Conditions we treat
The most common causes of shoulder pain we see at our Nea Smyrni physiotherapy clinic:
- Subacromial impingement syndrome
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy and tears
- Adhesive capsulitis ('frozen shoulder')
- Shoulder instability and rehabilitation after dislocation
- Biceps tendinitis
- Calcific tendinitis
- Scapular dyskinesis
- Rehabilitation after arthroscopic shoulder surgery
The scapula is half the problem
For the arm to lift overhead, the scapula must rotate in coordination with the humerus. When the muscles controlling the scapula are weak or mistimed, the subacromial space narrows and the tendons are compressed with every elevation.
This is why shoulder rehabilitation doesn't stop at the painful spot. Assessment always includes scapular control, thoracic spine mobility and neck posture.
Frozen shoulder — realistic expectations
Adhesive capsulitis progresses in stages: a painful phase, a stiffening phase, and a phase of gradual recovery. The overall course is measured in months rather than weeks, and it's important to know that from the start so the pace doesn't come as a disappointment.
Physiotherapy is matched to the stage. In the painful phase the priority is pain management and maintaining whatever movement is tolerated — aggressive stretching here usually makes things worse. In the stiffening phase the emphasis shifts to regaining range through mobilisation and steady daily work.
Work- and posture-related shoulder pain
Many of the cases we see come not from injury but from long hours at a desk or repetitive overhead work. In these cases clinic treatment has limited staying power unless something in daily life changes too — so we give specific ergonomic guidance and a short exercise programme that can be done at work.
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