Shoulder Pain Treatment in Rainham & Medway
Shoulder pain that needs rebuilding, not resting
The shoulder trades stability for movement, which is what makes it so capable and so easily irritated. Most shoulder pain is not a tear that needs fixing.
“A lovely guy who's very understanding, caring, polite and listens to you and doesn't rush you like other physios I've seen do. Showed me some exercises to help strengthen my shoulder.”
How I approach shoulder pain
I see a range of shoulder problems, including rotator cuff related shoulder pain, rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability and dislocations, and frozen shoulder.
There isn't a one size fits all treatment for shoulder pain. Everything is based around what we find during the assessment and what you need.
I'll look at how the problem started, what you're struggling with, your movement, strength and loading capacity, as well as the wider factors that may be influencing your symptoms.
Josh Devine, Specialist MSK Physiotherapist
Common presentations
These four account for the large majority of the shoulders I see, and each one needs a different plan.
Rotator cuff related pain
The most common presentation. Usually a loading and capacity issue that responds well to graded strengthening.
Rotator cuff tears
A finding on a scan does not automatically explain symptoms. Cuff tears turn up in plenty of people who have no pain at all.
Instability and dislocations
Needs accurate assessment and a structured return to activity and sport.
Frozen shoulder
A distinct condition with recognisable stages, and the right treatment at one stage is the wrong treatment at another.
Rebuild the cuff, restore the movement
Progressive strengthening of the rotator cuff and surrounding musculature. This is the part that produces lasting change.
“Great first session, already feel such a difference in my neck and across my upper back and shoulders. Would highly recommend!”
How we treat shoulder pain
Address what you're avoiding
People commonly struggle with reaching, lifting, exercise, sport or sleeping, and start avoiding movements out of worry.
Treatment alongside loading
Soft tissue work or joint mobilisation where appropriate, alongside exercise, movement and progressive loading.
Give you the tools to manage it
The aim isn't to treat the shoulder and send you away. It's to build confidence and get you back to what matters.
Back to full activity
A sporting injury, graded accurately at the first session and rehabilitated in stages.
What our patients say
A difference within hours
“Josh was very knowledgeable and made me feel at ease instantly. My journey to repair my shoulder began yesterday and within a couple of hours he has made such a difference. Less pain and more movement so soon wasn't expected.”
Avoided a steroid injection
“I had really bad shoulder and collar bone pain caused by an AC joint for at least 6 months. I was told if it doesn't get better in 4 weeks I would have to have a steroid injection. Thanks to Josh I didn't need one.”
Kept training through it
“Went to see Josh about an issue with my shoulder and he laid out a plan for me to work on, showing what stretches and exercises to do to improve the problem while still being able to train.”
What good looks like
Common questions
Is my shoulder pain a rotator cuff tear?
How long does frozen shoulder take?
Why does it hurt more at night?
Will I need an injection?
Get your shoulder assessed
Name, number, email and a line about what is going on.
- No referral needed
- Evenings until 9pm plus weekends
- Free 10 minute call if you would rather talk first
- We will say if physiotherapy is not the right answer
Find us
The clinic is at 9 Eastwood Meadow in Rainham, with parking directly outside.
BetterMe Physiotherapy
9 Eastwood Meadow
Rainham, Gillingham
ME8 8FA
Parking
Dedicated spaces for patients, with step free access from the car to the treatment room.
Opening hours
Mon to Fri 09:00 to 21:00
Saturday 09:00 to 18:00
Sunday 09:00 to 14:00
Take the first step
One assessment will tell you what is driving the shoulder, and how long it should take to settle.
110+ five star Google reviews · HCPC registered · MACP accredited