Shoulder pain making simple things feel heavy? Let's lighten the load

Pouring a cup of coffee. Reaching up to grab your jacket. Tucking in your shirt. Shoulder pain has a sneaky way of turning everyday tasks into full-on challenges. At our Sports Physio Ireland clinic in Dublin 7, we meet a lot of folks who thought they could “just rest it” only to find it getting worse. Here’s what you need to know - and how we can help you move again without flinching every time you lift your arm.

Symptoms that might sound familiar:

• A dull ache or sharp pain in your upper arm or shoulder blade

• Pain when lifting, reaching, or sleeping on your side

• Clicking, popping, or stiffness in the shoulder

• Reduced range of motion (can’t quite get that bra strap or back pocket!)

• Weakness in the arm or shoulder during everyday use

Most common causes of shoulder pain:

• Rotator cuff injuries (overuse or degeneration)

• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)

• Impingement syndrome

• Referred neck pain causing shoulder tension

• Poor posture and shoulder blade control (often desk-job related)

How we treat shoulder pain at Sports Physio Ireland Dublin 7:

We start with a full assessment to figure out what’s really causing your discomfort—because not all shoulder pain is the same.

Our go-to strategies include:

• Manual therapy and joint mobilisation

• Soft tissue release and dry needling

• Postural correction and scapular (shoulder blade) stability training

• Rotator cuff strengthening and functional rehab

• Education around activity modification and prevention

At home tips that help:

1. Avoid “pushing through” overhead activities that hurt

2. Use heat to relax tight muscles

3. Try pendulum swings to get gentle movement going

4. Stretch the chest and strengthen the mid-back muscles

From sleepless to strong:

Margaret, a teacher in Dublin 7, couldn’t sleep on her right side for over 6 months. After 5 physio sessions and a focused home exercise plan, she was sleeping soundly—and doing yoga again.

Download Your Free Shoulder Pain Info Pack
Want expert-approved advice you can use today? Download our free guide and get in touch with us to book (you don't need a referral).

Final thoughts:

Your shoulder isn’t meant to carry the weight of the world - especially not alone. Let our team in Dublin 7 help you restore strength, reduce pain, and get your full range of motion back.