Shoulder Conditions We Can Help With:
Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
It happens when the tendons in your shoulder become irritated or damaged. These tendons are part of a group of muscles that help stabilize and move your shoulder, and when they’re overused or strained, they can become inflamed, causing pain and discomfort.
Why it happens: This condition happens mostly when we put too much strain on our shoulders over time, like lifting heavy weights, performing repetitive overhead movements, or doing intense sports like CrossFit. Not allowing enough time for your shoulder to rest and recover, poor posture or muscle imbalances, it can cause the tendons to become weak and painful.
How we can help: We will focus on reducing the pain and inflammation through hands-on techniques. Then, help you rebuild strength and the mobility with specific exercises that’ll make your shoulder stronger and more flexible, while also teaching you proper form so you can lift, throw, or train without overloading your shoulder.
Our goal is for you to get back to lifting weights, training at the gym, or playing sports without pain. Whether you’re picking up your kids, enjoying your favourite sport, or pushing through a workout.
Shoulder Bursitis
Shoulder bursitis happens when the tiny cushions in your shoulder joint, called bursae, become inflamed. This can leave your shoulder feeling stiff, painful, and hard to move, especially during activities like lifting or reaching.
Why it happens: Shoulder bursitis often develops from overusing your shoulder, like repeating the same motions in sports or work. It can also be caused by injuries or natural wear and tear that comes with age, making the bursae irritated
and inflamed.
How we can help: We’ll focus on easing your pain with gentle hands-on therapy and personalized exercises to improve movement and rebuild strength in your shoulder.
Our goal is to help you move without pain—whether it’s reaching for something, playing with your kids, or simply getting dressed. Let us help you feel strong, confident, and like yourself again.
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder happens when your shoulder becomes stiff, painful, and hard to move, making simple things like reaching, dressing, or lifting feel nearly impossible. It can even make it hard to get a good night’s sleep.
Why it happens: The cause isn’t always clear, it’s often linked to keeping your shoulder still for too long after surgery or injury, or to conditions like diabetes or thyroid problems.
How we can help: We focus on reducing pain and stiffness with gentle hands-on therapy, stretching to restore movement, and strengthening exercises to rebuild stability.
Our goal is to help you break free from the stiffness and pain, so you can reach, lift, and move your shoulder with ease—whether it’s getting dressed, enjoying your hobbies, or sleeping comfortably again.
Acromioclavicular Dislocation
An acromioclavicular dislocation happens when the ligaments that connect the top of your shoulder get stretched or torn. This can cause pain and swelling at the top of your shoulder, which might even travel up to your neck. Mild cases might just feel unstable or stiff, but more severe injuries can leave your shoulder looking visibly out of place.
Why it happens: This kind of injury usually comes from a fall or a hard hit to the shoulder, like falling onto your side during rugby, football, or cycling. When the arm is close to your body during impact, it puts a lot of pressure on the shoulder joint, which can lead to this type of injury.
How we can help: We focus on reducing swelling with techniques like cryotherapy and gentle manual therapy. We’ll guide you through exercises to restore movement, rebuild shoulder strength, and improve joint stability, helping you return to your daily activities and prevent future injuries.
Our goal is to help you regain full strength and stability in your shoulder, so you can lift, carry, and move without fear of pain or weakness—whether it’s reaching overhead, playing sports, or tackling everyday tasks.
Glenohumeral Dislocation
A glenohumeral dislocation happens when the ball of your shoulder joint pops out of its socket. This can leave your shoulder feeling weak, stiff, or even numb, especially when you try to lift your arm.
Why it happens: This often occurs due to a fall, a direct blow, or repetitive overhead motions that strain the shoulder joint. Once a dislocation happens, the ligaments and muscles that stabilize the shoulder can become stretched or weakened, increasing the likelihood of it happening again.
How we can help: We’ll work with you to gently ease your pain and get your shoulder moving again using hands-on care. We’ll guide you through exercises to rebuild strength and improve stability, so you can feel confident and comfortable getting back to your normal activities.
Our goal is to help you regain the strength and stability to trust your shoulder again—whether it’s throwing a ball, reaching confidently for something overhead, or sleeping comfortably without worry. With the right care and effort, you can get back to enjoying the activities you’ve been missing.
Subacromial Syndrome
Subacromial syndrome occurs when there’s a narrowing in your shoulder joint that pinches the tendons, causing pain during movements like lifting or reaching. It’s common in adults who use their shoulders repetitively, and the discomfort can extend to the front and side of the shoulder, sometimes even interrupting sleep. Over time, this condition can lead to stiffness, inflammation, or tendon damage if left untreated.
How we can help: At Lisburn Physio, we focus on reducing pain and inflammation with hands-on therapy to relax the affected muscles. We’ll guide you through exercises to restore your shoulder’s strength and movement while improving stability to prevent the issue from returning.
Our goal is to help you move your shoulder freely and confidently again—lifting, reaching, and performing your favourite activities without pain. Whether it’s swimming your best stroke, hitting your tennis serve, or simply reaching for something without hesitation, you can get back to the life you love.
Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
Rotator cuff tendinopathy happens when the tendons in your shoulder develop tiny tears, leading to inflammation, pain, and difficulty moving your arm. It often feels like a sharp pain when lifting your arm above shoulder height or a dull ache that limits your strength and movement. Over time, this can make everyday tasks, like carrying groceries or getting dressed, frustrating and uncomfortable.
Why it happens: This condition is often caused by repetitive shoulder movements, poor posture, or overuse, especially in activities like lifting, throwing, or working overhead. Aging, weak shoulder muscles, or improper technique in sports or daily tasks can also put extra stress on the tendons, making them more prone to injury.
How we can help: We create a personalized plan to help your shoulder heal and regain strength. This includes guided exercises to rebuild the tendon, improve flexibility, and restore your shoulder’s stability. We also use hands-on therapy to ease tension and reduce pain.
Our goal is to help you regain trust in your shoulder’s ability to support you—whether you’re painting that perfect stroke, swinging a tennis racket, or simply lifting your child.
Why a Healthy Shoulder Matters
DID YOU KNOW?
Aftercare is the key to maintaining shoulder health. After your physiotherapy sessions, your physio will refer you to our sports massage therapist to ensure you continue healing and stay on track. Preventing future flare-ups is just as important as treating the current injury.
For additional massage techniques, book an appointment at our Belfast Clinic, where we focus on injury prevention and long-term recovery. We offer specialized treatments like deep tissue massage to release tension around your shoulder and scraping (IASTM) to decrease inflammation and accelerate healing in the tendons and soft tissues of the shoulder.
