Why a Physio-Prescribed Exercise Program is the Best Thing You Can Do for Your Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can feel like an unwelcome guest in your daily life—stopping you from doing the things you love and making simple tasks more difficult. If you’re struggling with shoulder pain, you might be wondering about the best way forward. Should you rest? Get surgery? Rely on manual/hands on therapy?

One of the most effective, evidence-based approaches is a physio-prescribed exercise program. Why? Because it addresses your pain while empowering you to take control of your recovery. Let’s dive into the reasons why exercise, prescribed by a physiotherapist, might be the game-changer you need.

Shoulders are incredibly versatile, allowing for a wide range of motion. But they’re also complex, and pain in this area is often misunderstood. For example:

• Around 50% of healthy shoulders experience something called “impingement” when arms are raised. This is a normal variation and not necessarily linked to pain or dysfunction (Lawrence et al 2019, Lawrence et al 2017).
• Diagnoses like “subacromial impingement” or “rotator cuff tear” are less useful than we once thought. Pain and function can improve without “correcting” these issues.
• Surgery, like subacromial decompression, doesn’t outperform exercise therapy or placebo surgery in clinical outcomes (Lahdeoja et al 2019).

What does this mean for you? Shoulder pain isn’t just about structural issues—it’s much more complex.

Why Surgery Isn’t Always the Best Answer

If you’ve been told you might need surgery for your shoulder, it’s worth considering all your options.

Research shows:

• Rotator cuff repair surgery is not significantly better than non-surgical management for most people (Cochrane Library review, Khan et al 2014).
• Subacromial decompression surgery is no longer recommended as a primary treatment for shoulder pain (Lahdeoja et al 2020).

Deciding whether surgery is right for you should involve shared decision-making with your healthcare provider. This process considers the latest evidence, your personal goals, and factors like cost and recovery time. For many, a tailored exercise program offers an effective, less invasive path to relief.

The Role of Exercise in Shoulder Pain Management

Exercise is a cornerstone of physiotherapy for shoulder pain. While it’s not a “magic bullet,” it meets the criteria for the “right care” better than most other interventions.

Here’s why a physio-prescribed exercise program is so effective:
1. It’s Personalized to You: Your physiotherapist will design a program tailored to your needs, addressing your unique pain points and goals.
2. Builds Strength and Resilience: Exercises target key muscles to support your shoulder, improving movement and reducing strain.
3. Safe and Proven: Unlike surgery, exercise has no significant risks and is backed by strong evidence for effectiveness.
4. Empowers You: By actively participating in your recovery, you build confidence in managing your shoulder pain.

Exercise therapy might not work overnight, but it sets you on the path to long-term improvement and prevention of future issues.

Looking Beyond the Physical

One of the most important things we’ve learned is that shoulder pain isn’t just about what we can see on scans or observe in movement. Social and psychological factors, like stress, fear of movement, and your understanding of pain, play a significant role in your recovery (Jain et al, 2018).

That’s why your physiotherapist will take the time to understand your life, your mindset, and your goals. This isn’t just about exercises—it’s about helping you feel supported and confident in your journey to recovery.

Manual Therapy: A Complement, Not a Cure

Manual therapy—hands-on techniques used by physiotherapists—can be helpful for some people with shoulder pain. However, it’s important to see it as one tool in the toolkit, not the sole solution. Manual therapy isn’t a “cure,” but it can be used alongside exercises to help relieve pain and improve mobility.

Why Labels Matter Less Than You Think

Shoulder pain is often given complicated or scary labels, like “rotator cuff tear” or “subacromial impingement.” But these terms can be misleading and may not accurately represent what’s causing your pain.

That’s why many professionals prefer broader, simpler terms like “rotator cuff-related shoulder pain” (RCRSP). These terms focus less on the structure and more on the overall picture of your pain and recovery.

Take the First Step to Shoulder Relief

If you’re dealing with shoulder pain, you don’t have to face it alone. A physiotherapist-prescribed exercise program offers a safe, effective, and empowering path to recovery. It’s not just about fixing what’s “broken”—it’s about helping you move, feel, and live better.

Remember, shoulder pain is complex, but with the right care and support, you can get back to doing the things you love.

Click Here to make an appointment with one of our Physiotherapists to address your shoulder pain.