Shoulder Pain & Rotator Cuff Physiotherapy
Calm, progressive rehab for rotator cuff pain, subacromial irritation and stiffness — restoring comfort and strength without overloading too early.
What is rotator cuff–related shoulder pain?
The rotator cuff stabilises your shoulder and helps lift and rotate the arm. Pain usually comes from overload, reduced tendon capacity, stiffness or altered shoulder-blade mechanics — not necessarily a tear.
Many cases fall under subacromial pain syndrome, where irritated tendons and bursa become highly sensitive. With the right plan, recovery is typically excellent.
Common symptoms
- Pain reaching overhead or behind your back
- Discomfort lying on the affected side
- Achy outer shoulder / upper arm pain
- Weakness or “giving way”
- Stiffness after inactivity
Common triggers
- Repetitive overhead loading
- Sudden increase in gym or racket-sport volume
- Desk posture & shoulder-blade fatigue
- Incomplete recovery from previous flare-ups
- Compression when sleeping on the side
Rehab pillars
Settle pain
Position changes, pacing strategies and manual therapy when appropriate.
Restore motion
Soft-tissue work, joint techniques and repeatable daily mobility drills.
Load smart
Isometric → isotonic → functional loading without triggering flares.
Your rehab, phased
Phase 1 — Calm & protect
Irritability reduction, load tolerance testing and early isometrics.
Phase 2 — Strength & control
Rotator cuff loading, scapular mechanics & controlled range training.
Phase 3 — Return to function
Sport or work-specific drills and relapse-prevention strategies.
Self-care you can start now
Short, frequent mobility; avoid sharp pain; support the arm with a pillow when sleeping.
Red flags
Trauma with deformity, fever, severe unrelenting night pain or sudden loss of function.
What to expect at Santi
1) Assessment
Movement testing, strength mapping & differential diagnosis.
2) Treatment
Hands-on therapy where useful to restore comfort & motion.
3) Home plan
A clear phased programme progressed each session.