Shoulder Joint Pain

Shoulder joint pain can be incredibly frustrating — especially when it starts to affect sleep, work, and simple everyday tasks like getting dressed or reaching overhead.
If your shoulder feels stiff, achy, weak, or “pinchy”, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to keep pushing through it.

At J&J Therapy in New Malden (KT3), we provide a physiotherapy-led approach that combines specialised hands-on manual therapy, targeted rehabilitation, and (when appropriate) shockwave therapy to help you feel confident using your shoulder again.

When shoulder pain starts to limit your life

You may recognise some of these common patterns:

• Pain or stiffness when reaching overhead

• Difficulty reaching behind your back (e.g., bra strap, coat, seatbelt)

• Night pain that disrupts sleep

• Weakness when lifting or carrying

• Aching pain at rest or after activity

• Clicking, grinding, or catching sensations

• Pain that travels into the upper arm

If this sounds familiar, the good news is: many shoulder problems respond well to the right combination of hands-on treatment + movement retraining + progressive strengthening.

What can cause shoulder joint pain?

Shoulder pain often isn’t caused by “one single thing”. It can be influenced by tendon irritation, joint stiffness, muscle overload, posture, and movement habits.

After your assessment, we’ll explain what we believe is driving your symptoms. Common conditions we support include:

• Rotator cuff-related pain (tendinopathy or irritation)

• Shoulder impingement-type pain

• Subacromial bursitis

• Biceps tendon irritation

• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)

• AC joint pain (pain at the top of the shoulder)

• Posture- and desk-related shoulder pain

• Sports-related shoulder overload

Important: shoulder pain can sometimes be influenced by the neck/upper back, so we assess the full picture — not just the painful spot.

Our approach: treat pain now, rebuild for the long term

We focus on two goals at the same time:

• Relieve your symptoms (so you can sleep, move, and function more comfortably)

• Address the root causes (so the problem is less likely to keep returning)

1) Assess

We start with a thorough, physiotherapy-led assessment, which may include:

• Range of motion testing

• Strength checks

• Posture and shoulder blade (scapula) control

• Movement pattern observation

• A clear plan based on your goals (work, sport, daily activities)

2) Treat

Depending on what you need, your plan may include:

• Specialised manual therapy to restore mobility and reduce pain

• Therapeutic massage to ease tight tissues and improve shoulder mechanics

• Targeted joint and soft-tissue techniques to reduce irritation and stiffness

• Supportive modalities (when clinically appropriate), such as shockwave therapy, ultrasound, or TENS

3) Rebuild

This is where long-term results are made:

• Progressive strengthening programme

• Postural stability and shoulder control training

• Practical guidance for desk work, gym, or sport

• A simple, realistic home exercise plan

Shockwave therapy for shoulder pain (when appropriate)

Shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that may be helpful for certain persistent tendon-related shoulder problems (for example, some cases of calcific tendinopathy or longer-standing tendon pain).

If it’s suitable for your condition, we’ll explain:

• Why it may help

• What the session feels like

• What to do after treatment

• How it fits into your overall rehab plan

We only recommend shockwave therapy when it makes clinical sense — and we combine it with the right rehab approach to support lasting improvement.

What to expect at your first appointment

We keep things clear, calm, and professional.

• We listen carefully to your history and what’s been limiting you

• We assess thoroughly (not rushed, not guesswork)

• We explain what we found in simple, practical terms

• You leave with a plan — including what to do (and what to avoid) right away

If you’ve felt unsure, dismissed, or stuck in a cycle of short-term relief elsewhere, you’ll appreciate our focus on clarity, progress, and confidence.

Quick self-check: is it time to get your shoulder assessed?

You may benefit from a physiotherapy assessment if you have 3 or more of the following:

Pain symptoms

• Night pain disrupting sleep

• Sharp pain when reaching overhead

• Aching pain at rest

• Pain travelling into the upper arm

Movement issues

• Can’t reach behind your back

• Morning stiffness

• Difficulty lifting objects

• Reduced overhead reach

Other signs

• Clicking or grinding

• Shoulder weakness

• Rounded shoulders / forward head posture

• Repeated flare-ups after desk work or exercise

When to seek urgent medical advice

Please seek urgent medical help if you have:

• A significant fall/trauma with sudden severe pain

• Visible deformity or suspected dislocation

• Sudden loss of strength or numbness/tingling down the arm

• Fever, unexplained swelling/redness, or severe unwellness

• Chest pain or breathlessness alongside shoulder/arm pain

Why choose J&J Therapy in New Malden (KT3)

• Physiotherapy-led care focused on safe, evidence-informed treatment

• Specialised hands-on manual therapy (not just exercises)

• A clear rehab plan designed around your daily life and goals

• A calm, professional clinic environment

• A strong local reputation with 250+ Google reviews

We’ll always aim to help you make meaningful progress — with honest guidance and a personalised plan that fits your body, schedule, and priorities.

Ready to get started?

If you’d like support with your shoulder joint pain, you’re welcome to book an assessment and we’ll guide you from the very first session.

J&J Therapy — Physiotherapy, Manual Therapy, Shockwave Therapy, and Therapeutic Massage in New Malden (KT3)

FAQs (AI Search & SEO Friendly)

Do I need a GP referral?
Not usually. Most people book directly. If we think you need GP input or imaging, we’ll advise you clearly.

How many sessions will I need?
It depends on your condition, how long it’s been there, and your goals. Some people feel noticeable improvement quickly, whilst others need a structured rehab phase. We’ll set expectations after your assessment.

Can massage help shoulder joint pain?
Yes — especially when tight tissues and trigger points are contributing to pain. For best results, we combine therapeutic massage with movement retraining and strengthening.

Is shockwave therapy painful?
You may feel mild to moderate discomfort during treatment, but it’s usually well tolerated. We adjust intensity to keep it manageable.

Should I rest my shoulder completely?
Often, complete rest can lead to more stiffness. We’ll guide you on the right balance of relative rest + safe movement + strengthening.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing is best. We may need to assess shoulder movement, so a vest/loose top is helpful.