Shoulder Pain Treatment in Middleton, Wigan & Warrington with Dan Rix Physiotherapy

Shoulder pain can make even simple tasks difficult — reaching up, lifting, or even sleeping on your side. The good news? It’s one of the most common problems we treat, and it responds brilliantly to the right physiotherapy.

At Dan Rix Physiotherapy, our team helps clients across Middleton, Wigan and Warrington get back to full movement — whether it’s shoulder stiffness from desk work, pain from lifting at the gym, or an old injury that never fully settled.

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

The shoulder is a complex joint — designed for movement, not stability — so it’s easily irritated when muscles or tendons stop working together. Common causes include:

Weakness or tightness in the rotator cuff or shoulder blade muscles
Poor posture or long hours at a desk
Overuse from the gym, sports, or repetitive lifting
Shoulder impingement or tendinopathy
Old injuries or stiffness following surgery or immobilisation

Person holding their shoulder in pain before physiotherapy treatment at Dan Rix Physiotherapy

Did you know? Pain doesn’t always mean damage — it’s your body’s warning signal that movement patterns need attention.

How Physiotherapy Helps Shoulder Pain

Our goal is to find the real cause of your pain — not just calm symptoms. Every plan includes three key parts:

Hands-on treatment to restore normal shoulder and neck movement
Personalised exercise rehab to rebuild strength and stability
Education and movement coaching so the problem doesn’t return

Physiotherapist mapping out a personalised shoulder rehabilitation plan on a whiteboard at Dan Rix Physiotherapy

We take time to map out a clear, step-by-step plan so you know exactly what’s causing your pain, how we’ll fix it, and what progress looks like. Understanding the plan builds confidence — you’ll know what to expect and what milestones to aim for as you recover.

When Should You See a Physio for Shoulder Pain?

You should see a physiotherapist if shoulder pain is affecting your movement, sleep, or exercise. Get checked if you notice any of these:

Pain lasting longer than a week
Difficulty lifting your arm or reaching overhead
Night pain or discomfort lying on your side
A previous injury that hasn’t fully recovered

Why People Choose Dan Rix Physiotherapy

We’ve helped thousands of people across Greater Manchester move pain-free again. Our clinics are trusted for:

Personal one-to-one sessions with experienced physiotherapists
Clear explanations and easy-to-follow rehab plans
Friendly, supportive environment — we treat you like family, not a number

“I thought my shoulder pain would always be there — within a few sessions they found the cause and I was lifting again pain-free.”

Happy patient performing shoulder rehabilitation exercise with a physiotherapist at Dan Rix Physiotherapy

Our goal is always more than just easing pain — we help you return to full, confident movement. Whether that’s lifting, training, or simply reaching overhead without hesitation, our personalised rehab plans build strength and confidence step by step.

Take the First Step to Feeling Better

You don’t have to live with shoulder pain. Our friendly team is ready to help you move freely and confidently again.

Book Your Initial Assessment

Message us directly on WhatsApp, use our Contact Form, or call us on 0161 818 8100.

Clinics in Middleton, Wigan, and Warrington.

Common Questions About Shoulder Pain Physiotherapy

Can shoulder pain heal on its own?

Mild shoulder pain may ease with rest, but if it lingers beyond a few days or limits your movement, physiotherapy can help identify the root cause and fix the underlying issue — not just manage the pain. We look at how your shoulder, neck, and upper back move together so we can find what’s really causing the discomfort and help you return to full fitness, safely and confidently.

How many physio sessions do I need?

Most people notice improvement within 3–4 sessions. Complex or long-term issues may need a little longer, but progress is usually quick once we restore movement and control.

Is it safe to exercise with shoulder pain?

Yes — under guidance. We’ll show you specific exercises that strengthen rather than aggravate your shoulder, so you can stay active safely.

Will I need surgery on my shoulder?

In most cases, surgery isn’t necessary. Shoulder pain and movement problems often improve with a consistent physiotherapy plan that targets strength, stability, and movement control. When surgery is required — for example, after a full tear or major injury — physiotherapy still plays a key role in your recovery both before and after the operation.

Before surgery: Physio helps reduce stiffness and maintain shoulder strength to prepare for a smoother recovery.

After surgery: We guide you through controlled exercises to safely rebuild strength, restore movement, and get you back to everyday life.