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Shoulder Pain Treatment in Perth

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body -- and the most commonly injured. Accurate diagnosis is what separates effective treatment from wasted time.

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Shoulder Pain

Shoulder Pain Treatment in Perth

Shoulder pain is one of the most common presentations in physiotherapy -- and one of the most frequently mismanaged. The shoulder's extraordinary range of motion relies on a complex interplay of muscles, tendons, and joint structures. When one element fails, the whole system compensates -- often creating secondary problems.

At Move Physiotherapy, we take the time to accurately diagnose the source of your shoulder pain before treating it. Whether it's rotator cuff tendinopathy, bursitis, instability, or a labral injury -- the treatment approach differs significantly, and getting it right from the start makes all the difference.

Shoulder Pain
Shoulder Pain

Causes

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Rotator cuff tendinopathy or tear
Subacromial bursitis
Shoulder impingement
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
Glenohumeral instability
AC joint sprain
Labral tear
Referred pain from the neck

Our Approach

The Move Process

01
Differential Diagnosis
The shoulder has many possible sources of pain. We use a structured clinical assessment to identify exactly what structure is involved.
02
Targeted Manual Therapy
Hands-on treatment tailored to the specific diagnosis -- joint mobilisation, capsular stretching, or soft tissue work.
03
Rotator Cuff Rehabilitation
Progressive rotator cuff and scapular stabiliser loading -- the foundation of most shoulder rehabilitation programs.
04
Return to Full Function
Sport or work-specific rehabilitation to restore overhead strength and confidence in the shoulder.

Why Move Physiotherapy

What sets us apart

✦
Diagnosis First
We don't treat "shoulder pain" generically -- we identify the specific structure involved before treating. The approach for rotator cuff tendinopathy differs significantly from frozen shoulder, AC joint injury, or labral pathology.
✦
Rotator Cuff Expertise
Rotator cuff injuries are among the most common shoulder presentations we manage. Our approach combines load management, progressive strengthening, and manual therapy to restore full function without surgery where possible.
✦
Elite Sports Experience
Our team has managed shoulder injuries at state and national level in AFL, cricket, swimming, and water polo -- bringing sport-specific knowledge to every shoulder rehabilitation program.
✦
Surgical Coordination
For cases requiring surgical intervention -- rotator cuff repair, labral reconstruction, or AC joint stabilisation -- we provide pre-operative strengthening (prehab) and post-operative rehabilitation in coordination with your surgeon.
✦
Injection Referral When Indicated
Corticosteroid injections can assist in persistent inflammatory shoulder presentations. We will recommend and facilitate referral when there is clinical evidence that an injection is likely to be beneficial.
✦
Satisfaction Guarantee
Not satisfied after your first appointment? We'll refund you in full, no questions asked.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common causes of shoulder pain?+
The most common causes of shoulder pain presenting to physiotherapy are rotator cuff tendinopathy or tear, subacromial bursitis, frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), acromioclavicular (AC) joint injury, biceps tendinopathy, and glenohumeral joint instability. Each has a distinct presentation, examination profile, and treatment approach. Pain location, aggravating activities, the circumstances of onset, and specific clinical tests allow accurate differentiation in most cases. Imaging (ultrasound or MRI) is used selectively when clinical findings suggest a structural lesion that would change management.
Do I need a scan for my shoulder pain?+
Not always. Many shoulder conditions -- including rotator cuff tendinopathy, subacromial bursitis, and AC joint irritation -- can be diagnosed and treated effectively without imaging. Ultrasound is the most useful first-line scan for the shoulder, providing real-time assessment of the rotator cuff tendons and bursa. MRI is recommended when labral or significant full-thickness cuff pathology is suspected and surgical planning is being considered. Your physiotherapist will advise on whether imaging is warranted based on your clinical assessment findings.
How long does shoulder pain take to recover?+
Recovery time varies considerably by diagnosis. Acute muscular strains typically resolve within 2-4 weeks. Rotator cuff tendinopathy requires a structured loading program over 8-12 weeks. Frozen shoulder is the most unpredictable -- without treatment it can persist for 1-3 years, but physiotherapy significantly reduces both the severity and duration. AC joint sprains heal within 4-8 weeks depending on grade. Post-surgical rehabilitation typically takes 4-6 months. Your physiotherapist will give you a specific timeline after your diagnosis is confirmed.
Will I need shoulder surgery?+
The majority of shoulder conditions respond well to conservative physiotherapy management and do not require surgery. The clearest surgical indications are: full-thickness rotator cuff tears in younger, active patients; significant labral tears causing ongoing instability; and AC joint injuries of grade 3 or above. For subacromial pain and partial cuff tears, the evidence does not consistently favour surgery over physiotherapy. A well-structured 3-month physiotherapy program should be completed before surgical options are considered, except in cases with clear structural indication. Your physiotherapist will guide this decision in conjunction with your specialist if surgery is being considered.

Ready to get moving?

Beeliar, Booragoon and East Fremantle -- early morning, evening and Saturday appointments available.

Book OnlineCall 08 6113 8062