Shoulder Pain

Restore Strength. Relieve Pain. Reclaim Your Reach.

Reaching, lifting, or sleeping shouldn’t hurt let’s uncover what’s behind your shoulder pain.

The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in your body, but that mobility can come at a cost. Whether your pain is from an injury, poor posture, overuse, or nerve irritation, shoulder dysfunction can interfere with work, workouts, and even getting dressed. At Rehab Chamber, we help you find the source of your shoulder pain—not just treat the symptoms—and guide you through a personalized plan toward relief and mobility.

Understanding Shoulder Pain – Causes, Types & Care at Rehab Chamber

Shoulder pain refers to discomfort or dysfunction in the shoulder joint, surrounding muscles, tendons, or nerves. Pain may occur during lifting, overhead reaching, sleeping on your side, or even at rest. It may be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (persistent), and may involve inflammation, impingement, instability, or referral from the neck.

COMMON CAUSES

Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

Inflammation or degeneration of the rotator cuff tendons, often caused by repetitive overhead movement or poor shoulder mechanics.

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Pinching of the rotator cuff tendons or bursa between shoulder bones during movement, typically causing pain with overhead activity.

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Gradual stiffening and loss of range of motion in the shoulder joint capsule, often following injury or prolonged immobility.

Shoulder Instability or Dislocation

Excessive movement or past trauma may cause the shoulder to become unstable or prone to subluxation (partial dislocation).

LabrAl Tear Injury (SLAP TEARS)

Damage to the cartilage ring (labrum) that stabilizes the shoulder joint. May occur with trauma, heavy lifting, or sports.

Fractures & Post-Injury Rehab

Recovery after a break or dislocation may involve stiffness, scar tissue, and muscle compensation. Rehab supports mobility and strength restoration.

AC Joint Sprain (Shoulder Seperation)

Injury to the acromioclavicular (AC) joint from a fall or direct blow, resulting in pain at the top of the shoulder.

Bursitis (Shoulder Bursitis)

This condition causes swelling at the outer side of the top shoulder, often due to repetitive pressure or trauma.

Referred Pain From The neck

Irritation of the cervical spine or nerves can mimic shoulder pain, especially with numbness, tingling, or pain radiating into the arm.

Shoulder Arthritis

Degenerative or inflammatory arthritis may lead to stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion in the shoulder.

Little League Shoulder

Overuse of the shoulder joint leads to inflammation and irritation at the growth plate of the upper arm bone. Athletes may feel shoulder pain with throwing and loss of accuracy or speed.

Often seen in: Baseball, tennis, swimming.

Our team works together to help identify contributing factors and build a plan that supports your recovery—not just symptom relief. Whether the discomfort is new or has been lingering for months, we’re here to help guide you through every stage of care.

Our Integrated Program IncludeS:

  • Hands-on manual therapy to reduce tension and improve mobility

  • Shockwave therapy (if available) for chronic tendon pain

  • Chiropractic care for joint function and overall mechanics

  • Myofascial release and Dry Needling/Acupuncture

  • Targeted Physical Therapy to strengthen the forearm and correct movement patterns

  • Progressive exercise rehab to rebuild strength and prevent recurrence

  • Ergonomic and activity modification coaching

Frequently Asked Questions

Shoulder Pain Treatment in Downtown Toronto

Common causes include rotator cuff irritation, impingement, instability, postural strain, or referred pain from the neck. It can result from repetitive use, poor mechanics, or acute trauma.

What causes shoulder pain?

Can you treat shoulder pain without injections or surgery?

Yes. Many shoulder conditions could improve with conservative care such as exercise therapy, manual treatment, and postural correction. We only refer for further intervention if necessary.

Is shoulder pain always from the shoulder joint?

Not always. Pain may also be referred from the neck, rib cage, or even internal organs, depending on the pattern. That’s why we perform a full-body assessment.

How long does shoulder pain take to heal?

Recovery time depends on the cause and how long the pain has been present. Some improve within a few weeks; others, like frozen shoulder, may take longer and require a structured rehab plan.

Can poor posture cause shoulder pain?

Absolutely. Forward shoulder posture or slouched sitting can contribute to impingement, muscle imbalance, and rotator cuff overload. Postural correction is often part of care.

In most cases, no. A thorough physical exam is usually enough to determine if conservative care is appropriate. Imaging is only recommended when necessary.

Do I need imaging to start treatment?

No. You can book directly with our licensed healthcare practitioners for a shoulder pain assessment and care plan.

Do I need a referral?