Shoulder pain: assessment and osteopathic care in Kettering.
Shoulder pain has many possible sources — the rotator cuff tendons, the bursa, the joint itself, the acromioclavicular joint at the top of the shoulder, or pain referred from the neck and upper back. This page covers general shoulder pain; frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) has its own page. An osteopathic assessment aims to work out which structures are likely involved, whether your neck is contributing, and what is realistically likely to help — including when your GP should be involved.
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 if you have:
- sudden or very severe shoulder pain, or you cannot move your arm
- a shoulder that has changed shape or is badly swollen
- pins and needles or numbness that does not go away
- pain that started after an injury or accident, such as a fall
- a feverish or generally unwell feeling alongside the pain
Call 999 if shoulder or arm pain comes with chest pain or breathlessness, or spreads to the jaw or arm — this can be a sign of a heart problem. Full guidance: NHS — Shoulder pain.
How shoulder pain feels.
- Pain when lifting the arm out to the side or overhead — often a 'painful arc' part-way through the movement
- Aching on the outside of the upper arm, frequently worse lying on that side at night
- Pain at the top of the shoulder where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade
- Difficulty reaching behind your back, into a coat sleeve or across to a seatbelt
- Clicking, catching or a sense of the shoulder feeling loose with certain movements
- Pain that seems to spread from the neck into the shoulder blade or down the arm
What may be involved.
- Rotator cuff tendon problems (tendinopathy) or bursitis — typically worse when using the arm
- Impingement-type pain with overhead work, lifting or racquet and throwing sports
- Problems in the acromioclavicular joint at the top of the shoulder
- Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint
- Shoulder instability, including in people with joint hypermobility
- Referred pain from the joints and muscles of the neck and upper back
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) — covered on its own page
How we approach shoulder pain.
Work out what's likely driving it
A detailed history, then movement and strength testing of the shoulder, shoulder blade, neck and upper back. Shoulder pain often has more than one contributor, and pain felt in the shoulder sometimes comes from the neck. We screen for anything that needs your GP, an X-ray or a specialist opinion first.
Hands-on care where appropriate
Soft-tissue work and gentle articulation of the shoulder, upper back and neck where these appear to be contributing, with your consent. Hands-on care is not a substitute for the tests or treatment that some shoulder problems need, and we will say so if that applies to you.
Exercise and activity that suit you
NHS guidance is to stay active and keep the shoulder gently moving rather than stopping use altogether, and to keep up shoulder exercises for six to eight weeks. We agree a graded programme around your presentation, work and sport, and adjust it as you progress.
Review and onward referral
Recovery from shoulder pain can take months. If you are not improving after a reasonable trial, or your assessment points that way, we will direct you to your GP or the NHS community musculoskeletal service, which in many areas accepts self-referral.
What to expect.
Every shoulder appointment includes a careful history, an assessment of the shoulder, shoulder blade and neck, a clear explanation of the findings and — where appropriate — hands-on care and a plan to take home.
Appointments are with Neil Taylor, the clinic's sole osteopath (GOsC registered).
New patient £65 (45–60 minutes) · Follow-up £60 (30 minutes).
- 1.
Detailed history — how the pain started, what aggravates and eases it, night pain, your work, sport and any previous shoulder or neck problems.
- 2.
Movement, strength and, where indicated, neurological testing of the shoulder, shoulder blade, neck and upper back.
- 3.
A clear explanation of the likely contributors, including whether your neck appears to be involved and whether anything needs medical input.
- 4.
Hands-on care where appropriate, a simple exercise plan and advice on sleeping position, desk set-up and pacing activity.
Frequently asked.
Should I rest my shoulder or keep using it?
Current NHS advice is to keep the shoulder gently moving and avoid stopping use altogether, while easing off the specific things that clearly make it worse. Simple pain relief, heat or cold packs and a cushion under the arm when sitting can help you keep moving. We can show you what a sensible level of activity looks like for your shoulder.
How long does shoulder pain take to get better?
It depends on the cause. The NHS notes that shoulder pain can take six months or longer to recover, and that self-care usually needs a couple of weeks before it starts to ease. We will give you an honest picture after your assessment and review it with you rather than promising a timeframe.
Could my shoulder pain be coming from my neck?
Sometimes. Irritation of the joints or nerves in the neck can refer pain into the shoulder blade, shoulder and arm, and neck and shoulder problems often occur together. Assessing the neck is a standard part of a shoulder assessment here, and we will explain what we find.
Is this frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder usually involves marked, progressive stiffness in all directions as well as pain, and often develops without an obvious cause. Many shoulder problems are painful but not truly stiff in the same way. We can help distinguish the two at your assessment — our frozen shoulder page explains that condition in more detail.
Do I need a scan or X-ray?
Not usually as a first step. Most shoulder pain can be assessed clinically. If your history or examination suggests a fracture, a significant tendon tear, arthritis or another problem that would change management, we will recommend you see your GP, who can arrange imaging if needed.
Can I still train, swim or play sport?
Often yes, with modifications. Overhead lifting, swimming strokes and throwing or racquet sports are common aggravators, so the type and load may need to change for a period rather than stopping completely. We will give you specific guidance based on your assessment.
Do you offer dry needling for shoulder pain?
Neil also offers dry needling. If you are interested, he can discuss whether it is appropriate for you as part of your appointment.
When should I see a GP about shoulder pain?
See a GP if shoulder pain is getting worse or has not improved after two weeks of self-care, or if it is very difficult to move your arm or shoulder. Seek urgent GP or NHS 111 advice for the symptoms listed at the top of this page. In many areas you can also self-refer to the NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) service.
Sources and further reading
Ready to book a shoulder pain assessment?
Call, WhatsApp or book online. We'll take a careful history at your first visit and be honest about whether osteopathic care looks appropriate for your situation.