Billy Gilhooley on Shoulder Pain: More Than a Sore Muscle

Shoulder pain can disrupt daily life. A dull ache when reaching overhead or a sharp catch when putting on a jacket can affect sleep, workouts, or simple tasks like lifting groceries. As Billy Gilhooley, a physiotherapist at Specific Physiotherapy Preston, I see shoulder issues daily — from sports injuries to pain caused by years of desk work. Shoulder pain is rarely “just a sore muscle.” It’s often a mix of tendon irritation, joint stiffness, and poor posture.

Billy Gilhooley at Specific Physiotherapy Preston expertly treats shoulder pain with joint mobilization and strengthening exercises.

Why Rest Alone Won’t Fix Shoulder Pain

Rest may ease shoulder pain temporarily, but it doesn’t address the root causes: rounded shoulders from desk work pinch tendons, a stiff upper back overworks the joint, and weak scapular muscles overload the rotator cuff.

As I explained in Stop Managing Pain: Billy Gilhooley’s Approach to Treating the Real Cause, focusing on symptoms without tackling mechanics leads to persistent pain.

The Neck–Shoulder Connection

Patients often ask, “Why check my neck when my shoulder hurts?” The answer: they’re closely linked. Neck irritation can disrupt shoulder muscle function or cause referred pain down the arm.

In my post, Why Does My Neck Hurt?, I discussed how posture and desk habits contribute to pain patterns that often overlap with shoulder issues. Even jaw tension, as noted in How Physiotherapy Relieves TMJ-Related Headaches, can add to shoulder strain.

How Billy Gilhooley Treats Shoulder Pain

At Specific Physiotherapy Preston, I focus on the cause, not just the pain. After assessing posture, shoulder mechanics, and surrounding joints, I use:

• Joint mobilisation: Frees stiff joints, as outlined in my blog on tendon relief.

• Targeted strengthening: Builds shoulder blade stability to reduce rotator cuff strain.

• Soft tissue release or dry needling: Eases muscle spasms.

• Tailored rehab exercises: Specific to your pain and goals.

For example, a 45-year-old office worker reduced her shoulder pain by 80% in four weeks with targeted physiotherapy. These treatments, detailed in Introducing Billy Gilhooley: Preston Physiotherapist with a Results-Driven Approach, aim for lasting recovery.

Practical Tips to Ease Shoulder Pain at Home

While professional care is key, try these steps to manage shoulder pain:

• Adjust your workspace: Set your monitor at eye level to reduce shoulder strain.

• Avoid heavy lifting: Skip overhead exercises until assessed by a physiotherapist.

• Try this exercise: Sit tall, squeeze your shoulder blades back and down (like pinching a pencil), hold for 5 seconds, repeat 10 times. Stop if pain worsens.

• Seek help early: If pain lasts over two weeks, get a professional assessment.

Note: These are general suggestions. For personalised shoulder pain treatment, explore my Treatments page or contact me directly.

Ready to start your recovery? Book an appointment for a tailored plan.

When to Seek Professional Help

Shoulder pain lingers when ignored, as I explained in Understanding Chronic Pain. If it disrupts sleep, training, or daily tasks, don’t wait — early intervention works best.

At Specific Physiotherapy Preston, I use a range of treatments to restore mobility, strength, and function for lasting relief.

Get Back to Pain-Free Living

Shoulder pain is your body’s way of signalling that something isn’t moving correctly. With expert assessment and personalised treatment from Billy Gilhooley at Specific Physiotherapy Preston, you can return to pain-free living and prevent future flare-ups. My approach combines hands-on techniques and tailored exercises to address the root cause, ensuring long-term relief.

Ready to take the next step? Book your consultation today to uncover the cause of your shoulder pain and start your recovery journey. Curious about my methods? Learn more about my approach on the About page or explore answers to common questions on the FAQ page. If you’d like to visit the clinic, find us easily via Google Maps.

For more tips and insights, I share regular updates across social media. Follow me on the Billy Gilhooley Instagram for daily shoulder pain tips, or check out the YouTube Shorts for quick treatment demos like this thoracic mobilisaiton and shoulder treatment or this neck and shoulder treatment. You can also connect with me on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, or Medium for more physiotherapy insights.

Want to dive deeper? Explore my long-form articles on the Billy Gilhooley Blog, read about our services on the Remedial Massage Preston About page, or learn more about my background on my WordPress profile. For a quick introduction to my work, watch this short video to see how I help patients get back to their best.