Shoulder Pain Treatment in Cardiff
Shoulder pain can affect almost everything you do: reaching for a shelf, getting dressed, lifting at the gym or lying on your side at night. It might have built up over time from desk work or overhead movements, or started after a fall or a heavy session.
At ADT Chiropractic, our Cardiff chiropractors look at your shoulder alongside your neck and upper back, as these all work together. We then build a clear, hands-on plan to ease your pain, restore movement and rebuild strength.
Book a new patient consultation or call 02920 501880.
"Your shoulder is only as good as the base it works from."
What causes shoulder pain?
Most shoulder pain is mechanical. It comes from how the muscles, tendons and joints of the shoulder are moving and coping with load.
Common types include:
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Rotator cuff problems – pain when lifting your arm or lying on that side, often from overuse
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Shoulder impingement – a pinching pain when reaching overhead
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Muscle tension – tightness across the top of the shoulders and between the shoulder blades
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Referred pain from the neck – shoulder pain that actually starts in the neck
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Frozen shoulder – gradually increasing pain and stiffness that makes the shoulder hard to move
Things that commonly contribute:
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Repetitive overhead movements at work, in the gym or in sport
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Long hours at a desk with rounded shoulders
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A stiff upper back, which limits how the shoulder moves
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A sudden increase in training or lifting
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A fall onto an outstretched arm
If your shoulder pain comes with pins and needles or numbness down your arm, see our trapped nerve page.
How we can help
We look at your shoulder, neck and upper back together to find what is overloading the shoulder. Your plan usually combines:
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Adjustments and mobilisation for the shoulder, neck and upper back
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Soft tissue therapy and massage to ease tight muscles
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Progressive strengthening exercises for the shoulder and shoulder blade
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Practical advice on posture, sleep position, training and daily tasks
Your first visit
Your new patient consultation lasts up to 60 minutes and costs £60. It includes:
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A full case history: your symptoms, health, work and lifestyle
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A physical, orthopaedic and neurological examination
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A clear explanation of what we think is going on
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Your first treatment where appropriate, and a plan for what comes next
Follow-up appointments are 30 minutes and cost £42.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the cause. Many people notice a change within the first few sessions, while tendon problems or long-standing stiffness can take longer. Our aim is to get you managing well on your own, and we'll always be upfront about what to expect.
What you can do in the meantime
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Keep the shoulder moving gently within a comfortable range.
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Avoid repeated overhead reaching or heavy lifting for now.
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Try sleeping on your other side or on your back with a pillow supporting the sore arm.
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Use heat on tight muscles if it feels comfortable.
When to get urgent help
Call 999 if you have:
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Shoulder or arm pain with chest pain, tightness, breathlessness, sweating or feeling sick
Go to A&E if you have:
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A shoulder that looks deformed or out of place after a fall or injury
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Sudden, severe pain and you can't move your arm
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A hot, red, swollen shoulder with a fever or feeling unwell
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book directly with us. We will let you know if we think you need to see your GP as well.
Why are you treating my neck when my shoulder hurts?
Shoulder pain is often linked to the neck and upper back, and sometimes it starts there. Treating the whole area usually gives better results.
Will I need a scan?
Most shoulder pain doesn't need a scan. We will tell you if we think one would help.
How do I stop it coming back?
Building strength around the shoulder and shoulder blade is key. That's why rehab exercises are a core part of every plan.
Book your appointment
We are at Maindy Centre, Crown Way, Cardiff CF14 3AJ, with free parking. We're open Monday to Thursday 07:30–20:30 and Friday 07:30–17:00.
Book online or call 02920 501880.
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