Upper Limb & Shoulder Pain

Discover expert insights on common causes of shoulder pain and discomfort, effective treatments, and self-help resources for optimal relief.

Suffering from shoulder pain or discomfort?

Shoulder pain is a common complaint that can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life. The shoulder is a complex joint with a wide range of motion, making it susceptible to various injuries and conditions. Understanding the causes of shoulder pain and injuries is crucial for effective management and recovery.

Common causes of shoulder pain

  • Damage or tears to the rotator cuff muscles can result in persistent shoulder pain, weakness, and limited range of motion.
  • Shoulder Impingement Syndrome is caused by pinching of the tendons between the shoulder blade and humerus, this condition leads to pain, especially when lifting the arm overhead.
  • A "Frozen Shoulder" involves stiffness and pain in the shoulder join, often accompanied by decreased mobility and functional limitations
  • Degenerative changes in the shoulder joint can cause chronic pain, inflammation, and restricted movement.

Appointments with Physiotherapy Scotland

If you are experiencing persistent shoulder pain, discomfort, or mobility issues, seeking professional assessment and treatment is essential for your recovery. At Physiotherapy Scotland, our team of expert physiotherapists offers comprehensive evaluations and tailored rehabilitation plans to address your specific shoulder concerns effectively.

Additional Links for Shoulder Injuries
How do I get a physiotherapy appointment for a shoulder assessment
What happens at a consultation?
Will I need further investigation?
When can I return to work or sport?
What do I need to tell my insurance company?
  • Comprehensive Assessment

    We conduct thorough assessments to understand your condition and create a tailored treatment plan.

  • Evidence Based Treatments

    Our treatments are based on the latest research and best practices in physiotherapy.

  • Home Exercise Programme

    We provide you with detailed exercise programmes to continue your rehabilitation at home.

  • Educations & Empowerment

    We empower you to take control of your health by educating you on self-care practices.

Upper Limb & Shoulder Exercises and Advice

Frozen Shoulder

A patient guide to physiotherapy for shoulder pain and/or stiffness Frank Gilroy- Consultant PhysiotherapistMegan Thea Ross Browne- Student PhysiotherapistContentsAnatomy of the shoulderWhat might cause shoulder pain and stiffness?What is a frozen shoulder?Symptoms of a frozen shoulderWhy does a frozen shoulder develop?DiagnosisRecoveryPhases of a frozen shoulderRehabilitation:Painful/early phase- preventing stiffnessMiddle/freezing phase- maintaining movementThawing/late phase- regaining movementSurgeryReferences Remember this programme…

Read More about Frozen Shoulder

Frozen Shoulder and Hydrodilatation post op exercises

The video below contains 5 exercises that can be started 2 days after your hydrodilatation procedure. Repeat each exercise 10 times Aim to do these exercises every 2 waking hours or at least 4 times per day Try to keep the exercises slow and controlled This video accompanies the Shoulder pain and stiffness guide which…

Read More about Frozen Shoulder and Hydrodilatation post op exercises

Shoulder exercises

Active Assisted Exercises from PainfulShoulder.co.uk Andrew Brooksbank These exercises are primarily used to regain range of movement in the shoulder after either injury or surgery. Do each exercise 10 times and repeat 3 times per day. 1. Using the unaffected arm or stick gently stretch arm above the head as far as is able. 2.…

Read More about Shoulder exercises

Shoulder pendular exercises

Shoulder pendular exercises Author: Andrew Brooksbank Exercise 1 Lean over and let your arm hang and swing forwards and back, do 20 times and repeat exercises 4 times per day. Exercise 2 Lean over and let your arm hang and swing side to side, do 20 times and repeat exercises 4 times per day. Exercise…

Read More about Shoulder pendular exercises

Tennis Elbow

Tennis Elbow This is a condition that is very common and causes pain in the outside portion of the elbow. It is also known as lateral epicondylitis, this name implies that it is inflammatory condition, but the actual pathology is a tendinosis of the insertion of Extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon on the lateral…

Read More about Tennis Elbow

Shoulder Impingement

Impingement of the shoulder Written by A. BrooksbankJanuary 2009 Impingement is a common cause of a painful shoulder. It has also been referred to as tendonitis or bursitis of the shoulder. Typical pain is in the outer part of the shoulder, this can be felt in the upper arm and as far down as the…

Read More about Shoulder Impingement

Frozen Shoulder

Frozen Shoulder Written by A. BrooksbankNovember 2011 Background The condition is characterised by severe pain and loss of movement in the shoulder. It can be either primary (known as idiopathic) where the onset of symptoms is spontaneous or secondary where the condition follows a specific traumatic event, such as a tendon injury or after fracture.…

Read More about Frozen Shoulder

Shoulder Injury Self Treatment

Andrew Brooksbank FRCS- Sports shoulder surgeon Frank Gilroy MCSP- Physiotherapist These exercise are a practical self treatment programme but should only be progressed after you have a medical diagnosis of a simple shoulder injury. If your pain persists or increases, seem specialist advice. In The First 48 Hours In the early stages after injuring your…

Read More about Shoulder Injury Self Treatment

Elbow, wrist, hand & shoulder links

Surgical information and contacts Specific sites for Elbow, wrist, hand & shoulder pain: http://www.glasgowshoulderclinic.co.uk    Affiliated links & clinics The National Stadium Sports Medicine Centre (Hampden) Glasgow Hyndland Physiotherapy Clinic Bounce Back Physiotherapy Kerry Stewart’s Pilates Glasgow Aimi McGeough- Neurological and Rehabilitation Physiotherapist. Contact: aimiphysio@gmail.com or call on 07399340484  The Joint Recovery Clinic

Read More about Elbow, wrist, hand & shoulder links

Appointments & Questions

How do I get an appointment for an elbow, wrist or shoulder assessment? Most patients with upper limb pain will either self refer for physiotherapy or will be referred by their GP or hospital consultant from within the Glasgow area. To arrange an appointment contact Frank Gilroy directly on 07906 250 032   What happens at…

Read More about Appointments & Questions

How can we help you?

Explore our directory of appointment information, exercises and self-help methods tailored for common injuries, pains and complaints:

Back & Neck Pain

Discover relief and rehabilitation through targeted physiotherapy interventions.

Hip Pain

Address discomfort and enhance mobility with specialised physiotherapy treatments.

Knee Pain

Alleviate pain and restore functionality with expert physiotherapy techniques.

Ankle Pain

Regain stability and strength through tailored physiotherapy interventions.

Shoulder Pain

Improve mobility and reduce pain with focused physiotherapy programmes.

Pre & Post Surgery

Receive optimal care and rehabilitation support for successful surgical outcomes.