Shoulder Pain Physiotherapy in Vancouver
Reaching into a cupboard, getting dressed or returning to a favourite sport can be difficult when your shoulder hurts. At Cadence Physiotherapy & Rehab, we help you understand your symptoms and plan a gradual return to the movements that matter to you.
Book a physiotherapy assessment
Shoulder pain has different causes
Shoulder symptoms may involve tendons, joints or surrounding tissues. A painful or stiff shoulder needs assessment before it is labelled a rotator cuff injury, frozen shoulder or another condition. The best next step depends on how symptoms started and what the examination shows.
Common concerns
- Pain when reaching overhead or behind your back
- Difficulty lifting or carrying
- Stiffness that affects dressing or everyday movement
- Discomfort during sport or when lying on the shoulder
When to get medical help
Seek urgent assessment for severe sudden pain, inability to move your arm, deformity, major swelling, persistent numbness or symptoms following an injury. Fever or feeling unwell with shoulder pain also needs medical advice. Shoulder or arm pain with chest pressure, breathlessness or sweating may be an emergency; call 911.
Your assessment at Cadence
We begin with your goals, whether that means lifting at work, swimming, playing tennis or sleeping more comfortably. Assessment may include shoulder range, strength and relevant neck and upper-body movement. Tell us about previous dislocations, surgery, scans or restrictions so these can be considered in your care.
A plan that fits your daily life
Your physiotherapist may combine individually selected mobility and strengthening exercises, activity modifications and hands-on care. We discuss how to practise at home and what response to look for. Returning to demanding tasks involves building towards their specific loads, positions and repetitions, rather than using the same programme for every shoulder.
Understand. Practise. Progress.
We explain what we find, agree on meaningful goals and review your response. Bring your questions, your previous treatment experience and the activities you want to get back to.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stop using my arm?
Complete avoidance can contribute to stiffness. Gentle movement and appropriate activity are often helpful, while aggravating loads may need adjusting. An acute injury or post-operative restriction may require a different approach.
How long will treatment take?
The cause, duration and effect on your daily life all matter. Some shoulder problems take months to improve. We review your response and functional goals, and discuss further assessment if progress is not as expected.
What should I bring to my first visit?
Wear clothing that allows comfortable movement. Bring relevant reports or instructions from other clinicians, along with your questions and insurance details if you would like help with direct billing. Coverage depends on your plan.
Book your Vancouver physiotherapy appointment
Find Cadence Physiotherapy & Rehab at 706–550 W Broadway, near Broadway & Cambie and Broadway–City Hall station. We welcome people from Fairview, Mount Pleasant, Cambie and surrounding Vancouver neighbourhoods.
Book online or call 604-738-4900. You can also contact the clinic if you are unsure which appointment to choose.
Explore sports physiotherapy or return to conditions we treat.
Further reading: NHS: Shoulder pain. General information only; individual assessment guides diagnosis and treatment.
