The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body and pays for it with vulnerability. Accurate diagnosis matters more here than almost anywhere else, because a stiff shoulder, a weak shoulder and an unstable shoulder can all hurt in the same spot while needing opposite treatments. Shoulder and upper limb conditions are a listed special interest for several physiotherapists at Sportscare Caloundra, including more than three decades of post-operative shoulder rehabilitation.
The shoulder problems we see weekly
- Subacromial pain (impingement). Pain reaching overhead or behind the back, common in swimmers, surfers, tradies and gym-goers. Managed with load modification and a progressive strengthening program, which trials show performs as well as surgery for most people.
- Rotator cuff tears and tendinopathy. Covered in depth on our rotator cuff page.
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis). A genuinely stiff shoulder that moves through painful, frozen and thawing phases, most common between 40 and 65. Physio manages pain, maintains what movement is available and speeds the recovery phase, and we are honest that the condition has its own timeline.
- Instability and dislocation. Common in young contact-sport athletes and surfers. Rehab strengthens the cuff and scapular stabilisers; repeat dislocators get a frank conversation about surgical opinions.
- AC joint injuries. The step on top of the shoulder after a fall onto the point, familiar to cyclists and rugby players.
Why shoulder rehab fails, and how we avoid it
Most failed shoulder rehab fails the same way: exercises too light to change tissue, abandoned too early. Tendon and cuff rehab needs progressive load over months, not a theraband for a fortnight. We test strength objectively, progress the program as you adapt, and tie the end point to your goal, whether that is paddling out at Moffat Beach, swimming squad, or a pain-free day on the tools.
Shoulder stopping your paddle, swim or sleep?
Night pain and overhead pain both respond to properly staged rehab. Call and get it assessed.
Call (07) 5221 5254Why does my shoulder hurt more at night?
Lying on the shoulder compresses irritated tendons and the bursa, and night pain is typical of rotator cuff problems. It usually settles as the daytime program takes effect, and there are positions and pillow setups that help in the meantime.
Will I need a scan?
Not usually at the start. Ultrasound shows cuff changes in plenty of pain-free shoulders, so we scan when the clinical picture suggests it will change management, such as suspected full-thickness tears or failure to progress.
Can a rotator cuff tear heal without surgery?
Many partial and even full-thickness tears are managed successfully with rehab, particularly in older adults. Young traumatic tears more often need a surgical opinion. Our rotator cuff page covers this in detail.