How to Know if Shoulder Pain is Serious: Advice from a Hove Physio
Shoulder pain is one of the most common reasons people seek out physiotherapy — and for good reason. Whether it's a dull ache after a gym session, a sharp pinch when reaching overhead, or stiffness that won’t go away, shoulder issues can seriously impact your daily life. But how do you know when it’s time to see a physiotherapist? And how serious is that pain, really?
At Life is Movement Clinic here in Brighton & Hove, we see hundreds of patients each year with shoulder pain — and not all cases are created equal. Here's what to look out for, when to be concerned, and how physiotherapy can help you recover safely and effectively.
When Shoulder Pain Might Be Serious
Not all shoulder pain is dangerous — but these red flags mean it’s time to seek professional advice:
Pain that doesn’t improve within 2–3 weeks
Pain that wakes you at night
Difficulty lifting your arm overhead or behind your back
Sudden loss of strength or visible deformity
Pain that radiates into the arm or hand (especially with numbness or tingling)
Pain following a fall, impact, or sports injury
These could indicate anything from a rotator cuff tear, impingement syndrome, labral tear, or even a frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis). Early assessment can prevent worsening or chronicity.
What Causes Shoulder Pain?
The shoulder is a complex joint, relying heavily on muscles, tendons, and ligaments for stability. Some common causes of shoulder pain include:
Rotator cuff strain or tear
Bursitis or tendinopathy
Shoulder impingement syndrome
Frozen shoulder
AC joint irritation
Referred pain from the neck or upper back
Poor posture or muscle imbalances
Why See a Physiotherapist for Shoulder Pain?
A qualified physio can identify whether your shoulder issue is mechanical, muscular, or something more serious. At Life is Movement Clinic in Brighton & Hove, we use:
Clinical assessment and movement screening
Targeted manual therapy
Dry needling or soft tissue release (if appropriate)
Individualised exercise prescription
Postural correction strategies
Education for long-term self-management
We focus not just on pain relief, but on addressing the root cause and preventing future injury.
What to Do If You Have Shoulder Pain Now
Avoid aggravating movements – especially overhead or behind-the-back actions.
Book an assessment with a physiotherapist to determine what’s really going on.
Don’t delay — shoulder problems become harder to treat the longer they persist.
Shoulder Pain? We’re Here to Help
If you’re based in Brighton or Hove and dealing with shoulder discomfort, don’t ignore it. Book a physiotherapy consultation at Life is Movement Clinic. We’ll assess your symptoms, give you a clear diagnosis, and help you get back to doing the things you love — pain free.
