What it is
Shoulder pain often comes from overuse of the rotator cuff and surrounding tissue — irritation from repeated overhead or paddling motion — rather than a single injury. It can also follow a fall, a board strike, or a direct hit, in which case it’s worth ruling out something more serious first.
Common causes on the North Shore
- High paddling volume — surfing, outrigger, prone paddling, SUP
- Overhead work or lifting
- Falls onto an outstretched arm or the shoulder itself during a wipeout
- Board strikes or direct contact in the water
What PT involves here
Manual therapy and joint mobilization, soft-tissue and myofascial work, and neuromuscular re-education to restore how your shoulder moves and controls load. We build your exercise program around whatever’s asking the most of your shoulder — paddling, lifting, overhead reach — and send you home with a plan to keep progress going between visits.
What you can do today
- Scale back the painful overhead or paddling reps rather than stopping everything.
- Move the shoulder gently through a comfortable range — avoid letting it stiffen up.
- Ice after activity if that helps with soreness.
When to see a doctor first
See a doctor or go to the ER before physical therapy if you have sudden, significant weakness or can’t lift your arm after a fall or impact, numbness or tingling running down the arm, visible deformity after a fall, or signs of infection like fever, redness or warmth around the joint.
Shoulder been bothering you for a while? Book an evaluation and let’s find out what’s going on.
