Shoulder pain treatment in Cheltenham
Cheltenham’s Trusted Shoulder Physio Specialists.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain often comes from irritated tendons, strained muscles or stiff joints. Common issues include rotator cuff injuries, impingement, frozen shoulder, arthritis and postural overload from repetitive tasks or long hours sitting. These problems can lead to weakness, inflammation and reduced movement, making everyday activities feel uncomfortable.
Why Choose Straight Back Physio
We use proven, hands‑on physiotherapy techniques that boost blood flow, ease pain, and help your shoulder move the way it should again. Your treatment might include gentle joint mobilisation, targeted soft‑tissue massage, personalised strengthening exercises, and focused rehabilitation designed specifically around your injury and goals.
Our physiotherapists work with shoulder problems every day — from frozen shoulder and rotator cuff tears to impingement, arthritis and post‑injury stiffness. Whatever’s holding you back, we’ll help you regain comfortable movement and get back to the activities you love.
"After breaking an arm and then injuring my shoulder I went to see Straight Back Physio, based on a personal recommendation. The difference that they made was immense - the level of discomfort decreased quickly and there is no doubt that the speed of my recovery was improved significantly".
RH, Google review
Types of shoulder pain
adhesive capsulitis
Also known as frozen shoulder, adhesive capsulitis causes a significant loss of shoulder movement along with pain and stiffness. The capsule around the joint becomes inflamed, making everyday movements difficult. The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it is more common in middle‑aged and older adults. It’s thought to develop when irritation in the joint and its capsule triggers inflammation and the formation of tiny bands of scar tissue that restrict movement and make the shoulder feel increasingly stiff.
Physiotherapy for frozen shoulder includes stretching, strengthening and range‑of‑movement exercises to help the joint gradually loosen and move more comfortably. Additional options such as postural realignment, ergonomic advice, acupuncture, taping and soft‑tissue treatment can further reduce pain and support steady, confident progress.
Healing usually happens in stages:
- Pain reduction takes 6 weeks to 3 months.
- The stiff phase takes 3-9 months.
- Full recovery taking 6-12 months.
Labral tear
A labral tear is an injury to the labrum — the ring of cartilage that sits around the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) where it meets the shoulder. This cartilage deepens the socket, making the ball‑and‑socket joint more stable and allowing the shoulder to move through a wide range of motion. Labral tears often occur after trauma, such as a fall or sudden force through the arm, and can lead to pain, clicking, or a sense of the shoulder feeling less secure.
Strengthening is built up step by step, focusing on the rotator cuff muscles to improve stability and help the shoulder feel more supported. As this strength develops, we also work on the muscles around the shoulder blade and through the arm, giving the joint a stronger foundation and helping it feel more secure as you return to everyday movement after a labral tear.
Healing usually happens in stages:
- Short-term pain reduction in 3-6 weeks.
- Noticeable improvement takes 8-12 weeks.
- Full recovery taking 3-6 months.
Rotator cuff tear
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles running from the shoulder blade to the top of the arm, helping support and move the shoulder. A rotator cuff tear is where one or more of these muscles has been injured. Tears often cause a sudden sharp pain or “twinge” in the shoulder. Mild tears may let you carry on, though pain worsens as swelling develops. More significant tears can make movement too painful. Other common symptoms include reduced movement, stiffness, weakness and clicking in the joint.
Physiotherapy treatment for rotator cuff tears often involves activity modification, the use of soft tissue treatment such as massage, stretching, and a series of specific, progressive strengthening exercises. Other treatments include, Taping, Postural Realignment, Sports Injury Rehab, Ergonomic Assessment,
Healing usually happens in stages:
- Short-term pain reduction in 3-6 weeks.
- Noticeable improvement takes 8-12 weeks.
- Full recovery taking 3-6 months.
shoulder impingement
Impingement syndrome, or tendonitis, occurs when the shoulder tendons become irritated and swollen as they pass through the narrow subacromial space. Early symptoms are often mild but can worsen over time, leading to reduced movement, stiffness, weakness, clicking or even brief locking of the joint. Impingement commonly develops from repetitive overhead activity — such as lifting or throwing — or from muscle imbalances that place extra strain on the shoulder.
After a period of relative rest to settle irritation in the shoulder. Treatment then focuses on reducing pain, improving flexibility, and strengthening weaker muscle groups so the shoulder can move comfortably again. As strength and control improve, these exercises help you return to daily life and sport without the tendon pain holding you back.
Healing usually happens in stages:
- Short-term pain reduction in 2-4 weeks.
- Noticeable improvement takes 6-8 weeks.
- Full recovery taking 8-12 weeks.
Why Choose Us
No other local physiotherapy clinic can match our level of expertise and rehabilitation services, thanks to our extensive experience and in-house gym facilities.
We offer affordable physiotherapy in Cheltenham, providing caring, high‑quality treatment that supports your recovery without stretching your budget.
Insured
For insured clients we can either work directly with your insurance provider or offer receipts for cash-based plans, allowing you to reclaim your expenses.
Not Covered by Insurance
If you’re looking for one of the most trusted physiotherapists in your area, you’re welcome to book an appointment at our Cheltenham clinic — no need for a physiotherapy referral from your GP.