Shoulder Pain & Injuries: Why Does My Shoulder Hurt and What Can I Do About It?
Shoulder Pain When Lifting Your Arm or Sleeping on Your Side?
Reaching for a mug. Pulling on a jumper. Finding somewhere comfortable to put your arm at night.
When your shoulder hurts, you quickly discover how much you use it. You might start avoiding overhead cupboards, carrying everything on the other side or missing the exercise you usually enjoy.
Perhaps it began with an injury. Or maybe a small niggle has gradually become harder to ignore.
You don’t need to know exactly what’s wrong before booking an assessment.
I’m Sarah Boughtwood, a Master’s-qualified osteopath in Milford, Auckland, with over 10 years’ clinical experience. I’ll take time to understand your shoulder pain, assess your movement and discuss suitable next steps.
Book a shoulder pain appointment with Sarah
ACC registered · No referral required · Free onsite parking
What Is Your Shoulder Stopping You Doing?
Shoulder pain can affect much more than exercise. Everyday tasks may become awkward, tiring or uncomfortable.
You might recognise:
A sharp catch when reaching overhead.
Difficulty putting on a jacket or fastening clothing behind your back.
Pain when lifting shopping or carrying your child.
Discomfort washing or brushing your hair.
An ache that builds during computer work.
Difficulty lying on the affected side.
Pain during gym exercises, swimming or throwing.
Maybe you can still do these things, but you’re moving carefully or paying for it later.
At your appointment, I’ll ask which activities matter most to you. Getting comfortable in bed may be your priority; for someone else, it’s returning to work or lifting their toddler.
Understanding Your Shoulder Pain
The location of pain doesn’t always tell us exactly what is causing it. Rather than relying on a label or guessing from one painful movement, your assessment helps us explore the problem.
We’ll discuss questions such as:
Did it start suddenly or build gradually?
Was there a fall, injury or change in activity?
Which movements bring it on?
Does it disturb your sleep?
Have you noticed stiffness, weakness or symptoms travelling down your arm?
These details help guide the examination and whether osteopathic care, rehabilitation or another type of assessment is appropriate.
How I Approach Shoulder Pain
First, I listen. I want to understand what you’re feeling, what you’ve tried and what concerns you.
I’ll then assess how your shoulder moves and carry out relevant checks. Where appropriate, I’ll also consider your neck and surrounding areas.
We’ll talk through the findings together. If something remains uncertain, I’ll explain that rather than give you an overly definite answer.
Your care may include:
Hands-on treatment for muscles and joints.
Exercises tailored to your current movement and strength.
Advice on adapting uncomfortable tasks.
A gradual plan for rebuilding activity.
Referral for medical assessment or investigation where needed.
Treatment is adapted to your health, comfort and preferences. I’ll explain proposed techniques before we begin, and you can ask questions at any point.
Book an appointment to assess your shoulder pain
A Plan That Fits Your Everyday Life
Advice needs to work outside the treatment room.
If getting dressed is difficult, we can discuss ways to make that movement more manageable. If your job involves lifting, we’ll consider the demands you need to return to. If exercise matters to you, we’ll talk about how to approach it while your shoulder is uncomfortable.
The aim is to give you a clear understanding of what to do next, with a plan we can review as your symptoms change.
You won’t be expected to fit an unrealistic exercise routine around an already busy life.
What Should I Tell You Before My Appointment?
Please mention any recent injury, sudden loss of movement, significant weakness or symptoms such as numbness and tingling when booking. This helps determine whether a routine appointment is the right starting point.
If you have previous scan reports, relevant medical information or exercises you’ve already been given, bring those along too.
You don’t need to prepare a perfect explanation. Showing me the movement that hurts can be a useful place to begin.
Shoulder Pain Care in Milford, North Shore Auckland
You’ll find me at Milford Health Clinic, 50 East Coast Road, Milford, with free onsite parking.
I welcome adults and children aged 5+ for general osteopathic care, alongside my pregnancy and postpartum work.
Babies, children and support people are welcome at your appointment. If organising childcare has been putting you off looking after yourself, you can bring them with you.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly.
Can I book an ACC appointment?
ACC appointments are available for eligible injuries. If you’re unsure whether to choose private or ACC, contact me for guidance.
Will treatment be painful?
We’ll discuss your comfort throughout the appointment and adapt the approach where needed. You can ask to pause or stop any technique.
How many appointments will I need?
That depends on your symptoms, assessment and response to care. We’ll discuss a plan and review your progress rather than assume everyone needs the same number of visits.
Let’s Make a Plan for Your Shoulder
Whether you’re missing a good night’s sleep, struggling with everyday tasks or hoping to return to exercise, your shoulder pain deserves to be understood.
We’ll start with a conversation, assess what’s happening and discuss care suited to you.