Understanding the problem
Where does shoulder pain come from?
The shoulder is a complex joint: 4 rotator cuff muscles + 17 scapular muscles coordinate every movement. When one of these becomes inflamed, "switches off" or works poorly, the entire mechanism falters.
The most common causes: rotator cuff tendinopathy, subacromial impingement, adhesive capsulitis, instability from scapular weakness.
The key point: "I have a cuff tear" does not mean surgery is always needed. Recent studies show that many partial tears respond very well to guided exercise.
The 4 most frequent causes
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy: repeated overload, age, overhead sports
- Subacromial impingement: reduced space between acromion and cuff, often from scapular weakness
- Adhesive capsulitis ("frozen shoulder"): progressive stiffness, more common in women aged 40-60
- Instability: shoulder that "gives way" or dislocates, common in young athletes
Specific symptoms
Do you recognize yourself in any of these cases?
Identifying the pattern of your pain helps the physiotherapist focus the program.
Pain when raising the arm
Pain between 60° and 120° of elevation (painful arc)
Night pain
Pain that worsens at night and disrupts sleep
Stiff shoulder
Difficulty bringing the arm behind the back
Pain at the gym
Pain on bench press, lateral raises, pull-ups
Sense of instability
Shoulder that "gives way" during movements
Common mistakes
5 things that make shoulder pain worse.
Common behaviors that slow recovery.
Total rest waiting for it to "pass"
Aggressive passive stretching
Repeated cortisone injections
Returning to gym/sport without progression
Relying solely on TENS, ultrasound, laser
Free consultation
When a physiotherapist can make the difference.
Basic exercises help a lot. A personalized path is necessary if:
- Night pain that wakes you up or prevents you from sleeping on the side
- The shoulder is stiff for weeks (suspected capsulitis)
- The pain limits daily activities
- You have had a recent trauma or dislocation
- Diagnosis of rotator cuff tear, calcification, capsulitis
On Ri-Hub the first visit is free: clinical assessment with specific tests. No commitment.
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