Finding Out Why your Shoulder Hurts

Understanding the Causes and Solutions

By Leslie Budzynski DC ~ BCA Registered Chiropractor (BCA Reg. No. 0072) since 1987 & GCC Registered Chiropractor (GCC Reg. No. 00043) since 1999 | Bournemouth Chiropractic offers a detailed look at shoulder pain and what chiropractic treatment could do to help.

Finding out Why your Shoulder Hurts

Shoulder pain is a common complaint that we see here at Bournemouth Chiropractic a lot. Whether it crept up on you gradually over time or came on suddenly, you want the same outcome, for it to stop hurting. Shoulder pain can hugely inhibit your movement and disrupt and your daily life.

In this post, we’ll walk you through what’s likely going on with your shoulder and why it’s worth getting it properly assessed. We will explain how a chiropractor can help get you back to doing the things you love.

Why the Shoulder is so Prone to Pain?

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body. That wide range of movement  includes things such as the ability to stretch and reach your arms up overhead, to throw things and swim using all swimming strokes or even down to something as simple as scratching that itch on your back. All these capabilities can come at a cost. The shoulder joint is relatively unstable and it relies heavily on surrounding muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves to keep it working properly. The shoulder is a powerful machine that is supported by a team of hard working parts.

When any one of these team members be it the surrounding muscles, tendons or ligaments are irritated, overloaded or just not moving as it should, that’s when you will feel it. Your shoulder is protesting and presenting the injury as pain.

Everything is connected

Further to this, because the shoulder is so closely connected to other areas of your body such as your neck, upper back and rib cage then problems in those regions can also refer pain into the shoulder, sometimes without any direct injury to the shoulder itself.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

There’s rarely a single and simple explanation for shoulder pain. Some of the most frequent causes that we see include:

Rotator cuff strains and injuries — The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that stabilise the shoulder. Repeated strain or a sudden awkward movement can cause irritation, micro-tears or in severe cases, full tears.

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)— This is a condition where capsule of the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and progressively stiffens, restricting the range of movement hugely.  This can make even simple movements very painful and difficult. It tends to develop slowly and can last months without treatment.

Shoulder impingement syndrome — This occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff in your shoulder become pinched between the shoulder bones during arm movement. It often causes pain when lifting the arm to a certain height and can make you flinch

Referred pain from the neck or upper back — Problems with the cervical (neck) or thoracic (mid-back) spine can send pain signals into the shoulder, upper arm or all the way down to the elbow. Many people are surprised to find that their “shoulder” pain actually originates from other parts of the spine.

Postural strain — Prolonged desk work, long periods at the wheel, driving or any activity that rounds the shoulders forward can overload muscles and joints over time. This is increasingly common and particularly even more prevalant for those working from home where perhaps poor and make do seating is the culprit.

Acromioclavicular (AC) joint problems — The AC joint sits at the top of the shoulder where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade. It can become painful following a fall or through a cumulative build up of stress.

As a matter of fact, it is worth mentioning that many of the same mechanical principles that drive shoulder problems also apply to the spinal column. If you’re also dealing with back symptoms, our detailed guide to low back pain treatment covers how chiropractic assessment works from the ground up.

How We Assess Shoulder Pain at Bournemouth Chiropractic

Before any treatment begins, a thorough assessment and consultation always takes place. At Bournemouth Chiropractic on your first visit, we take a detailed history of your symptoms, your lifestyle and any relevant medical background.

We then carry out an examination that looks at:

– How your shoulder moves and where it hurts when it does move
– The strength and coordination of the surrounding muscles in the shoulder
– The health of your neck and upper spine, which are closely connected to the shoulder
– Any neurological signs that might suggest nerve involvement

If needed, we may refer you for imaging, X-ray or MRI , to get a clearer picture. Our goal is always to understand why you’re in pain, not just where it hurts.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractic treatment for shoulder pain isn’t just about the shoulder in isolation. Because the shoulder works as part of a wider chain, team work, remember. Also, as previously mentioned, the shoulder is connected to the neck, thoracic spine and ribcage and as a chiropractor, I always look at the whole picture.

Treatment will be tailored to your specific diagnosis, but as a guide it may include:

Spinal and Joint Manipulation

Where joints in the neck, upper back or shoulder itself are restricted or not moving freely, careful mobilisation can help. This will restore movement, reduce pain and improve function. Many patients notice a meaningful difference after just a few sessions.

Soft Tissue Therapy

Techniques such as massage, trigger point therapy, or myofascial release can address tight or overworked muscles around the shoulder girdle. This reduces tension and improves blood flow to the area.

Rehabilitation Exercises

Restoring proper movement patterns is key to long-term recovery. We’ll give you targeted exercises to strengthen the shoulder and the surrounding stabilising muscles.  This is aiming to help protect against future flare-ups and keeping you active.

Postural and Lifestyle Advice

If your shoulder pain is linked to how you sit, sleep or work we’ll give you practical guidance to address those habits. Small adjustments to your workspace or daily routine can make a significant difference over time.

Furthermore:

Shoulder problems often come hand-in-hand with neck tension, particularly overnight. All these areas and habits are closely interconnected.  Our post on how to avoid neck pain while sleeping has some practical tips that apply equally to shoulder discomfort.

When to See a Chiropractor and When to See a GP

You don’t need a referral to see a chiropractor because you can book directly with us. For most cases of shoulder pain related to muscles, joints or the spine and chiropractic care is an appropriate. If, for some reason, it isn’t suitable for you I will refer you on. Chiropractic treatment is an effective first port of call.

However, if you experience any of the following, please seek urgent medical attention:

– Severe pain following a significant trauma or fall
– Signs of infection such as heat, redness, swelling, fever
– Unexplained weight loss alongside your pain
– Pain that is getting rapidly worse without explanation
– Any weakness or pins and needles that are worsening

In these cases, your GP or A&E should be your first stop.

Getting Help for Shoulder Pain in Bournemouth

Shoulder pain rarely resolves on its own once it’s set in and become persistent. Also, the longer it’s left, the more secondary problems such as posture changes or muscle imbalances can possibly develop because you will naturally compensate for that pain by adjusting the way you move. If your shoulder has been troubling you for more than a week or two then it’s worth getting it assessed properly.

At Bournemouth Chiropractic, here in Branksome Hill Road, we see patients from across Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and the wider Dorset area. Years of experience means we have seen a lot of shoulder problems over time and are very familiar with their causes and their recovery.

Whether your shoulder pain started yesterday and you know exactly how you hurt it or has been grumbling for months, we’re here to help you understand it and put together a plan to get rid of it.

How to get Booked in

Are you ready to take the first step? Book an appointment online or give us a call, we are always happy to answer any questions before you book to coming in, book a free 15 minute consultation by clicking the link to select your appointment type.

Here is a quick run down explaining what to expect on your first visit to the clinic and some frequently asked questions and answers if you need them. I see a wide demographic of patients who travel from across the BCP area, from local areas including Ashely Cross, Whitecliff, Branksome Park, Parkstone and Penn Hill and Branksome.

Do remember also that if back symptoms are also present alongside your shoulder pain, our low back pain guide explains how we look at the whole spine as a connected system.

Frequently Asked Questions about Shoulder Pain

Do I need a GP referral to see a chiropractor?

No referral is needed. You can book directly with Bournemouth Chiropractic. Chiropractors are primary contact practitioners, meaning they are trained to assess, diagnose and treat without you needing to see your GP first. If you are seeking the reassurance of your GP then by all mens, talk to them first before you book in.

What commonly causes shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain is rarely universally one size fits all. Common causes include rotator cuff strains, frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), shoulder impingement syndrome, acromioclavicular (AC) joint problems, postural strain and can also be referred pain from the neck or upper back, sometimes without any direct injury to the shoulder itself. A chiropractic assessment is the best way to identify what is driving your symptoms.

Can chiropractic help with frozen shoulder?

Chiropractic care, including mobilisation, soft tissue work and tailored rehabilitation exercises can help reduce pain and restore movement in frozen shoulder. Early intervention matters here, as the condition tends to worsen over time.

Why does my neck hurt as well as my shoulder?

The shoulder works as part of a wider mechanical chain, connected to the neck, upper back, and ribcage. Problems in the cervical spine (neck area) can refer pain into the shoulder, upper arm or even down to the elbow, often without any direct injury to the shoulder itself. This is one reason a chiropractic assessment always examines the whole area, not just the site of pain.

How many sessions will I need?

This depends on the cause and duration of your shoulder pain, how long you have had the pain. Many patients notice a meaningful improvement within a few sessions. After the initial consultation and examination, you will receive a clear and honest assessment of what is realistic for your specific situation. That is mainly why we offer a free 15 minute consultation to gather information and find out if chiropractic treatment can help

When should I go to my GP or A&E rather than a chiropractor?

For most shoulder pain related to muscles, joints or the spine, chiropractic is an appropriate and effective first port of call. However, please seek urgent medical attention if you experience severe pain following a significant fall or trauma, signs of infection such as heat, redness, swelling or fever, unexplained weight loss alongside your pain or any rapidly worsening weakness or pins and needles. In these cases, your GP or A&E should be your first contact.

Can I try a consultation before committing to treatment?

Yes. A free 15-minute consultation is available so you can ask questions and understand whether chiropractic is right for you, with no obligation. Appointments are generally available within 48 hours, with free parking on site at 42 Branksome Hill Road, Bournemouth BH4 9LE.

Medical Disclaimer

This post is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual circumstances vary and the information provided here may not apply to your specific situation. If you have experienced a recent fall, suspect a fracture, have lost consciousness seek medical advice. If you are experiencing sudden weakness, numbness, or difficulty walking please seek urgent medical attention. If you have a diagnosed condition such as osteoporosis, a neurological condition or are taking blood-thinning medication, please inform your practitioner before beginning any new treatment or exercise programme. Leslie Budzynski is a registered member of the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) and the General Chiropractic Council (GCC no: 00043). You can verify Leslie’s registration at any time on the GCC’s online register.

References

References

1. Luime JJ, Koes BW, Hendriksen IJM et al. (2004). Prevalence and incidence of shoulder pain in the general population: a systematic review. Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology, 33(2), 73–81. Establishes shoulder pain as one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints in primary care, after back and neck pain. doi:10.1080/03009740310004667
2. Kulkarni R, Gibson J, Brownson P et al. (2015). BESS/BOA Patient Care Pathways: Subacromial shoulder pain. Shoulder & Elbow, 7(2), 135–143. The current UK guideline from the British Elbow and Shoulder Society and British Orthopaedic Association on subacromial pain (shoulder impingement), its diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment. doi:10.1177/1758573215576456
3. Rangan A, Brealey SD, Keding A et al. (2020). Management of adults with primary frozen shoulder in secondary care (UK FROST): a multicentre, pragmatic, three-arm, superiority randomised clinical trial. The Lancet, 396(10256), 977–989. The largest UK trial comparing treatment pathways for frozen shoulder — directly relevant to the adhesive capsulitis section. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(20)31965-6
4. Brantingham JW, Cassa TK, Bonnefin D et al. (2011). Manipulative therapy for shoulder pain and disorders: expansion of a systematic review. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 34(5), 314–346. A systematic review specifically examining the evidence for chiropractic manipulation and mobilisation in shoulder pain — the most directly relevant reference for the treatment section. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2011.04.002
5. NICE Clinical Knowledge Summary. (2024). Shoulder pain. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. The current UK primary care reference on shoulder pain assessment and conservative management pathways. cks.nice.org.uk/topics/shoulder-pain