Shoulder Pain

Understanding Shoulder Pain

Common symptoms

• Pain when lifting the arm or reaching overhead
• Stiffness or restricted movement — difficulty rotating the shoulder fully
• Aching pain at night, particularly when lying on the affected side
• Sharp pain with specific movements — reaching behind the back, throwing, or pushing
• Weakness in the arm or difficulty holding objects at shoulder height
• Pain that radiates from the neck into the shoulder or down the upper arm
• Clicking, catching, or grinding in the shoulder joint during movement
• Gradual loss of shoulder range of motion over weeks or months

How chiropractic may help

Our assessment of shoulder pain at Banora Chiropractic includes both the shoulder joint and the cervical and thoracic spine. We assess your range of motion, perform specific orthopaedic tests for the rotator cuff, biceps tendon, and acromioclavicular joint, and evaluate your neck and upper back for any involvement. This thorough approach allows us to identify the primary source of your pain accurately. Chiropractic care for shoulder pain may include shoulder joint mobilisation and extremity adjustment techniques to improve movement and reduce pain, cervical and thoracic adjustments where the neck or upper back is contributing, soft tissue work on the rotator cuff muscles, upper trapezius, and surrounding structures, and targeted rehabilitation exercises to restore strength, stability, and full range of motion. We will also advise on activities to modify and guide your return to full function. If we believe your shoulder would benefit from imaging — particularly where a rotator cuff tear or significant structural damage is suspected — we will refer you for the appropriate investigation.

What to expect at Banora Chiropractic

Shoulder assessments at Banora Chiropractic take time to do properly. We begin by taking a detailed history — the mechanism of injury if there was one, how the pain has changed over time, which movements are most problematic, and whether there are any neurological symptoms like tingling or numbness in the arm. We then carry out a physical examination of the shoulder and neck. Treatment typically begins at or shortly after the first assessment visit. Most people with shoulder pain notice gradual improvement over four to eight weeks of care, though this varies depending on the condition and its severity. Frozen shoulder, for example, is a condition that improves slowly regardless of the treatment approach, while acute impingement often responds more quickly. We will be upfront about the expected timeline for your specific presentation and keep you informed throughout. Home exercises are a key part of shoulder rehabilitation, and we will progress these with you as your strength and range of motion improve.