Book an appointment

Musculoskeletal · Conditions

Shoulder Pain Treatment in Exeter – Regain Mobility, Strength and Comfort

If shoulder pain is getting in the way of life, our physiotherapists can assess you and talk you through your options.

Book an appointment
Barefoot physiotherapist mobilising a patient’s shoulder with the arm supported across his forearm

Condition overview

Is Shoulder Pain Limiting Your Movement?

Shoulder pain can be incredibly frustrating, a sharp catch when you reach up, or a constant ache that limits your movement and disturbs your sleep. The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body, which makes it vulnerable to injury, overuse and wear and tear. When it hurts, it can affect everything from work to exercise to a good night’s rest. We’re here to help you move freely again.

You might be asking yourself:

  • Why does my shoulder hurt when I lift my arm or reach behind me?
  • Why is my shoulder stiff in the morning or after sitting still?
  • Why does my shoulder click or feel unstable during certain movements?
  • Will I need surgery, or can physiotherapy help?

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain We Treat

  • Rotator cuff injuriesPain, weakness or difficulty lifting the arm from inflammation, tendinopathy or tears.
  • Shoulder impingementA pinching sensation when raising the arm, with pain and limited movement.
  • Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)Stiffness, pain and restricted movement that often worsens over time.
  • Shoulder instabilityA loose or easily-dislocating joint causing pain and weakness during certain activities.
  • Labral tearsDamage to the cartilage around the joint, causing pain, clicking and instability.
  • Tendinopathy and bursitisInflammation around the shoulder, especially painful with overhead movements.

Chronic Shoulder Conditions and Overuse Injuries

  • Osteoarthritis of the shoulderPain, stiffness and grinding from gradual wear of the joint.
  • Shoulder bursitisInflammation of the cushioning bursae, causing pain and restricted movement.
  • TendinopathiesChronic pain from overuse, common in athletes and repetitive overhead activity.

Why Barefoot

Why Choose Barefoot for Your Shoulder Pain?

As HCPC-registered physiotherapists, we’re fully qualified to assess and diagnose your shoulder pain without needing to see your GP first, so you can start your recovery as quickly as possible. We take a holistic, root-cause approach, and as a multidisciplinary team we can combine physio with sports massage, strength and conditioning, shockwave therapy and taping, all under one roof in Exeter and Bovey Tracey. If imaging or a specialist opinion is needed, we’ll guide you to the right route.

Shoulder pain is one of Elly Skinner’s specialist areas, alongside MSK, sports injuries and shockwave therapy. Drawing on years of NHS experience as a Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, she assesses and rehabilitates rotator cuff problems, frozen shoulder and post-operative shoulders with a clear, staged plan, exactly the graded approach that helped one of our patients recover full movement after a rotator cuff tear. James Morgan, our lead physiotherapist, brings advanced post-graduate training and a proven track record with frozen shoulder recovery. Whoever you see, your shoulder is in expert hands.

Who You’ll See

How we can help

Our Comprehensive Approach Includes

  1. Accurate Diagnosis

    A thorough assessment to identify the root cause of your shoulder pain.

  2. Hands-On Manual Therapy

    To reduce pain, improve range of motion and restore function.

  3. Tailored Exercise Therapy

    To strengthen the shoulder and restore stability and flexibility.

  4. Movement Retraining

    Helping you move in ways that reduce strain and promote healing.

  5. Supporting Therapies

    Taping, shockwave and more as part of an integrated plan.

Conditions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder Pain

Do I need a scan for my shoulder?

Often not. Most shoulder pain is diagnosed through a thorough physical assessment, and a scan only changes management in specific cases. We’ll explain clearly if imaging would help.

How long does a frozen shoulder last?

Frozen shoulder can be a slow condition, sometimes lasting many months, but physiotherapy can ease pain and improve movement throughout. We’ll set realistic expectations for your stage.

What’s the difference between shoulder impingement and a rotator cuff tear?

Impingement is a pinching of the soft tissues when you raise your arm, while a rotator cuff tear is actual damage to the tendon. They can feel similar, which is why an accurate assessment matters.

Can I keep exercising with shoulder pain?

Usually yes, with the right modifications. We’ll guide you on what’s safe and beneficial rather than telling you to stop entirely.

When should I see a physiotherapist for shoulder pain?

If pain lasts more than a couple of weeks, keeps returning, or limits your movement or sleep, an early assessment will speed your recovery.

Take the First Step Toward Shoulder Pain Relief

You don’t have to live with shoulder pain. Let’s get your strength and mobility back so you can return to doing what you love.

  • Two clinics in Exeter and Bovey Tracey
  • HCPC-registered physiotherapists
  • No higher fee for your first assessment
Book an appointmentContact us
The Barefoot Physio team at the Exeter clinic