Shoulder Pain: What to Expect When You Visit Balance in Motion

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Shoulder pain is one of the most common complaints we see at Balance in Motion Physiotherapy Bondi. Whether it’s a dull ache that’s been hanging around for months, a recent strain from sport, discomfort at your desk, or pain when lifting at home or during a workout — it can be frustrating, limiting, and mentally draining.

If you’re dealing with shoulder issues, here’s what to expect when you come in for an assessment and treatment with us.

1. A Holistic History

We always begin with a detailed conversation. Why? Because your story matters.

We’ll ask about:

  • Previous injuries or surgeries

  • Other areas of pain or dysfunction

  • Your movement history (sport, dance, music, etc.)

  • How and when your shoulder pain shows up — what aggravates it, what relieves it, and how it’s affecting your life

All this information helps us understand your body as a whole, not just your shoulder in isolation.

2. Functional Movement Assessment

Next, we assess how your body moves — not just your shoulder, but also your head, neck, thorax and pelvis. These regions are all interconnected, and imbalances or restrictions in one area can often be the hidden cause of shoulder pain.

Depending on what we find, we may even look further down the chain — because sometimes shoulder symptoms are just the tip of the iceberg.

We often find that treating the thorax or neck — alongside shoulder strengthening — leads to significant improvements.

3. Treatment Tailored to You

Range of Motion & Mobility:

We start by identifying areas of tension or restriction that might be impacting your shoulder’s movement. These can come from posture, past habits, or compensatory patterns.

Manual therapy often helps to release these tight spots, followed by exercises designed to help you maintain this newfound freedom. This part is often creative, fun, and always personalised.

Strength & Motor Control:

To support that mobility, we also focus on which muscles need more strength, stability, or control. This part is all about building a strong, resilient shoulder that works well in everyday life — or in the gym, on the field, or wherever you need it.

We’ll work with you step-by-step to ensure the exercises are challenging but achievable, and most importantly, effective.

4. A Clear Plan Forward

We set both short- and long-term goals with you — to help track progress, keep you motivated, and make sure you’re always working towards something meaningful.

Whether that’s getting back to training, sleeping comfortably, or playing with your kids pain-free — we’ll help you get there.

You’ll leave your session with a plan for:

  • Progressing exercises

  • Modifying daily activities

  • Preventing re-injury and creating lasting change

Final Thoughts

Improving shoulder pain takes time, consistency, and commitment to your home program — but the payoff is worth it.

You don’t have to put up with discomfort or avoid the things you love. We're here to help.

Not sure if physio is right for you?
We offer complimentary 10-minute phone consults with one of our physiotherapists.
Give us a call — we’ll chat about what’s going on and help guide your next step.

Natalie Hughes