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The shoulder is one of the most mobile and most easily irritated joints in the body, which makes shoulder pain both common and often slow to resolve on its own. Whether it’s a nagging ache that’s crept in over months, sharp pain when reaching overhead, or stiffness that’s making it hard to sleep on that side, our Sydney CBD physiotherapists can help you understand what’s going on and build a plan to get it moving properly again.

woman in gym doing shoulder exercises for rotator cuff injury

Rotator cuff injuries

Strain or tearing of the muscles and tendons that stabilise the shoulder, causing pain with lifting or reaching overhead.

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)

Progressive stiffness and pain that gradually restricts shoulder movement, often developing over weeks or months.

physio treating a patient with shoulder impingement

Shoulder impingement

Compression of tendons or bursa within the shoulder during overhead movement, causing pain with lifting the arm.

physio treating a shoulder patient

Shoulder instability & dislocation

Looseness or repeated dislocation of the shoulder joint, often following an initial injury.

physio assessing AC joint shoulder pain

AC joint injuries

Sprain or strain of the joint at the top of the shoulder, often from a fall or direct impact.

physio assessing a patient in a sling

Post-surgical shoulder rehab

Structured recovery following shoulder surgery such as rotator cuff repair or stabilisation.

Our approach at Bend + Mend

Careful assessment to distinguish between the many possible causes of shoulder pain, which often overlap
Manual therapy to reduce pain and improve joint and soft tissue mobility
Progressive strengthening to restore stability and prevent recurrence
Clear guidance on which movements to modify and which to keep doing
Experience with both gradual-onset shoulder pain and post-surgical rehabilitation

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my shoulder hurt more at night?

Many shoulder conditions, particularly rotator cuff and impingement issues, are aggravated by lying on the affected side or by the arm position during sleep. We can suggest sleeping positions and pillow support alongside treatment.

Do I need surgery for my shoulder pain?

Most shoulder conditions respond well to physiotherapy without surgery. We’ll monitor your progress and let you know if imaging or a specialist opinion looks necessary.

What is frozen shoulder and how long does it last?

Frozen shoulder is a gradual stiffening of the shoulder joint that can take months to resolve. Physiotherapy can help manage pain and maintain movement through each stage of recovery.

Can I keep exercising with shoulder pain?

Often yes, with some modification. We’ll help identify which movements are safe to continue and which need to be adjusted or temporarily avoided while you recover.

Book Your Back Shoulder Assessment Get a clear picture of what’s causing your shoulder pain with a thorough assessment from our Sydney CBD team.

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