Physiotherapy And Shockwave For Rotator Cuff Injuries
If you’re struggling with shoulder pain from a rotator cuff injury, you’re not alone. These injuries are one of the most common causes of shoulder discomfort, often making everyday tasks like lifting, reaching, or even sleeping painful.
At The Physiotherapy Place in Musselburgh and Portobello, we offer evidence-based physiotherapy and shockwave therapy to treat rotator cuff injuries. This combination is highly effective in speeding up recovery, reducing pain, and improving shoulder function.
What is the Rotator Cuff?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that stabilise your shoulder joint. These structures help lift and rotate your arm. Rotator cuff injuries can happen suddenly (from lifting or falling) or gradually over time, especially with repetitive movements or poor posture.
Common conditions include:
Rotator cuff tendinitis (inflammation of the tendons)
Shoulder impingement syndrome
Rotator cuff tears (partial or full thickness)
Calcific tendinopathy (calcium build-up in the tendon)
Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Injury
Pain when lifting or reaching overhead
Weakness in the shoulder
Clicking or popping sounds
Discomfort at night, especially when lying on the affected side
Limited shoulder range of motion
Physiotherapy for Rotator Cuff Injuries
Physiotherapy is the first-line treatment for most rotator cuff injuries. At The Physiotherapy Place, we begin with a thorough assessment to identify the root cause of your pain and tailor a personalised rehab plan.
Treatment may include:
Manual therapy to improve shoulder mobility
Dry needling to reduce pain and release tight muslces
Targeted exercises to restore strength and control
Postural retraining to reduce mechanical stress
Education and activity modification to support healing
With consistent physiotherapy, many people regain full shoulder function without the need for injections or surgery.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy (also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy) is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing in injured tissues. It’s particularly effective for chronic rotator cuff tendinopathies that haven’t responded to rest, exercise, or manual therapy alone.
How Shockwave Therapy Helps:
Breaks down calcific deposits in the tendon
Stimulates blood flow and collagen production
Reduces pain by desensitising local nerves
Encourages faster tendon regeneration
Combining Shockwave and Physiotherapy: A Powerful Duo
At our clinics in Musselburgh and Portobello, we often combine shockwave therapy with physiotherapy for optimal results. Shockwave provides rapid symptom relief, while physio addresses the underlying cause—such as poor movement patterns or muscular imbalances—to prevent recurrence.
Typical treatment plan:
3–8 sessions of shockwave therapy (weekly)
Progressive rehab program including strengthening, mobility, and return-to-activity goals
Ongoing review and support to monitor progress
Who Can Benefit?
Shockwave therapy is ideal for people with:
Chronic rotator cuff tendinitis
Calcific shoulder tendinopathy
Recurrent shoulder impingement
Shoulder pain lasting more than 3 months despite exercise and rest
It’s safe, drug-free, and doesn’t require downtime.
Book Your Shoulder Assessment Today
If you’re looking for shockwave therapy for shoulder pain or a rotator cuff physiotherapy specialist in Musselburgh or Portobello, we’re here to help. Early treatment is key to avoiding long-term pain or dysfunction.
Ready to Get Back to a Pain-Free Shoulder?
Contact us today to book your assessment or learn more about how physiotherapy and shockwave can help your shoulder injury heal faster.