Shoulder Pain Physiotherapy Edmonton

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Lift Without Limits.

Feeling Limited by Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder discomfort doesn’t just affect workouts—it impacts everything from getting dressed to lifting groceries, and even sleeping at night. Whether it’s a dull ache, a sharp pinch, or constant stiffness, shoulder pain can interrupt daily life in frustrating ways. If you’ve ever wondered:

Why do I feel pain in my shoulder when I lift my arm?
Is this tightness in my shoulder blade normal?
Why do I feel pain shooting from my neck into my shoulder?
What can I do when rest and ice aren’t enough?
Will shoulder pain go away on its own?

You’re not alone—and you don’t have to “wait it out.” At West Henday Physical Therapy, our approach to shoulder pain physiotherapy in Edmonton is designed to address the underlying cause, not only the symptom.

Shoulder Pain Can Affect Anyone—Here’s Who We Often Help

Office workers

are struggling with neck and shoulder tension from prolonged sitting or poor posture

Athletes

recovering from rotator cuff injuries or repetitive strain

Seniors

managing frozen shoulder, arthritis, or age-related mobility loss

New parents

experiencing shoulder pain from frequent lifting and carrying

Tradespeople

or anyone with repetitive overhead or manual arm movements

Post-surgical patients

are rebuilding strength and restoring range of motion

If your shoulder pain is affecting sleep, movement, or work, don’t ignore it. The earlier you seek care, the faster and smoother your recovery will be.

Common Shoulder Conditions We Treat

At West Henday Physical Therapy, we work with people experiencing everything from nagging aches to serious movement limitations. Whether your pain is new or something you’ve been living with for months, we help you take meaningful steps forward.

Rotator Cuff Injuries

Pain or weakness when lifting, reaching, or sleeping on your side may indicate strain or tears in the rotator cuff muscles.

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

A progressive condition marked by stiffness and reduced range of motion. Often follows surgery, injury, or periods of immobility.

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Caused by the pinching of tendons and bursa in the shoulder joint, often triggered by repetitive overhead movements.

Tendonitis or Bursitis

Inflammation of soft tissue structures around the shoulder. Symptoms often include aching, swelling, and discomfort with motion.

Post-Surgical Shoulder Rehabilitation

Supportive care following rotator cuff repair, labral surgery, or shoulder replacement—focused on safe movement and strength rebuilding.

Shoulder Blade & Upper Back Pain

Tightness or pulling sensations around the shoulder blades, often due to posture, poor mobility, or referred pain from the neck.

Neck and Shoulder Pain

Often interconnected, especially with desk workers or postural strain. Neck stiffness may refer to pain in the upper shoulder or trap region.

Techniques We Use to Treat Shoulder Pain

At West Henday Physical Therapy, our approach to shoulder pain physiotherapy in Edmonton is hands-on, progressive, and personalized to how your shoulder responds to movement and recovery. Whether you’re healing from an injury, surgery, or ongoing discomfort, we build your plan using a combination of these proven methods:

Manual Therapy and Mobility Work

We start by addressing stiffness and joint limitations to restore smoother movement and reduce tension.

Glenohumeral joint mobilizations to restore shoulder glide and reduce capsular tightness
Soft tissue release for tight rotator cuff muscles, posterior deltoid, or upper traps
Subacromial decompression techniques to relieve pressure and improve impingement-related movement
Passive and active-assisted range-of-motion drills using pulleys, dowels, or manual support to improve shoulder elevation and rotation

Targeted Exercise-Based Rehabilitation

Once mobility improves, we build strength and control through progressive loading and activation.

Isometric holds for early-stage strengthening without joint strain
Rotator cuff-specific strengthening using resistance bands, external rotation drills, and scaption work
Scapular stabilization exercises (e.g., serratus punches, wall slides) to support proper shoulder mechanics
Eccentric loading drills for tendon-related conditions like rotator cuff tendinopathy
Overhead movement retraining for patients returning to sport or work tasks involving reaching or lifting

Postural and Movement Re-Education

We assess your full movement chain—from your thoracic spine to your hand position—to identify what’s overcompensating and what needs correction.

Thoracic spine extension and rotation work using foam rollers or manual techniques
Neck-shoulder coordination retraining to reduce upper trap overactivation
Core and pelvic stability training to improve base support for shoulder movement
Functional pattern correction for lifting, reaching, or workstation-related habits

Flexibility and Stretching Techniques

To improve tissue length and restore joint balance, especially in frozen shoulder or post-operative care.

Capsular stretching techniques for restricted internal or external rotation
Cross-body and sleeper stretches to address posterior shoulder tightness
Pec minor and biceps tendon stretches to reduce anterior shoulder tension
Active mobility drills using sticks, bands, or manual guidance for dynamic flexibility

Functional Strength and Return-to-Activity Training

We tailor your rehab to prepare you for real-life or sport-specific movement.

Push-pull patterns to mimic daily lifting or gym movements
Grip and forearm strength integration for tasks involving tools or carrying
Shoulder stabilization under load using closed-chain activities like wall presses, bear holds, or quadruped reach drills
Sport- or job-specific movement simulation for safe reintegration to higher-level activity

Pain Management and Self-Care Strategies

Throughout your care, we also equip you with tools to stay comfortable and avoid flare-ups.

Guidance on ice vs. heat for pain or stiffness
Sleep position strategies to minimize nighttime aggravation
Shoulder support taping (if needed) to offload irritated tissues
Pacing education so you can rebuild strength without pushing too far, too fast

Custom Home Programs to Keep You Moving

Your progress doesn’t stop when your session ends. At West Henday Physical Therapy, we design personalized home exercise programs that extend your care beyond the clinic. These routines are tailored to your shoulder condition, current ability, and comfort level.

Each plan includes:

Simple, step-by-step instructions so you can confidently perform exercises at home.
Mobility and strengthening drills that reinforce the work done in your in-person sessions.
Modifications for pain or flare-ups, ensuring you can stay active even on your off days.

Whether you’re rebuilding range after frozen shoulder or regaining strength post-surgery, these at-home routines help bridge the gap between appointments and support long-term recovery.

Tracking Your Progress with Us

We believe in transparent, measurable progress. From your very first session, we track how your shoulder responds to treatment, so you always know where you stand.

What we monitor:

Range of motion—how freely your shoulder can move during everyday tasks.
Strength and stability—especially in supporting muscles like the rotator cuff and upper back.
Functional abilities—such as reaching overhead, lifting, or sleeping comfortably.

Your treatment plan is adjusted regularly based on this feedback. Whether you’re progressing quickly or facing a plateau, we’ll work with you to refine your care and keep you moving forward.

Ready to Move Without Shoulder Pain?

Whether your goal is to reach overhead without pain, sleep on your side again, or return to work or sport, we’re here to support every step of the journey.

West Henday Physical Therapy – where relief begins with movement.