Treatment

Once pain has started to decrease, Tarr suggests exercises such as high to low rows and external and internal rotation strengthening, all using resistance bands.”

Overuse injuries

Kathryn Tilbury

Tilbury, on the other hand, says most shoulder issues are caused by overuse. “We cluster (these issues) together under the umbrella term of ‘rotator cuff related shoulder pain’. Sometimes this occurs because the rotator muscles are not as strong as they need to be to support our everyday movements.”

Treatment

She says that the focus should be on strengthening the rotator cuff muscles, which work together to help stabilise the shoulder joint when you move your arms.

“An exercise I use frequently for this type of injury comes from physiotherapist Jeremy Lewis’ Shoulder Symptom Modification Procedure:

Place a resistance band around the back of both hands
Push the band outwards
Keep your arms straight to lift them in front of you
Now, if you can, push your arms above your head

“This helps to activate the rotator cuff muscles, thus supporting movement and reducing symptoms.”

A sports therapist and physiotherapist share the best moves they use on their clients