Shoulder and Knee Issues

A Movement-Based Approach to Shoulder and Knee Pain

Shoulder and knee issues are two of the most common reasons people seek care. After more than 30 years in clinical practice, I have found that pain in these joints is rarely just about the joint itself.

Both the shoulder and the knee rely heavily on how the rest of the body moves, coordinates and manages load. When movement patterns become inefficient, these joints often absorb more stress than they are designed to handle.

At our clinic, we help you understand why your shoulder or knee is under strain and guide you toward long-term improvement through better movement and control.

Shoulder assessment in a therapy session

Understanding Shoulder and Knee Issues

Shoulder and knee problems may develop suddenly after an injury or gradually over time due to repetitive load, work demands or training habits.

Common contributing factors include:

Poor movement control
Reduced mobility above or below the joint
Repetitive or sustained positions
Training or workload errors
Previous injury
Compensation patterns that develop over time

Pain is often a sign that the body is adapting to stress rather than functioning efficiently.

Common Shoulder Issues

The shoulder is designed for mobility. When coordination or control is compromised, pain and injury often follow.

Common shoulder-related complaints include:

Pain when lifting or reaching
Discomfort during overhead activities
Night pain or difficulty lying on one side
Weakness or instability
Reduced range of motion
Recurring flare-ups with activity

Shoulder issues often involve the neck, upper back, rib cage and shoulder blade rather than the shoulder alone.

Common Knee Issues

The knee is designed to transmit force rather than generate it. When movement control at the hip or ankle is compromised, the knee is often overloaded.

Common knee-related complaints include:

Pain during walking, running or stairs
Pain with squatting or kneeling
Stiffness or swelling
A feeling of instability
Reduced confidence with movement
Recurring flare-ups during activity

In active individuals, knee pain often presents as reduced load tolerance rather than constant pain.

Why These Issues Are Often Movement Problems

In many cases, shoulder and knee pain are the result of inefficient movement patterns rather than structural damage alone.

Assessment at our clinic looks beyond the painful area and includes:

Joint mobility and control
Functional movement patterns
Posture and load management
Strength and coordination
Movement habits during work, sport and daily life

The aim is to reduce unnecessary stress on the joint by restoring efficient, adaptable movement.

How We Help You at Our Clinic

At our clinic, we help you:

Identify the underlying contributors to shoulder or knee pain
Reduce pain and irritation
Restore normal movement patterns
Improve control and coordination
Introduce rehabilitation exercises at the right time
Return to activity safely and confidently
Reduce the risk of recurring problems

Treatment may involve hands-on care, movement assessment, education and rehabilitation exercises introduced once normal movement patterns return.

I strongly believe that rehabilitation should follow the return of normal movement, not come before it.

Who Commonly Benefits From This Care

Shoulder and knee-focused care is particularly helpful for:

Office and desk-based workers
Manual workers
Runners and athletes
Dancers and performers
Gym and strength-training participants
People with recurring joint pain
Those returning to activity after injury

When Should You Seek Help

You do not need to wait until pain becomes severe.

An assessment is recommended if you:

Experience recurring shoulder or knee pain
Feel pain during everyday or sporting activities
Notice weakness, stiffness or instability
Feel hesitant to move or train
Want to prevent future injuries

Early assessment often leads to better outcomes and more sustainable results.

A Thoughtful, Long-Term Approach

Shoulder and knee issues develop over time and respond best to a considered, movement-based approach rather than quick fixes.

At our clinic, the focus is on helping you move better, feel stronger and regain confidence in your body.

Book an Appointment

If shoulder or knee pain is affecting your movement or performance, we are here to help you understand the cause and guide you toward long-term improvement.