Shoulder Pain Physiotherapy in Takapuna

Shoulder pain is one of the most common reasons people come to see a physiotherapist. It

can start after an injury, but just as often it comes on gradually without any obvious cause.

Simple things like reaching into a cupboard, putting on a jacket or lying on your side at

night can suddenly become uncomfortable.

What causes shoulder pain?

There are many possible causes of shoulder pain, including:

• Rotator cuff-related shoulder pain

• Shoulder bursitis

• Frozen shoulder

• Shoulder instability

• Osteoarthritis

One thing we often hear in the clinic is, "Have I torn something?"

The good news is that shoulder pain doesn't always mean you've caused significant

damage. Studies have shown that many people with no shoulder pain at all have tendon

changes or small tears on MRI. That's why understanding your symptoms is often more

important than relying on a scan alone.

How can physiotherapy help?

Treatment depends on what's causing your symptoms, but it may include:

• Individualised exercise

• Manual therapy where appropriate

• Advice on modifying activities

• A gradual return to work, sport and everyday activities

For most shoulder conditions, the best results come from the right combination of

education, exercise and gradually building confidence in movement, rather than complete

rest.

Acupuncture is also available at our T akapuna clinic and can be used alongside

physiotherapy to help settle pain in the early stages while you build strength.

Is it covered by ACC?

If your shoulder pain followed an accident or a specific incident — a fall, a lifting strain, a

sporting injury — it is likely to be covered by ACC. You do not need a GP referral. Our clinic

is a registered ACC treatment provider and can lodge the claim for you at your first

appointment, usually processed within 24–48 hours. A surcharge applies to ACC

physiotherapy — please contact us for current fees.

When should you seek advice?

If your shoulder pain has been bothering you for more than a couple of weeks, is affecting

your sleep, or is making work, sport or everyday activities difficult, it's worth having it

assessed. Early management can often help prevent a short-term problem from becoming

a long-term one.

Book online, or call us 09 281 3779 — Level 3, 507 Lake Road, Takapuna.

References Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT). Clinical Practice

Guideline: Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy. Lewis JS. Rotator cuff related shoulder pain:

Assessment, management and uncertainties.