The rotator cuff is comprised of 4 muscles, tendons, and soft tissue that surround the shoulder joint. The job of the rotator cuff is to correctly guide the movement of the shoulder joint. With injury, overuse, poor posture, or even age, the rotator cuff can be partially or completely torn. Depending on the severity and situation, sometimes surgery is needed, but often the correct physiotherapy treatments can help reduce pain and restore strength to the rotator cuff to compensate for the partial tear. If surgery is needed, physiotherapy is an integral part of the pre and post-surgical rehabilitation for a full recovery.

Impingement typically occurs because of abnormal movement and tracking of the humeral head as you lift your arm overhead. Pain typically starts when lifting your arm at or above 90 degrees.

Also known as “adhesive capsulitis,” frozen shoulder can occur if your arm has been in a cast or sling for a while, or if you have been bedridden for an extended period of time. It results in a painful loss of motion in the shoulder with a tightening of the shoulder joint that severely limits motion. There are some ethnicities that are more predisposed, and women tend to have more instances than men. Frozen shoulder is more common in women in the 40-60 years of age.

Tendinitis occurs when the shoulder joint is excessively overused typically due to the demands of a laborious job, overhead activity, or sport. Furthermore, poor posture is a major contributor, as this alters the normal forces on the tendons, and can set you up for tendon injury. This causes the tendons to undergo ongoing inflammation, resulting in swelling and painful impingement when raising your arm.

The two main forms of arthritis that affect the shoulder are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in the shoulder joint experiences significant “wear and tear,” typically due to age or excessive overuse. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system decides to attack the membranes surrounding the shoulder joint, resulting in pain and inflammation. Both of these result in pain, loss of motion, weakness to the shoulder muscles, and difficulty performing normal, daily tasks.

Shoulder instability can occur from trauma (like a dislocation) or develop over time due to loose joint structures or repetitive overhead movement. It often feels like the shoulder is slipping or lacks control. At Adaptive Physiotherapy & Massage in Booragoon, we help restore stability through targeted strengthening, motor control training, and progressive loading to build confidence and reduce the risk of future dislocations.

The labrum is a ring of cartilage that helps deepen the shoulder socket and stabilize the joint. Tears to this tissue—often from trauma or repetitive overhead movements—can cause clicking, catching, or pain deep in the shoulder. Whether you’re trying to avoid surgery or recovering after one, our Booragoon physiotherapists can guide you through a structured rehab program to restore strength, range of motion, and stability.

After shoulder surgery—such as a rotator cuff repair, labral repair, or shoulder stabilization—rehab is essential for a full recovery. Our team provides expert, stage-specific care to reduce pain, restore mobility, rebuild strength, and help you return to sport, work, or daily life with confidence. We work closely with your surgeon’s guidelines while tailoring the rehab to your unique goals.

Shoulder pain during daily activities or exercise can be caused by a range of issues, from muscle imbalances to impingement or poor movement control. If lifting, reaching overhead, or sleeping on your side brings on discomfort, our Booragoon shoulder physiotherapists will assess the cause, restore optimal movement patterns, and help you return to pain-free living.