Shoulder Pain
Careful assessment of the shoulder joint, neck, and upper spine to identify and address the source of your shoulder pain at Mordialloc Chiropractic.
Finding the Source of Your Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain is often more complicated than it first appears. The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, which makes it inherently susceptible to strain — but it also means that pain felt in the shoulder doesn’t always originate there. Referred pain from the neck, restricted movement in the thoracic spine, or muscle imbalances further up or down the chain can all present as shoulder discomfort.
At Mordialloc Chiropractic, Dr Renae takes a methodical approach to shoulder assessment — examining the shoulder joint itself, the acromioclavicular and sternoclavicular joints, the cervical and thoracic spine, and the surrounding musculature — before drawing any conclusions about what's driving your pain. Getting this right is what makes care effective.
Common shoulder presentations
- Aching or sharp pain with overhead reaching or lifting
- Restricted range of motion — difficulty getting dressed, reaching behind the back
- Pain that wakes you at night or when lying on the affected shoulder
- Weakness in the arm with certain movements
- Referred pain from the neck into the shoulder and upper arm
- A deep ache in the shoulder that's hard to pinpoint
- Shoulder pain that developed gradually without a clear injury
Common causes of shoulder pain
Shoulder pain can arise from a number of sources. Rotator cuff tendinopathy or tear, shoulder impingement, frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), acromioclavicular joint irritation, and biceps tendon issues are all common presentations. So too is referred pain from the cervical spine — particularly from the lower neck — which can be mistaken for a primary shoulder problem.
Understanding the source is essential before beginning any care, because what's helpful for one cause may not be appropriate for another.
How chiropractic care may help
Where assessment identifies joint restriction in the shoulder or surrounding structures, or a significant contribution from the cervical or thoracic spine, Dr Renae uses gentle, targeted techniques to address this. She will advise on activity modification and, where appropriate, provide home care strategies to support recovery.
For presentations that suggest significant structural damage — such as a full rotator cuff tear — she will recommend orthopaedic assessment and imaging as a priority. Chiropractic care has an important role in many shoulder presentations, but not all — and being clear about this from the start saves time and gets you to the right help faster.
Shoulder Pain & Chiropractic Care
For many types of shoulder pain, yes — particularly where joint restriction in the shoulder, neck, or upper back is involved, or where the source is referred pain from the cervical spine. A thorough assessment determines what's driving the pain before any care begins. Where the source suggests a structural problem that needs imaging or surgical review, Dr Renae will recommend the appropriate referral.
Yes — the lower cervical spine commonly refers pain into the shoulder and upper arm, and this can be mistaken for a primary shoulder problem. Dr Renae assesses both the shoulder and the neck as part of every shoulder evaluation, specifically to identify or rule out a cervical contribution. When the neck is part of the picture, addressing it can make a significant difference to shoulder pain.
No — you don't need imaging before your first appointment. If you have existing scans (ultrasound, MRI), bring them along. Based on her clinical assessment, Dr Renae will advise whether further imaging would be useful and help you navigate the appropriate referral if needed.
Partial rotator cuff tears often respond well to conservative management, while full-thickness tears may require orthopaedic review and possible surgical repair. Dr Renae will assess your presentation carefully and give you an honest picture of what's appropriate — including when a surgical opinion is the better first step.
Still have questions? Get in touch — we're happy to chat before you book.