Shoulder Pain Physiotherapy in Haddington, East Lothian
Shoulder pain can make everyday tasks — from lifting and reaching to sleeping — painful and frustrating. At County Physio in Haddington, East Lothian, our physiotherapists specialise in diagnosing and treating shoulder pain. Whether caused by injury, arthritis, posture, or overuse, we create tailored treatment plans to relieve pain, restore strength, and prevent future problems.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can arise from many conditions, including:
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
Rotator cuff injuries or tears
Shoulder impingement syndrome
Arthritis in the shoulder joint
Sports injuries and repetitive strain
Poor posture or muscle imbalance
Nerve irritation from the neck or upper back
👉 Our Haddington physiotherapists will assess the root cause and design a personalised treatment plan.
Rotator Cuff Injury Rehabilitation
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilise the shoulder. Injuries range from irritation and tendonitis to partial or full tears, often causing pain when lifting the arm.
Our physiotherapists use:
Manual therapy and soft tissue techniques
Strengthening exercises to support the shoulder
Functional rehab for work or sport
Advice on safe return to daily activities
Shoulder Impingement & Postural Issues
Shoulder impingement happens when tendons become compressed during movement, leading to sharp pain when reaching or lifting. Poor posture and repetitive overhead activity are common triggers.
We provide:
Postural assessment and correction
Strengthening of supporting muscles
Manual therapy to relieve tendon pressure
Guidance on modifying daily activities to prevent recurrence
Frozen Shoulder Treatment
Frozen shoulder is characterised by stiffness, pain, and reduced movement that can last for months. It often develops gradually and may limit daily activities such as dressing or reaching overhead.
At County Physio, we provide:
Joint mobilisation to improve mobility
Guided stretching programmes
Acupuncture or dry needling for pain relief
Tailored exercise plans to speed recovery
Arthritis Shoulder Physiotherapy
Shoulder arthritis can cause persistent pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility. While it cannot be reversed, physiotherapy helps manage symptoms and improve function.
Our approach includes:
Joint mobilisation to reduce stiffness
Exercise programmes to support the joint
Acupuncture for pain management
Lifestyle advice to manage flare-ups and maintain independence
Sports Injuries & Overuse Shoulder Pain
Athletes and active individuals often experience shoulder pain from repetitive strain, swimming, tennis, throwing, or weightlifting.
At County Physio, we specialise in sports-related shoulder rehabilitation with:
Biomechanical assessment to identify movement issues
Hands-on treatment for muscle and tendon recovery
Sports-specific strengthening and conditioning
Return-to-sport planning to reduce risk of re-injury
How Physiotherapy Helps Shoulder Pain
Physiotherapy is proven to relieve and manage shoulder pain effectively. At County Physio, your treatment may include:
Manual therapy to release muscle tension
to reduce stiffness and restore movement
Targeted strengthening & mobility exercises
for long-term stability
Postural and gait assessment
to correct imbalances that affect the shoulder
Acupuncture or dry needling
for pain relief and reduced inflammation
Electrotherapy, laser therapy, or taping for faster recovery
to support faster healing
Lifestyle advice to prevent future flare-ups
to prevent recurrence and improve performance
We create a treatment plan tailored to your body, lifestyle, and goals — so you can get back to doing the things you love.
Why Choose County Physio in Haddington?
- Local clinic in Haddington, East Lothian, with easy access from surrounding areas
- Experienced team treating sports injuries, arthritis, and post-surgery rehab
- Personalised treatment plans tailored to your condition and lifestyle
- Friendly, supportive environment to get you moving again
- (shoulder pain physiotherapy Haddington)
FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)
Can physiotherapy help frozen shoulder?
Yes — physiotherapy improves mobility and reduces pain with manual therapy, stretching, and acupuncture.
How long does it take to recover from a shoulder injury?
Most patients see progress within 4–6 weeks, though recovery depends on the type and severity of the injury.
Do I need a GP referral for shoulder physiotherapy?
No — you can book directly with County Physio in Haddington. We also liaise with your GP or consultant if needed.
What’s the best exercise for shoulder pain?
It depends on the cause. Gentle mobility and strengthening exercises are usually recommended, tailored by your physiotherapist.
Can physiotherapy prevent shoulder surgery?
In many cases, yes. Physiotherapy can strengthen the shoulder, improve movement, and reduce pain enough to avoid or delay surgery. However, if surgery is needed, physiotherapy before and after is essential for recovery.
How do I know if my shoulder pain is serious?
If pain is severe, constant, or linked with swelling, weakness, or inability to move the arm, it’s important to see a physiotherapist. We can assess whether it’s a muscle/tendon problem or if you need further medical investigation.
How long does it take to recover from frozen shoulder?
Recovery time varies, but frozen shoulder can last up to 36 months without treatment. With physiotherapy, improvement is usually seen much sooner as movement is gradually restored.
Is acupuncture effective for shoulder pain?
Yes — acupuncture and dry needling are proven to reduce shoulder pain by relaxing tight muscles and reducing inflammation. Many patients with frozen shoulder, impingement, or arthritis benefit from it.
Do I need a GP referral for physiotherapy in Haddington?
No referral is needed — you can book directly with County Physio. We’re happy to update your GP or consultant with treatment progress if required.
Book Your Shoulder Pain Assessment Today
Don’t let shoulder pain hold you back. Book your appointment with County Physio in Haddington, East Lothian today and start your recovery.
👉 Book your initial physiotherapy assessment today and start your journey to lasting relief.
Further Reading on Shoulder Pain
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