Shoulder Pain Treatment Cape Town
Shoulder pain in active people is usually a load problem: the tendons and muscles around the joint are asked to do more than they are ready for, often overhead.
Treatment combines short-term pain relief with progressive strengthening, so the shoulder can tolerate pressing, pulling, swinging and serving again.
Common causes
How did it start?
Rotator cuff-related shoulder pain
Often called impingement. Pain lifting the arm or sleeping on that side. Exercise therapy is the best-supported treatment, with manual therapy to settle pain early on.
Read the full guideOverhead lifting pain
Snatch, jerk, push press and handstands need shoulder mobility, upper back extension and strength in end range. The plan works on whichever is missing.
Read the full guideShoulder pain in padel and racquet sports
Smashes, bandejas and serves load the shoulder repeatedly at speed. Volume, technique and strength in throwing positions all matter.
AC joint pain
Pain on top of the shoulder with bench press, dips or after a fall. Load is modified while it settles.
Frozen shoulder
Gradual loss of movement in all directions with night pain. Care is co-managed with your doctor when needed.
How treatment works
- AssessHistory, movement and clinical tests, with screening for anything that needs a doctor.
- ExplainA clear diagnosis in plain language, and what recovery usually looks like.
- TreatHands-on care where it helps: joint and soft tissue work, dry needling or adjustments.
- RebuildExercises and a training plan so it holds up, with an end point.
When to get urgent medical care
- A fall with an obvious deformity, or sudden inability to lift the arm: see a doctor or emergency unit.
- Shoulder or arm pain with chest pain, shortness of breath or sweating: call emergency services.
Questions
Should I stop training with shoulder pain?
Usually not completely. Painful movements are modified while strength is rebuilt, so you keep your fitness.
Do I need a scan for shoulder pain?
Most shoulder pain does not need imaging at first. A scan is arranged if there is a suspected full tear, instability, or no progress with good rehab.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Book your chiropractic consultation and start working towards better movement and less pain.