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Shoulder Pain Treatment

Specialized physiotherapy treatment for shoulder pain in South Surrey. Effective care for rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, and sports injuries.

Book Appointment Call +1 604 923 8323
Prevalence

18-26% of adults experience shoulder pain

Common Age

Most common ages 40-60

Recovery Time

6-12 weeks with treatment

Coverage

Covered by extended health

Symptoms & Causes

Common Symptoms
  • Pain when reaching overhead or behind your back
  • Difficulty sleeping on the affected side
  • Weakness when lifting or carrying objects
  • Clicking, popping, or grinding sensations
  • Stiffness and reduced range of motion
  • Pain that radiates down the arm
  • Aching pain at rest that worsens with activity
  • Difficulty with daily tasks like dressing or washing hair
Common Causes
  • Rotator cuff tears or tendinopathy
  • Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
  • Shoulder impingement syndrome
  • Bursitis (inflammation of the bursa)
  • Arthritis in the shoulder joint
  • Labral tears (SLAP lesions)
  • AC joint injuries or separation
  • Repetitive overhead activities or sports

How We Treat Shoulder Pain

At At Ease Physio in South Surrey, we provide comprehensive treatment for all types of shoulder pain. Our approach begins with a thorough assessment to identify the specific structures involved and the root cause of your pain. We combine hands-on manual therapy to restore mobility, targeted exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers, and movement retraining to prevent recurrence. Therapeutic taping can also provide immediate pain relief and improve movement patterns during your recovery.

What to Expect

Your first visit includes a detailed 55-minute assessment examining your shoulder mechanics, strength, and movement patterns. We also assess your neck and thoracic spine, as these areas often contribute to shoulder problems. Treatment typically involves manual therapy to improve joint mobility, dry needling for muscle trigger points, clinical pilates for controlled strengthening, and guidance on activity modification. Most patients see significant improvement within 8-12 sessions.

Our Treatment Services

Manual Therapy
Skilled hands-on techniques to restore mobility, reduce pain, and promote healing
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Dry Needling
Targeted trigger point therapy to release muscle tension and reduce pain
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Clinical Pilates
Physiotherapist-led Pilates tailored to your rehabilitation and functional goals
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Prevention & Self-Care

Prevention Tips
  • Maintain good posture, especially at a desk
  • Strengthen rotator cuff and scapular muscles regularly
  • Warm up properly before sports or exercise
  • Avoid repetitive overhead activities without breaks
  • Use proper technique when lifting
  • Stretch chest and shoulder muscles daily
  • Address minor shoulder issues before they worsen
  • Maintain overall fitness and healthy body weight
When to See a Physiotherapist
  • Shoulder pain lasting more than a few days
  • Unable to raise your arm or reach behind your back
  • Pain that disrupts sleep
  • Weakness or instability in the shoulder
  • Pain following a fall or injury
  • Shoulder feels like it might "pop out"
  • Numbness or tingling in arm or hand
  • Previous shoulder injury is recurring

Frequently Asked Questions

Recovery time varies depending on the cause. Rotator cuff tendinopathy typically improves in 6-12 weeks with consistent physiotherapy. Frozen shoulder can take 12-18 months to fully resolve, though physiotherapy significantly speeds recovery and reduces pain. Post-surgical rehabilitation follows specific timelines based on the procedure. We'll provide a realistic timeline based on your specific diagnosis.
Yes, physiotherapy is essential for frozen shoulder treatment. While the condition eventually resolves on its own, physiotherapy can significantly reduce the duration and severity. We use gentle stretching, joint mobilizations, and specific exercises to maintain range of motion and reduce pain. Early intervention leads to better outcomes, so don't wait to seek treatment.
Most shoulder conditions respond well to conservative physiotherapy treatment. Rotator cuff tendinopathy, impingement, bursitis, and frozen shoulder typically improve without surgery. However, complete rotator cuff tears, some labral tears, or severe arthritis may eventually require surgery. We'll thoroughly assess your condition and discuss all options. If surgery is needed, pre and post-surgical physiotherapy improves outcomes.
It depends on your specific condition. Complete rest is rarely recommended and can actually slow recovery. We'll identify which movements are safe and which to avoid temporarily. Often, modified exercises that don't aggravate your shoulder are beneficial. Strengthening exercises for the rotator cuff and scapular muscles are typically an important part of recovery.
Night pain is common with shoulder problems because lying down changes pressure on the joint and surrounding tissues. Sleeping on the affected side compresses the shoulder, while lying on the opposite side can stretch irritated structures. We'll provide positioning strategies and pillows arrangements to reduce night pain, and treatment will address the underlying cause.

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Meet the Practitioners

Our team of experienced physiotherapists and kinesiologists are ready to help you on your path to recovery.

Larissa Vishniakoff

Larissa Vishniakoff

Registered Physiotherapist

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Megan Davis

Megan Davis

Registered Physiotherapist

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Rachel Craig

Rachel Craig

Registered Kinesiologist

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Ready to Start Your Recovery?

Book your initial 55-minute assessment with one of our experienced physiotherapists at South Surrey.

Book Appointment Call +1 604 923 8323