to create more space for the tendons, reducing pain with movement.
Why this happens: The fluid-filled bursa cushioning the shoulder joint becomes inflamed from repetitive overhead movement or direct pressure.
How physiotherapy helps: Physio reduces inflammation with targeted techniques and corrects the movement patterns that keep aggravating the bursa.
Why this happens: Overuse or repetitive strain irritates and inflames the shoulder tendons.
How physiotherapy helps: Physio uses load management, stretching and progressive strengthening to calm irritation and rebuild tendon capacity.
Why this happens: Reduced use after injury, surgery or pain avoidance causes the joint and surrounding tissue to tighten.
How physiotherapy helps: Physio uses hands-on mobilisation and a graded stretching program to gradually restore full movement.
Why this happens: Wear and tear of the joint cartilage over time leads to pain, stiffness and reduced movement.
How physiotherapy helps: Physio focuses on maintaining mobility, strengthening supporting muscles and modifying activity to manage symptoms.
Why this happens: Ligaments and the joint capsule become loose or damaged, often after a dislocation or repetitive overhead strain, making the joint feel like it may give way.
How physiotherapy helps: Physio strengthens the stabilising muscles around the joint and retrains control to reduce the risk of further episodes.
Why this happens: After the shoulder joint pops out of its socket, surrounding ligaments and muscles are stretched or torn and need structured recovery.
How physiotherapy helps: Physio guides a staged program from protecting the joint early on to rebuilding strength and stability for a safe return to activity.
Why this happens: The small joint at the top of the shoulder, where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade, is strained or sprained, often from a fall onto the shoulder or heavy overhead activity.
How physiotherapy helps: Physio manages pain with hands-on techniques and progressively strengthens the shoulder to support the joint.
Why this happens: The biceps tendon at the front of the shoulder becomes irritated from repetitive overhead activity or as part of a wider rotator cuff issue.
How physiotherapy helps: Physio addresses the underlying movement pattern, reduces tendon irritation, and rebuilds strength progressively.
Why this happens: Weakness or poor control of the muscles stabilising the shoulder blade leads to abnormal movement and pain, often linked to posture or overuse.
How physiotherapy helps: Physio retrains shoulder blade control and strengthens the surrounding muscles to restore normal movement patterns.
Why this happens: Pain and stiffness are a normal part of healing after shoulder surgery, such as a rotator cuff repair or joint replacement.
How physiotherapy helps: Physio follows your surgeon's protocol to safely restore movement, strength and function at the right pace for healing.
Why this happens: Repetitive overhead actions in sports like swimming, cricket, tennis or volleyball place high demand on the shoulder, leading to overuse injuries.
How physiotherapy helps: Physio combines injury-specific treatment with sport-specific strengthening to get you back to your sport safely.
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Book an assessment with Dr. Pratik Khaire (PT) and get a clear diagnosis and treatment plan.
This information is educational and general in nature, and does not replace an in-person assessment. If you're experiencing severe pain, sudden weakness, numbness, or symptoms after significant trauma, please seek medical attention promptly.