Shoulder pain physiotherapy.
Shoulder pain is a broad category that demands precise diagnosis. Rotator cuff tendinopathy, subacromial impingement, labral pathology, AC joint irritation, and frozen shoulder all require different treatment approaches, yet many patients receive the same generic ultrasound and exercise sheet regardless of diagnosis. At Motion Theory, diagnosis-specific treatment is the starting point, not an afterthought.
Who It's For
Patients with shoulder pain from any cause including acute injury, chronic overuse, post-surgical stiffness, sport-related loading, or occupational overhead demands. Includes both structural such as tendon and labrum presentations and movement-based such as impingement and instability presentations.
What We Assess
Your assessment includes a full shoulder orthopaedic examination including rotator cuff strength testing, impingement provocation, labral stress tests, AC joint palpation, and scapular kinematics analysis. We establish a working diagnosis before any treatment begins.
Treatment Approach
Treatment is diagnosis-matched. Impingement presentations receive scapular re-education and rotator cuff strength work. Tendinopathies follow a progressive loading protocol. Frozen shoulders follow a structured mobilization and capsular release protocol. Sport presentations include sport-specific demand reintegration.
Recovery Pathway
Diagnosis & Pain Reduction
Establish the specific driver of your shoulder pain and begin targeted treatment to reduce irritability and restore basic range.
Rotator Cuff & Scapular Strength
Progressive strengthening of the rotator cuff, serratus anterior, and lower trapezius to restore normal shoulder mechanics.
Full Demand Return
Overhead, throwing, or occupational load reintegration with objective testing before full return.
Clinic Location & Access
Located at 1367 West Broadway in Vancouver, Motion Theory is situated in the Fairview medical corridor, in close proximity to Vancouver General Hospital (VGH). We serve patients from Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, and the broader Metro Vancouver area.
Common Questions
Do I need an MRI before starting physiotherapy for shoulder pain?
No. Clinical examination is typically sufficient to guide treatment in the first 6 to 8 weeks. MRI is most useful when surgical planning is being considered or when the presentation is not responding to appropriate conservative care.
I was told I have impingement. What does that mean for rehab?
Subacromial impingement is a movement pattern problem as much as a structural one. Scapular control and rotator cuff strengthening consistently resolve impingement without surgery in the vast majority of cases.
How long until I can return to overhead sport?
Most shoulder pain presentations are sport-ready within 8 to 16 weeks depending on severity. Objective return-to-sport testing ensures you are genuinely ready before reloading overhead.
Related Services
Registered Clinicians
All practitioners are registered with their respective provincial colleges in British Columbia.
Evidence-Based
Treatment protocols are grounded in current peer-reviewed literature and clinical guidelines.
Direct Billing
Available for ICBC claims and most major extended health benefit providers.