Shoulder Pain Rehabilitation in North Vancouver
Shoulder pain often has more to do with your mid-back and shoulder blade control than with the shoulder joint alone. I assess your whole movement system, not just the painful area, so we can identify what's actually contributing to your shoulder pain and build a plan that addresses it, not just the symptom in front of us.
It's Not Just a Shoulder Problem.
Written and clinically reviewed by Dr. Aaron Wallace, DC, MSc.
Common reasons people seek care
Shoulder pain is a common reason active people come into the office, and several different conditions can produce similar symptoms. An assessment helps guide the right next step. Here are some of the conditions I most commonly assess and treat:
Subacromial Impingement Syndrome
This happens when the rotator cuff tendons become irritated or compressed as they pass through a narrow space in the shoulder, commonly causing pain with overhead reaching or lifting.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Frozen shoulder is a gradual thickening and tightening of the shoulder joint capsule that causes progressive stiffness and pain, often developing without an obvious injury.
Rotator Cuff Tear
A rotator cuff tear is a partial or complete tear in one of the tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint, which can happen suddenly from a fall or gradually through wear over time.
AC Joint Sprain
An AC joint sprain is an injury to the joint at the top of the shoulder where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade, usually caused by a fall directly onto the shoulder or an outstretched arm.
Shoulder Instability (Labral Injury)
Shoulder instability involves looseness or injury to the labrum, the ring of cartilage that helps keep the shoulder joint in place, often resulting from a dislocation or repetitive overhead activity.
What to expect during your session.
1
Comprehensive assessment
Your first visit includes a movement and clinical assessment of your shoulder and how it connects to your mid-back and shoulder blade control, so we understand what may be driving your symptoms before recommending any treatment.
2
A plan built around you
From there, we build an individualized plan that combines manual therapy with active, exercise-based rehabilitation. You'll know exactly what we're addressing, why, and what the process looks like going forward.
3
Built for long-term resilience
We track your progress at every visit, reassessing regularly and adjusting your plan as you improve. The goal is genuine, long-term resilience and a real return to the activities you care about, not an open-ended treatment plan.
How long does recovery take?
Progress is assessed through changes in comfort, movement, strength and the activities you want to resume. Recovery varies with the condition and your starting point. We adjust the plan as you improve and discuss further assessment when needed.
Do I need an ultrasound or MRI before starting rehab?
In most cases, imaging isn't necessary to begin an active rehabilitation program. If the assessment indicates imaging is warranted, I'll guide you on the appropriate next steps.
Will I have to stop playing sports while my shoulder recovers?
That depends on the injury and the demands of your sport. We discuss which activities are appropriate to continue, which may need modification and how to progress. The aim is a plan that fits both your assessment and your goals.
When to seek medical care
If symptoms are worsening, movement or strength is decreasing, or you develop new numbness, seek medical advice rather than waiting for a routine rehabilitation visit.
Related care
Book an assessment
Appointments with Dr. Aaron Wallace are available in North Vancouver and West Vancouver. Choose a clinic to see contact details and booking options.