Where is the pain coming from?
Shoulder pain can involve the joint, tendons or surrounding muscles. Sometimes pain felt around the shoulder comes from the neck. An injury, a change in activity or a longer-standing problem can all be relevant.
Stiffness, pain and weakness do not all mean the same thing. Tell Dr Shahar about symptoms travelling down your arm, tingling, numbness or loss of strength.
What we assess
- The beginning: whether symptoms followed a fall, lifting task, sport or a gradual change.
- The movement: reaching overhead, reaching behind you, carrying and turning your neck.
- The effect on your day: sleep, dressing, work and activities you have stopped doing.
- Relevant findings: movement, strength and, when indicated, nerve function.
The assessment helps decide whether care here is suitable or whether medical review or another referral should come first.
What care may involve
Care depends on the findings. Options may include explanation, a temporary change to aggravating tasks and exercises suited to your movement and strength. Suitable hands-on care may also be discussed, including its expected benefits, risks and alternatives.
Some shoulder problems need physiotherapy, medical management or specialist assessment. A routine chiropractic appointment does not replace urgent care after a significant injury.
How chiropractic care may help
Dr Shahar considers the shoulder together with relevant neck, upper-back and arm findings. The aim is to identify what limits reaching, carrying or working, and whether care here is suitable. A plan may include exercises for shoulder movement and strength, temporary changes to demanding tasks and selected hands-on care.
Posture and support can change the demands of a task—for example, supporting the arm during desk work. The goal is to rebuild comfortable use of the arm. It does not assume that shoulder pain always starts in the spine.
Keep the goal practical
For many uncomplicated shoulder problems, gentle movement is useful. Completely avoiding use for a long period can increase stiffness. The right amount of activity depends on the cause; avoid forcing painful stretches or heavy exercises while the problem is unclear.
Agree on something you can review, such as reaching a cupboard or sleeping more comfortably. If symptoms persist or worsen, the plan needs reassessment.
Your questions.
Do I need a scan before making an appointment?
Not automatically. Your history and examination guide whether imaging would help. Bring existing reports; a recent injury or unusual findings may require medical assessment or imaging first.
Could it be coming from my neck?
Sometimes. Describe neck symptoms and any pain, tingling or weakness down the arm. Assessment considers possible sources rather than assuming every shoulder complaint has the same cause.
Can I use a DVA referral or GP care plan?
Eligible DVA and GP care-plan patients are welcome, with no out-of-pocket fee for covered visits. A valid referral and available funded visits are required. See the funding information.
References & further reading
- Healthdirect Australia — Shoulder pain
- NHS — Shoulder pain: assessment, activity and urgent symptoms
General information. Suitability for care follows individual assessment. Read the health information disclaimer. Information updated 6 November 2026.