PAIN
IN THE SHOULDERS
Shoulder pain often limits daily movements - from dressing to lifting objects. At Dr. Verbitskiy in Maribor, we improve shoulder mobility and reduce pain with manual therapy.
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, which also makes it one of the most vulnerable structures to overload and injury. Shoulder pain can develop gradually from repetitive movements or suddenly from an injury; at Dr. Verbitskiy in Maribor we treat both.
Why shoulder pain occurs
Shoulder pain is often due to overload of the soft tissues around the joint or degenerative changes. The most common causes are:
- 🔹 Overload or irritation of the rotator cuff due to repetitive overhead movements
- 🔹 Poor posture with rounded shoulders that alters joint mechanics
- 🔹 Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) with markedly reduced mobility
- 🔹 Sleeping on the same side of the body, which further stresses the joint
- 🔹 Sports or physical activities with repeated arm lifting
- 🔹 Previous shoulder injuries that were not fully rehabilitated
How shoulder pain presents
Symptoms of shoulder pain vary depending on the underlying cause, but often include:
- 🔹 Pain when lifting the arm overhead or to the side
- 🔹 Limited mobility that makes dressing or reaching behind the back difficult
- 🔹 Night pain that disturbs sleep on the affected side
- 🔹 A feeling of weakness when lifting objects
- 🔹 Grinding or "click" with certain shoulder movements
- 🔹 Gradual worsening of mobility over weeks or months
How we treat shoulder pain
The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and pain in soft tissues and gradually restore full shoulder mobility without risk of further injury.
1. Mobility assessment
Testing range of motion, strength, and identifying the structure causing the pain.
2. Manual therapy
Targeted techniques to release tension and progressively improve joint mobility.
3. Strengthening exercises
Progressive exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff and prevent reinjury.
Shoulder pain we help with
People most often come to us with these problems:
- 🔹 Shoulder pain when raising the arm
- 🔹 Shoulder pain at night or when lying on the side
- 🔹 Frozen shoulder (limited mobility)
- 🔹 Tension in the shoulders and neck after computer work
- 🔹 Pain after a shoulder injury or overuse
- 🔹 Pain radiating into the upper arm
Signs that require immediate attention
Seek immediate medical attention if pain occurs after a fall or blow and is accompanied by visible shoulder deformity, complete inability to move the arm, or suspected dislocation. Also seek help for sudden, marked weakness of the arm.
For longer-lasting but less urgent problems, such as gradually increasing pain without a clear trigger, we recommend assessment within a few weeks to prevent progression to a chronic, harder-to-treat condition.
What our patients say
Verbitskiy, Manualna terapija - Osteopatija, diagnostika, rehabilitacija, d.o.o. · Maribor
Watch videos about manual therapy and osteopathy on our YouTube channel.
Visit YouTube channel →Frequently asked questions about shoulder pain
What is frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is a condition in which the joint capsule tightens and progressively restricts mobility, often in several phases over months.
Should I rest a painful shoulder?
Complete rest is not recommended long-term — careful, controlled movement often speeds recovery.
How many treatments do I need?
Mild overloads often improve within a few visits, whereas frozen shoulder may require a longer, gradual programme.
Can I sleep on the painful shoulder?
We recommend sleeping on the opposite side or on your back to reduce extra pressure on the affected joint.
Is a rotator cuff injury serious?
The severity of injury varies — from mild irritation to partial tears. An accurate assessment during examination will determine severity and the appropriate approach.
Can I continue sports during treatment?
Depending on the cause of pain — we will discuss activity modifications tailored to your condition and goals.
Contact us
Get in touch with any questions or to book an appointment.
Please bring one large towel with you to your appointment.
Please confirm your appointment by phone or WhatsApp one hour beforehand, or two hours beforehand if you are travelling a long way. This way you avoid a wasted trip if an appointment has to be rescheduled at short notice.