Why Stretching Alone May Not Be Enough
If you have been trying to relieve your shoulder pain with stretches, you are not alone. Many people assume that gently moving the shoulder will help ease the discomfort and restore mobility. While stretching can play a part in recovery, it is rarely enough on its own to address the underlying cause of shoulder pain.
At Green Clinic, we often see patients who have been stretching for weeks with little or no improvement. Some even report their pain worsening. This is because shoulder pain is a complex issue that often requires a more structured and targeted approach to healing.
Understanding the Shoulder’s Complexity
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, allowing us to lift, reach, and rotate our arms freely. This flexibility, however, comes at a cost – the shoulder is highly dependent on muscles, tendons, and ligaments working together in balance. When one part of this system is strained or injured, it can quickly lead to pain and reduced movement.
Common causes of shoulder pain include:
- Rotator cuff injuries: tears or inflammation in the tendons supporting the joint
- Frozen shoulder: stiffness and limited range of motion
- Impingement syndrome: compression of tendons during movement
- Postural issues: often related to prolonged sitting or desk work
- Overuse injuries: repetitive strain from sports or physical activities
The Problem with Generic Stretching
Not all shoulder pain is the same, and neither are the stretches that may help. Generic stretching routines found online or recommended casually may not target the right structures. In some cases, they can even irritate inflamed tissues and make the pain worse.
Without a proper assessment, stretching alone can lead to:
- Temporary relief without long-term improvement
- Increased pain from overstretching damaged tissues
- Continued weakness and instability in the shoulder
How Physiotherapy Can Help
At Green Clinic, we take a comprehensive approach to shoulder pain. Our expert physiotherapists start by assessing the cause of your discomfort and how it affects your movement. Based on this, we design a tailored plan that may include:
- Manual therapy: hands-on techniques to release tight muscles and improve joint mobility
- Strengthening exercises: building stability in the shoulder’s supporting muscles
- Postural correction: improving alignment to reduce strain
- Guided stretches: targeted movements that are safe and effective for your condition
- Education: helping you understand your injury and prevent future problems
This combination of techniques ensures that you are not only addressing the pain but also building a stronger, more resilient shoulder.
The Benefits of an Active, Guided Recovery
Staying active in the right way is key to overcoming shoulder pain. Physiotherapy helps by:
- Encouraging blood flow to promote healing
- Restoring range of motion safely
- Preventing secondary issues like stiffness or muscle weakness
- Giving you the confidence to use your shoulder without fear
Our goal at Green Clinic is to help you regain full use of your shoulder and avoid ongoing or recurring pain.
Why Choose Green Clinic?
From our base in Edgware, we provide expert physiotherapy services to patients across Stanmore, Mill Hill, Colindale, Elstree, Borehamwood, and Harrow.
We combine medical expertise with a caring, holistic approach. This means we do not just treat the symptoms – we help you understand why the pain started and how to prevent it returning.
Take the First Step Towards Lasting Shoulder Relief
If stretching alone has not eased your shoulder pain, it may be time to try a more effective approach.
Contact Green Clinic today to book your physiotherapy appointment and begin your journey to pain-free movement.
