Shoulder pain and stiffness can limit movements, making everyday tasks difficult. Many people experience discomfort when lifting their arms, reaching behind their backs, or sleeping on the affected side. Common causes include rotator cuff injuries, arthritis, or inflammation. Symptoms often include weakness, aching, or sharp pain around the shoulder and upper arm bone (humerus). Some feel a grinding or popping sensation. If pain persists, worsens, or restricts movement, seeking medical advice is important. Early diagnosis can prevent further damage and improve recovery. Treatment options range from rest and physical therapy to medication or, in severe cases, surgery.

Rotator Cuff or Shoulder Pain, What to Do?

Shoulder pain and difficulties with lifting the arm above shoulder height can be very debilitating and can have a significant impact on our daily lives. It can make common tasks like taking a shower or doing the dishes difficult and it can even make it difficult to sleep due to pain at night. It can be difficult to know what to do to address your shoulder pain. Here at REP Physio, we have lots of experience treating people who are experiencing shoulder pain and would love to help you improve your symptoms so you can return to doing the things you love. Unfortunately, rest is not always the answer, rest can improve symptoms temporarily but if the pain or immobility persists you should seek help from a healthcare professional.

What Causes Shoulder Pain and What is Shoulder Impingement Syndrome?

Shoulder impingement syndrome is thought to be a condition where the tendons of the rotator cuff are pinched as they pass through the top of your upper arm and shoulder. More recent literature suggests no relationship between acromiohumeral distance and shoulder pain (Park et al. 2020). In another study, contact between the supraspinatus tendon and coracoacromial arch occurred in almost 50% of patients, and there was no significant difference between whether these patients would be symptomatic or asymptomatic (Lawrence et al. 2019). In other words, the rotator cuff tendon is pinched as it passes through the upper arm and shoulder, which likely does not matter regarding pain. What does this mean in regards to your shoulder pain? There is likely a structural issue you are dealing with if you are having significant shoulder pain and difficulty lifting your arm above shoulder height. The cause of shoulder pain could be a bone spur or more likely, the rotator cuff muscles. We will briefly go over the importance of the rotator cuff muscles.

• The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. These muscles work together to provide dynamic stability to our shoulders. When there is a rotator cuff tear due to an acute injury or overuse, it can cause weakness and reduced range of motion in the shoulder.

Common Causes of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

When the rotator cuff tendon becomes irritated or compressed, causing pain and limited movement. A common cause is tendinitis, where repetitive overhead motions inflame the rotator cuff tendon. Another cause is frozen shoulder, where thickened tissue around the shoulder joint restricts movement and leads to stiffness. Previous shoulder injuries, such as fractures or dislocations, can also contribute by altering joint mechanics. These conditions make it painful to move your shoulder, especially when lifting or reaching. Early treatment, including rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory measures, can help restore mobility and prevent worsening symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement?

Common symptoms that you may experience with a diagnosis of shoulder impingement are

• Pain at the outside and top of your arm
• Pain that may radiate down your arm
• Pain on the top of your shoulder
• Pain that gets worse with movement of the arm, particularly pain when lifting the arm above shoulder height and overhead
• Aches at night which can affect sleep
• Weakness in the arm
• Pain when you reach behind your back
• Pain when moving the arm or moving the arm overhead

Symptoms and pain from shoulder impingement generally lasts for a few weeks to months, but in some cases, the pain may become more chronic. Typically, people describe the pain as a sharp pinch in the shoulder, especially when they lift their arm around the shoulder height or higher. Pain due to inflammation in the shoulder can range from mild to severe pain.

When to Seek Help for Shoulder Impingement Symptoms

Physiotherapy is essential for managing rotator cuff tears, tendinitis, and other common shoulder issues. A thorough physical examination of the shoulder helps identify the cause of pain and weakness. Treatment focuses on relieving pain, improving mobility, and strengthening muscles to support joint stability. Hands-on techniques, stretching, and targeted strengthening exercises help restore function and reduce strain on the shoulder. Postural correction and movement retraining prevent further injury and improve overall mechanics. By addressing the root cause, physiotherapy alleviates discomfort and enhances long-term shoulder function, making everyday activities easier and more comfortable.

What Treatments Are Available for Shoulder Impingement, Rotator Cuff Injuries, or a Rotator cuff tear?

A common treatment regimen for shoulder pain at REP Physio depends on the diagnosis but often follows a structured approach to reduce pain,  restore function, and reduce weakness in your shoulder. Two common conditions we treat are rotator cuff tendinopathy and shoulder impingement.

For rotator cuff tendinopathy, the focus is on decreasing inflammation and strengthening muscles and tendons to support the joint. We begin with gentle range-of-motion work to move the shoulder without aggravating pain. As stiffness in your shoulder decreases, we introduce targeted stretches and exercises to improve flexibility and strength. Strengthening the rotator cuff and shoulder blade stabilizers helps restore function and prevent future injury.

For those who experience shoulder impingement, we work to correct movement patterns that cause irritation. We emphasize posture correction, soft tissue mobilization, and controlled strengthening to improve the motion of the shoulder. Exercises that retrain proper scapular movement help you lift your arm pain-free.

Most patients see progress within a few weeks with consistent therapy, and long-term relief comes from ongoing maintenance exercises. At REP, we tailor each program to improve your pain and help you move with confidence.

Working with a Physio for Shoulder Pain or When you can’t move your arm above your head.

REP Physio is the right choice for people experiencing shoulder pain because we specialize in helping you move your arm freely again. The shoulder is a complex joint, and we take a precise, evidence-based approach to treating shoulder problems, whether it’s a dislocated shoulder, rotator cuff injury, or chronic stiffness.

At REP Physio, we don’t offer generic physical therapy—we tailor each session to your specific needs. Our therapists treat shoulder conditions daily, ensuring expert care. We focus on restoring mobility, strength, and stability to get your shoulder functioning at its best.

Our approach reduces recurrence by addressing the root cause, not just symptoms. Clients who fully recover with REP Physio experience significantly lower relapse rates, as we educate them on proper movement patterns and strengthening techniques. If your shoulder may be holding you back, REP Physio provides the specialized care you need to regain pain-free motion.