Shoulder pain can make simple things hard, like reaching for a high shelf, pulling on a coat or sleeping on your side. Sometimes it starts after a fall or a weekend of yard work. Other times it builds slowly over months at a desk.

This guide covers common reasons shoulders hurt, how sport and work play a part, and what shoulder pain physiotherapy in Port Credit can involve at MyHealth Care Centre.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

The shoulder moves in more directions than any other joint in the body. The muscles and tendons around it work hard to keep it steady through all that movement, so they can get irritated or strained.

Some reasons people come in with a sore shoulder:

Overuse from repeated reaching or lifting, at work or in sport
A strain or sprain after a fall or a sudden pull
Stiffness that builds when the shoulder isn't moved much
Neck and upper back tension that you feel around the shoulder blade

Pain that starts in the neck can be felt in the shoulder too. That's why your practitioner will usually check your neck and upper back as well as the sore spot.

Shoulder pain at night is common, especially when you lie on the sore side. Mention it at your visit, along with any movements that bring the pain on.

Shoulder Pain From Sport and Work

Pickleball, tennis, swimming and gym workouts all ask a lot of the shoulder, especially when you play often or ramp up quickly after time off.

Overhead jobs count too. Painting a ceiling, stocking shelves or lifting kids again and again can leave a shoulder sore, particularly when there's little rest in between.

If you play on the courts around Port Credit, our article on chiropractic care for pickleball players looks at how the shoulder and neck work together during play.

What Shoulder Care Can Look Like

Your first visit starts with questions about how the pain began and what makes it better or worse. Then your practitioner checks how your shoulder, neck and upper back move. You can choose an initial exam only, or an initial exam with treatment so you can start care right away.

Depending on what they find, your plan may include:

Physiotherapy in Port Credit with Shirley Chan, our physiotherapist, including exercise and hands-on care
Chiropractic care with Dr. Mike Skiby, a registered chiropractor in Ontario and a member of the College of Chiropractors of Ontario
Acupuncture or electro-acupuncture
Laser therapy with our 30 watt Class 4 laser, provided by Dr. Mike

These options may help ease pain and support a return to normal movement. Your practitioner will explain what they suggest and why, and the choice is always yours.

We don't do X-rays or MRIs at the clinic. If imaging is needed, we refer to Well Health or LifeLabs, and Dr. Mike can give patients an X-ray requisition.

Getting Ready for Your First Visit

After you book, you'll get an email to set up your online account and a link to your intake form. Please fill it in before your visit. On the day, it helps to:

Wear comfortable clothes you can move in
Bring your insurance card and any imaging reports you have
Bring a doctor's note if your insurance plan asks for one

New patients can also start with a virtual consultation. Follow-up care is in person at our Port Credit clinic.

When to See a Doctor or Go to Emergency

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if shoulder pain comes with chest pain or trouble breathing, if you notice sudden weakness or numbness, or if you've had a bad fall or accident. If your shoulder looks out of place after an injury, get it checked at emergency first.

If you're not sure what's going on, your family doctor is a good place to start.

Book a Shoulder Assessment in Port Credit

You don't need a doctor's referral to book physiotherapy or chiropractic care with us. Some insurers want a doctor's note before they cover your visits, so it's worth checking your plan first. We direct bill the major plans and always give you a receipt.

We're at 137 Queen St E in Port Credit, near Lakeshore and Hurontario, with free private parking for clients in front of the clinic. Book online or call 905-271-9333. For more articles on pain and recovery, visit our blog.

This article is general information and isn't a substitute for an assessment by a regulated health professional.