Why Shoulder Pain Needs More Than a Quick Fix
If you have been told to manage your shoulder pain by taking painkillers and doing a few stretches, you are not alone. This advice is often given for shoulder discomfort, but while it might provide temporary relief, it rarely addresses the root cause of the problem.
At Green Clinic, we know that shoulder pain is rarely a simple issue. The shoulder is a highly complex joint that depends on muscles, tendons, and ligaments working together in harmony. Masking pain with medication or doing general stretches without guidance can sometimes make matters worse or even lead to further injury.
Our expert physiotherapists take a holistic, hands-on approach to shoulder pain. We help you identify what’s really causing the discomfort and create a tailored plan to restore your strength, mobility, and confidence.
The Limitations of Painkillers and General Stretches
Painkillers are often the first step in managing pain, but they only cover up the symptoms rather than resolving the issue. While over-the-counter medication may ease discomfort in the short term, it does nothing to improve shoulder movement, address inflammation, or strengthen weak muscles.
Similarly, unsupervised stretching can be unhelpful – or worse, harmful. Stretches that are not specific to your condition may strain already irritated tissues or fail to engage the right muscles to support healing.
Understanding the Causes of Shoulder Pain
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, making it vulnerable to injury and dysfunction. Common causes of shoulder pain include:
- Rotator cuff injuries: tears or inflammation in the tendons that support shoulder movement
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis): stiffness and reduced range of motion
- Impingement syndrome: when tendons are compressed during arm movements
- Arthritis: wear and tear in the shoulder joint
- Postural issues: often from desk work or repetitive activities
- Overuse injuries: common in sports or physical jobs
At Green Clinic, we carry out a thorough assessment to uncover the specific cause of your pain and determine the best treatment approach for you.
How Physiotherapy Can Help Shoulder Pain
Physiotherapy provides an active and long-lasting solution for shoulder pain. Instead of masking symptoms, our goal is to restore movement, strengthen weak areas, and prevent future problems.
Treatment may include:
- Manual therapy to release tension, mobilise joints, and reduce pain
- Targeted strengthening exercises for the rotator cuff and surrounding muscles
- Postural correction and ergonomic advice for work or daily activities
- Movement re-education to improve how the shoulder functions during everyday tasks or sport
- Guided stretching tailored to your condition and stage of recovery
The Benefits of an Active Approach
Staying inactive or relying on painkillers alone can allow the shoulder to stiffen further. A physiotherapist-led recovery programme helps by:
- Improving circulation and healing in affected tissues
- Preventing secondary problems such as muscle wasting or joint stiffness
- Restoring confidence in your shoulder’s strength and stability
At Green Clinic, we also focus on preventative care so you can avoid recurring pain in the future.
What to Expect at Green Clinic
At your first session, our physiotherapists will take time to understand your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history. We then perform a detailed physical assessment to identify which structures are involved and create a personalised treatment plan.
Your plan may include hands-on treatment, exercises, and education to help you manage your shoulder pain effectively and safely.
Why Choose Green Clinic for Shoulder Pain Treatment?
From our clinic in Edgware, we provide expert physiotherapy services to patients across Stanmore, Mill Hill, Colindale, Elstree, Borehamwood, and Harrow.
At Green Clinic, we pride ourselves on treating the whole person, not just the shoulder. We work with you to achieve lasting results so you can get back to work, sport, or daily life with confidence.
Take the First Step Towards Shoulder Relief
If you are tired of being told to take painkillers and stretch without seeing results, Green Clinic is here to help.
Contact us today to book your physiotherapy appointment and start your journey towards pain-free shoulder movement.
