Osteopath for Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain is a common complaint we treat at Wellthy Clinic. As an experienced osteopath for shoulder pain, we know this type of pain can be both frustrating and debilitating. Your shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body, which also makes it more vulnerable to injury and dysfunction.
Rather than focusing solely on the shoulder itself, we take a holistic approach by addressing posture, surrounding joints, and underlying causes to achieve longer-lasting relief. This article explores common causes of shoulder pain and how osteopathy can provide relief.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain:
Rotator Cuff Strains & Tears
You may experience pain in your shoulder or upper arm. Especially when lifting the arm, avoid lying on your affected side or using the sore muscles. Typically, you can associate the onset with a particular movement or repetitive overuse of the arm and shoulder. Four rotator cuff muscles support and stabilise your upper arm bone (humerus) in your shoulder joint. Tendons also attach from your muscles around your shoulder joint. Strains, impingement, and tears can arise in these muscles and tendons, most commonly in the supraspinatus muscle and tendon. Repetitive movements with hunched shoulders can increase the likelihood of experiencing impingement and tears. Typically, you will not be able to raise your arm if you have torn your rotator cuff tendon/s. As an osteopath for shoulder pain, we work to relieve muscular tension, improve joint mechanics, and support the healing process with rehabilitation exercises.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
You will experience a painful and gradual stiffening of the shoulder capsule, the tissue that surrounds your shoulder joint. A frozen shoulder can become so stiff and sore that it limits your ability to use your arm in everyday activities. The condition can impact your sleep and may require a prolonged recovery of up to 18 months. The cause is unknown, although particular triggers have been identified, such as following an infection, an injury to the shoulder, or compensation for injuries to other body parts. Osteopathic treatment helps improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and restore shoulder mobility over time.
Referred Shoulder Pain
Referred Shoulder Pain could come from your neck and upper back. Likewise, it can be referred from your lungs, diaphragm, liver or gallbladder. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the cause of your shoulder pain to achieve the best results. Typically, if neck or upper back movements produce pain (not shoulder movements), they are more likely to cause your pain. However, if shoulder or other movements aren’t reproducing your pain, a visceral referral (liver, etc) and the relationship between joint pain and gut health should be considered. A skilled osteopath shoulder pain specialist will assess the whole body to identify the source.
Osteoarthritis in the Shoulder
Progressive wearing away of the joint cartilage, leading to the two bones of the joint rubbing together, causing pain. Patients who have had previous trauma or shoulder surgery are most likely to develop osteoarthritis, and alternative treatment is necessary in later life. Symptoms include swelling, stiffness, aching and sharp stabbing pains. We use gentle manual therapy to improve joint mobility and provide exercises to support the surrounding muscles.
Acromioclavicular joint pain
Your shoulder complex comprises four joints: glenohumeral, acromioclavicular (AC), sternoclavicular, and scapulothoracic. Your AC joint (ACJ) is where your acromion meets your clavicle (collarbone). These joints can become inflamed and painful to touch during shoulder movements. You will typically experience ACJ pain or sprain after a fall or weight lifting. However, it is possible to experience pain due to poor posture with protracted shoulders after many years, causing increased mechanical loading through your ACJ. An osteopath for shoulder pain can help reduce AC joint strain and improve shoulder alignment.
Shoulder instability
When your muscles or ligaments are overstretched, your shoulder may feel unstable. This is common in young athletes performing repetitive movements (throwing, rugby, etc.). Over time, these activities can stretch the shoulder ligaments and cause instability. Your rotator cuff muscles, which surround the shoulder joint, will then tighten to stabilise the joint, which can lead to a dull, deep, achy pain. An osteopath-assisted rehabilitation can strengthen stabilising muscles and reduce the risk of further injury.
Shoulder Dislocation
It is where your upper arm (humerus) emerges from its normal shoulder joint position. Your shoulder ligaments and muscles will be affected; sometimes, tears can occur. A dislocated shoulder requires medical attention to gently traction the joint to put the shoulder back into place. Once this happens, you are more susceptible to further dislocations. To try and avoid surgery, a rehab program to stabilise and strengthen your shoulder muscles will be beneficial. We focus on restoring muscular balance, improving joint stability, and reducing compensatory strain in surrounding areas.
Osteopath Shoulder Pain Treatment: What to Expect
First, it is essential to understand the reason behind your shoulder pain. Hands-on Osteopathy to treat your shoulder, upper back, and neck can help reduce pressure in your inflamed shoulder, providing beneficial relief. At Wellthy Clinic, we also advise on strengthening and stretching exercises and give nutrition advice to optimise your recovery time. A recent randomised controlled trial suggested that five osteopathic treatments over eight weeks led to statistically significant and clinically relevant improvements in pain and disability in patients with shoulder pain (Schwerla et al., 2020). We believe rehabilitation plans are crucial to optimise your recovery time.
How Can an Osteopath Help?
Shoulder pain can be challenging and may take a long time to resolve. An Osteopath will first work with you to understand the cause of your shoulder problem. Then, provide hands-on muscular stretching, rhythmic joint articulation, and manipulation (if appropriate) to improve the range of motion. They will see the body in context and how one area can affect another. Sometimes it is an Osteopath for lower back pain, an osteopath for hip pain or an osteopath for knee pain that is causing increased mechanical loading through your shoulder. We will provide you with specific rehabilitation stretching and strengthening exercises, nutrition, and lifestyle advice to address your barriers to recovery and ensure the best possible results.
Osteopath Shoulder Pain Treatment
Shoulder pain is a common condition that can be particularly challenging, as we rely on our shoulders for many everyday movements. Your shoulder joint is highly mobile, but this comes at the expense of reduced stability, which in turn can lead to injury. However, with hands-on effective treatment and advice, you can feel better.
Why Choose Wellthy Clinic for Shoulder Pain?
If you’re searching for an osteopath for shoulder pain in London, we offer expert hands-on treatment in a calm and supportive environment. Our integrated approach means we treat your shoulder and consider your entire posture, movement patterns, and lifestyle.
Whether you're dealing with chronic shoulder discomfort, acute injury, or post-surgical pain, we’re here to help. Click here for the complete list of conditions that osteopaths treat or to book a session with us.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Most Painful Shoulder Condition? The frozen shoulder probably wins! However, all shoulder pains can be particularly challenging as they significantly impact everyday activities and one's ability to do what one wants to do.
What is the Best Treatment for Shoulder Pain? Osteopathy, Pilates, strengthening and stretching rehab exercises and Nutritional treatment in our opinion.
Can an Osteopath Help with Shoulder Bursitis? Yes. The question is, why is the bursa inflamed? An Osteopath will address your posture and reduce mechanical loading through the shoulder to optimise the inflammatory process. This is a longer-term solution to address the cause of the problem, as opposed to merely treating the symptoms or injecting the bursa with steroids.
Do Osteopaths Massage? Sports Osteopath London employs a combination of hands-on muscular stretching, joint articulation, and manipulation (if appropriate). They can also incorporate a massage to reduce muscular tension into a session if they feel this is required.
What Does a Pinched Nerve in the Shoulder Feel Like? Shooting pain, pins and needles, a burning sensation, or numbness are the most commonly reported symptoms of pinched nerves.
Is an osteopath good for shoulder pain? Yes, osteopaths are trained to assess and treat shoulder pain by addressing muscular tension, joint restrictions, and poor posture. They also consider how other body parts may contribute to the issue.
What is the best pain relief for shoulders? Manual therapy combined with specific strengthening and stretching exercises is often most effective. In some cases, anti-inflammatory strategies such as diet changes, movement modification can help support healing.
Should I see a chiropractor or osteopath for shoulder pain? Both can help, but osteopaths often use a holistic, whole-body approach that includes soft tissue work, joint mobilisations, and lifestyle advice. Choose based on your preference and how the practitioner approaches treatment.
What is the fastest way to cure shoulder pain? Early diagnosis, hands-on treatment (such as osteopathy), and a personalised rehab plan offer the quickest path to recovery. Ignoring symptoms or continuing aggravating activities usually delays healing.
Can an osteopath fix a rotator cuff? Osteopaths help manage rotator cuff injuries by improving biomechanics, reducing tension, and supporting the healing process with rehab. While they don't “fix” tears, they help create the conditions for optimal recovery.
How do you know if shoulder pain is muscle or joint? Muscle pain is usually dull and worsens with use, while joint pain can feel deep, sharp or catching during certain movements. An osteopath will perform specific tests to identify the source of your pain.
Is an osteopath better than a physio? Osteopaths and physiotherapists have overlapping skills, but osteopaths often work more holistically with hands-on techniques. The best choice depends on your individual needs and the practitioner’s expertise.
How long does it take for an osteopath to work? Many people notice some improvement within three sessions, especially if the issue is recent. Chronic problems may take longer and benefit from a tailored plan including exercises and lifestyle changes.
Clinic Director, Structural, Cranial Osteopath & Pilates Instructor. Passionate about working with people with shoulder pain to get back to do what they love doing.