Rotator Cuff Pain and Rotator Cuff Injuries are the result of discomfort or trauma felt within the muscles that make up the rotator cuff of the shoulder. Rotator Cuff Pain can be felt as pain in the front or back of the affected shoulder, as well as down the arm and in the neck, in some cases. This is because the muscles that control the movement of the shoulder and the position of the shoulderblade all occupy a small area within the shoulder joint, and work very closely together. The muscles of the Rotator Cuff are found on the side and back of the shoulder, but many muscles support the stability and function of the shoulder joint, and all can be implicated or affected in rotator cuff pain.

Rotator Cuff Pain is most commonly caused by over-use of the shoulder, by injury, or by age-related changes to the joints of the shoulder, neck and collarbone. The shoulder joint consists of numerous muscles all working together to articulate the shoulderblade and stabilise the arm so that we can complete tasks requiring dexterity, finesse, and power. We write, work, exercise and play with our arms and our hands because they are designed to produce a nearly infinite combination of movements to help us interact with the world. During the course of this interaction, we may over-exert ourselves and cause ourselves injury, or we may cause irritation of the muscles, joints, and ligaments within the rotator cuff as a result of our doing the same movements over and over again without taking time to relax and soothe those working parts. 

Rotator Cuff Pain can be localised to different parts of the shoulder, the upper arm, the chest, and can also be distinguished by how long the pain has been present as well as if the neck is affected. An episode of Rotator Cuff Pain that lasts for less than six weeks is called Acute Pain. Pain that lasts longer than six weeks but less than twelve is called Sub-Acute Pain, and pain that lasts longer than twelve weeks is called Chronic Pain.

Management of Rotator Cuff Injuries is a process that involves addressing physical, occupational, personal, and lifestyle risk factors to minimise pain and maximise function. These details are carefully explored during your first assessment, which sets the foundation for reducing pain and improving comfort. Your treatment plan will be personalised to target the underlying cause, with a focus on easing pain, restoring free movement, and building strategies to lower the chance of future flare-ups.

At Atlas Physio, we’re committed to supporting you with clear education, structured management, and consistent monitoring of your progress both in the clinic and at home. To make care straightforward and accessible, we’re open seven days a week with evening appointments available, we provide bulk billing for eligible clients, and there are no gap fees for WorkCover or TAC clients. Get in touch today and take the first step toward feeling more comfortable, moving with confidence, and enjoying lasting results backed by care that is practical, reliable, and effective.