Shoulder Physiotherapy That Gets You Moving Again
Ottawa's highest-rated clinic for shoulder pain treatment — from diagnosis to full recovery.
- 30-minute one-on-one sessions with your physiotherapist — no assistants, no handoffs.
- Rotator cuff, frozen shoulder, impingement — we find the cause before we treat.
- 5-star rating from 730+ patients. Free 15-minute consultation to start.
Associated With
Why Does Your Shoulder Hurt?
Your shoulder is the most mobile joint in your body. That mobility comes with a trade-off: it is also one of the most vulnerable.
Here are the most common reasons people come to our clinic with shoulder pain:
- Rotator cuff injury: The group of muscles and tendons that hold your shoulder together gets strained, partially torn, or fully torn. This is the #1 cause of shoulder pain we treat. You will feel a deep ache, weakness when lifting, and trouble sleeping on that side.
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis): The tissue around your shoulder joint thickens and tightens. Movement becomes painful and limited. It gets worse gradually, then slowly improves — but recovery without treatment can take 1–3 years.
- Shoulder impingement: When you raise your arm, the tendons in your shoulder get pinched between the bones. You feel pain at about 90 degrees of lift. This is common in desk workers and anyone who does overhead movements.
- Tendinitis and bursitis: Inflammation of the tendons or the fluid-filled sacs that cushion your shoulder joint. Often caused by repetitive motions or poor posture.
- Sports injuries: Hockey checks, gym accidents, falls on an outstretched arm — Ottawa is an active city, and sports-related shoulder injuries are something our team handles regularly.
- Post-surgical stiffness: If you have had shoulder surgery, physiotherapy is essential to regain full range of motion and strength.
If your shoulder pain wakes you up at night, limits your arm movement, or has lasted more than two weeks — it is time to get it checked. Early treatment leads to faster recovery.
That shoulder pain? Try this quick release with Dr. Courtney
Duration: 0:20 • Dr. Courtney Broadhurst shows a simple ball release for tight shoulder muscles
When Should You See a Professional for Shoulder Pain?
Not every shoulder ache needs clinical treatment. But here is how to tell when yours does:
- Your pain has lasted more than 2 weeks and is not improving
- You cannot lift your arm above your head or behind your back
- You feel weakness or instability in the joint
- The pain disrupts your sleep
- You had a fall, collision, or sudden injury
- You notice swelling, redness, or warmth around the shoulder
Should you see a physiotherapist or a chiropractor? At Kent Chiro-Med, you do not have to choose. Our team assesses your condition and routes you to the right practitioner — or both. Chiropractic care delivers fast pain relief through joint adjustments. Shoulder physiotherapy rebuilds strength and prevents the problem from coming back. Many of our shoulder patients benefit from both as part of a complete shoulder pain treatment plan.
How to avoid shoulder impingement during your workout
Duration: 8:54 • Ghaith Dhaidan, Physiotherapist, explains how to protect your shoulders while training
How We Treat Shoulder Pain at Kent Chiro-Med
Every shoulder is different. That is why our shoulder physiotherapy programs never use a one-size-fits-all approach. Your treatment plan starts with a thorough assessment and is built around your specific injury, your pain level, and your recovery goals.
Your Treatment May Include:
Manual Therapy and Joint Mobilization
Targeted Exercise Programs
Strengthening exercises designed to rebuild the muscles that support your shoulder — especially the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers.
Acoustic wave technology that breaks down scar tissue and calcifications. Especially effective for chronic rotator cuff issues and stubborn old injuries.
Targets deep muscle tension, trigger points, and nerve-related pain that contributes to shoulder dysfunction.
Specialized instrument-assisted therapy for chronic tightness and limited joint mobility.
Spinal and shoulder joint adjustments to restore alignment and reduce nerve irritation that can refer pain to the shoulder.
FDA-cleared radiofrequency technology that accelerates tissue healing. We are the first and only clinic in Ottawa offering TECAR for shoulder injuries.
We are one of the only clinics in Ottawa offering TECAR therapy. This radiofrequency technology accelerates healing for rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder, and post-surgical recovery. Ask about it during your consultation.
Why Ottawa Patients Choose Kent Chiro-Med for Shoulder Physiotherapy
You have options for shoulder pain treatment in Ottawa. Here is why our patients stay with us:
- 30-minute one-on-one sessions: Your practitioner spends the full appointment with you. No assistants. No handoffs. No rushed 10-minute visits.
- Private treatment rooms: Your session happens in a private room — not an open gym where everyone can hear your conversation and watch your treatment.
- Shoulder specialists on staff: Dr. Maryam has specialized expertise in shoulder injuries and TMJ disorders. Ghaith, our physiotherapist, specializes in sports-related shoulder and knee rehabilitation.
- Both chiropractic and physio under one roof: You can maximize both your chiropractic and physiotherapy insurance benefits without visiting multiple clinics.
- 5-star rating from 730+ patients: We do not just claim to be good. Our patients confirm it — consistently, across Google and Facebook.
- TECAR therapy — only at Kent Chiro-Med: This advanced technology is not available at any other clinic in Ottawa.
Real Shoulder Physiotherapy Recovery Stories from Our Ottawa Clinic
Trusted by people like you
Shoulder Physiotherapy Recovery Timelines
One of the biggest questions people have is: “How long will this take?” Here is a realistic overview based on the conditions we treat most often:
| Condition | Mild/Moderate | Severe | Sessions/Week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotator Cuff Strain | 4–8 weeks | 12–16 weeks | 2–3x/week |
| Rotator Cuff Tear (partial) | 8–12 weeks | 16–24 weeks | 2–3x/week |
| Frozen Shoulder | 8–14 weeks | 16–24+ weeks | 2x/week |
| Impingement | 3–6 weeks | 8–12 weeks | 1–2x/week |
| Tendinitis/Bursitis | 2–4 weeks | 6–8 weeks | 1–2x/week |
| Post-Surgical Rehab | 8–12 weeks | 16–24+ weeks | 2–3x/week |
These are general ranges. Your actual timeline depends on the severity of your injury, your overall health, and how consistently you follow your treatment and home exercise plan. We will give you a clear estimate after your initial assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder Physiotherapy
Shoulder pain can come from many sources. The most common causes we see in our Ottawa clinic include rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, impingement syndrome, tendinitis, bursitis, and posture-related strain from desk work. Sometimes the pain originates in the neck or upper back and refers into the shoulder. That is why a proper assessment is so important — the location of your pain does not always tell the full story.
Both can help, and at Kent Chiro-Med, you do not have to choose one or the other. Chiropractic care is excellent for immediate pain relief through joint adjustments and alignment correction. Shoulder physiotherapy rebuilds strength, restores range of motion, and prevents the injury from returning. For most shoulder conditions, a combination of both delivers the best results. Our team assesses your condition and recommends the right shoulder pain treatment path — or a combined approach.
It depends on your specific condition. A mild impingement might improve in 3–6 weeks of shoulder physiotherapy. A partial rotator cuff tear could take 8–16 weeks. Frozen shoulder often requires 8–24 weeks of consistent treatment. During your initial assessment, your practitioner will give you a realistic timeline and set clear recovery goals.
No. You can book directly with our clinic. No referral is needed to see a chiropractor or physiotherapist in Ontario. If your condition requires imaging (like an X-ray or MRI), our practitioners can arrange that for you.
Most extended health insurance plans in Canada cover both chiropractic care and physiotherapy. At Kent Chiro-Med, you can maximize both benefits — up to $500 for chiropractic and up to $1,000 for physiotherapy on most plans. We offer direct insurance billing so you do not have to pay upfront and wait for reimbursement.
TECAR therapy uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate deep tissue healing. It is FDA-cleared and especially effective for rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder, and post-surgical recovery. Kent Chiro-Med is the first and only clinic in Ottawa to offer this technology. It accelerates healing time and reduces pain faster than many traditional methods alone.
Yes. We offer evening appointments during the week and Saturday availability. You can book online anytime through our website, or call us at 613-695-8600.
Ready to Start Your Shoulder Physiotherapy?
You do not have to live with shoulder pain. And you do not have to figure out the right shoulder pain treatment on your own.
Book a free 15-minute consultation at our downtown Ottawa clinic. We will assess your shoulder, answer your questions, and tell you exactly what we recommend — with no pressure and no obligation.
- Book Your Free Consultation Online
- Call us: 613-695-8600