Shoulder pain: causes, symptoms and treatment
A clinically reviewed guide to shoulder pain — the common causes, when to seek help, and how it is treated.
Medically reviewed by D.C Matt · Lead Director
Last reviewed 1 July 2026
- The rotator cuff is the most common source of shoulder pain.
- The shoulder is the body's most mobile joint, which makes it prone to irritation.
- Most cases respond to conservative care without surgery.
What causes shoulder pain?
Shoulder pain is most often caused by rotator cuff problems, tendon irritation or joint issues, and less commonly by referred pain from the neck.
What are the symptoms of shoulder pain?
Common symptoms are pain when lifting or reaching, weakness, and difficulty sleeping on the affected side.
- Pain when raising the arm or reaching overhead
- Weakness lifting or carrying
- Pain at night, especially lying on the shoulder
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion
How is shoulder pain treated?
Most shoulder pain is treated with targeted exercise, manual therapy and load management to settle irritated tissue and restore strength.
Treatment is tailored to the cause — for example, a rotator cuff programme for tendinopathy, or a graded mobility plan for stiffness. Shockwave therapy may be used for certain stubborn tendon problems.
The Postura approach
At Postura Wellness, care for shoulder pain is built around OrthoRestore™ — our signature method that combines chiropractic and physiotherapy into one coordinated plan. Depending on your assessment, it can bring together chiropractic adjustments, dry needling, muscle manipulation, Active Release Technique, and targeted exercises, supported where helpful by technology such as shockwave therapy and bioelectric therapy. The aim is to relieve symptoms while addressing the underlying causes, with a plan tailored to you.
When to seek urgent care
Seek prompt care for shoulder pain after a fall or injury with obvious deformity, inability to move the arm, or if pain is accompanied by chest pain or shortness of breath.
Sciatica FAQs
Why does my shoulder hurt more at night?
Night pain is common with rotator cuff and frozen shoulder problems, partly because lying down loads the tendons and reduces distraction from the pain.
How long does shoulder pain take to recover?
It varies. Rotator cuff irritation often improves over weeks with exercise, while frozen shoulder can take many months. Assessment helps set expectations.
Can physiotherapy or chiropractic help shoulder pain?
Yes. A targeted programme of manual therapy and progressive exercise is a first-line approach for most shoulder pain.
Do I need a scan for shoulder pain?
Not usually at first. Imaging is considered when pain is severe, follows significant injury, or does not improve with conservative care.
This guide is informed by patient information from accredited medical institutions:
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