SupremeA shoulder that won't reach the top shelf?
Putting a jacket on hurts. Sleeping on that side is out. You've stopped lifting overhead in the gym. Most shoulder pain isn't damage in the joint. It's the muscles around it pulling the shoulder out of position.
Nick Monczakowski 4.9 from 74 Google reviews · 13+ years
Rarely a shoulder problem.
Your chest is pulling it forward.
A tight pec minor tips the shoulder blade forward, squeezing the space the rotator cuff needs to move freely.
One trap works, one switches off.
The upper trap takes over and hikes the shoulder up. The lower trap stops holding the blade steady. That imbalance is where clicking and pinching come from.
Your upper back has stopped moving.
When the upper back is stiff, the shoulder has to do all the work every time you reach up. Free it up and range often returns on the table.
Four areas. One shoulder.
Pec minor & chest
The main driver in most desk and gym shoulder pain. Release it and the whole shoulder sits differently, often straight away.
Upper & lower traps
Calm the overactive upper trap so the shoulder blade can drop and glide properly instead of pinching.
Rotator cuff
Four small muscles holding the ball in the socket. A tight subscapularis in particular blocks rotation and overhead reach.
Upper back mobility
A freer upper back gives the shoulder room to move. One of the quickest ways to win back range.
Eight years coaching the hardest shoulder movement in sport.
Before massage, Nick coached tennis for 8 years, including at David Lloyd Raynes Park. The serve loads the shoulder more than almost anything else, so he learned exactly where it gives way.
The same forward pull that pinches a tennis player's shoulder builds up over years at a desk. Whether you serve, swim, lift or type, the fix starts in the same places: the chest, the shoulder blade and the upper back.
Shoulder myths. Busted.
“It's probably torn.”
Tap to flip →Most shoulder pain isn't a tear. It's muscle imbalance squeezing the joint. If a tear is suspected, Nick will tell you and point you to the right person.
“I'll just rest it.”
Tap to flip →Rest takes the edge off. The tight chest and stiff upper back are still there when you reach for the top shelf again.
“Strengthen it and it'll be fine.”
Tap to flip →Strength helps once the shoulder can move properly. Load a shoulder that's pinching and you strengthen the pinch.
Who ends up with shoulder pain?
Desk workers
Years of rounded shoulders tighten the chest and switch off the muscles that hold the shoulder blade. Often comes with neck pain and headaches.
Racket players
Tennis, padel and squash load the shoulder on every serve and smash. Often paired with tennis elbow.
Gym regulars
Pressing and overhead lifts with a tight chest and stiff upper back. The bench press shoulder is real.
Swimmers
Thousands of overhead strokes a week tighten the front of the shoulder. Regular treatment keeps it moving freely.
Overhead trades
Electricians, decorators and builders working overhead all day. One-sided and cumulative. Manual worker pain →
Parents
Lifting, carrying and car seats, usually on the same side every time. It adds up.
One hour. A proper plan.
- 01
Talk
Your symptoms, your sport or work and what makes it worse.
- 02
Assess
Hands-on assessment of the chest, traps, rotator cuff and upper back to feel where it's restricted.
- 03
Treat
Release of the muscles driving your pattern, front and back, not just around the joint.
- 04
Plan
Simple stretches and an honest view on how many sessions you need.
Shoulders back in action.
“He has been able to help me with an underlying shoulder issue where physios, osteopaths and other massage therapists have only ever been able to provide short term relief at a more superficial level.”
Robbie · Shoulder“I had issues with my shoulder because of work and softball. I received 4-5 sessions from Nick and got my shoulder back in proper working condition.”
Ashley · Softball“He has resolved the issue with my shoulder and also helped me to correct aspects of my posture, which have been exacerbated through years of working long hours sitting at a desk.”
Neil · Desk-based consultantBefore you book for your shoulder.
Can sports massage help shoulder pain?
Yes. Tight pec minor, an overactive upper trap, rotator cuff imbalance and a forward head position are the most common drivers of shoulder pain and all respond well to targeted soft tissue work. Most people notice better movement and less pain within 2 to 3 sessions.
What causes shoulder pain and restricted movement?
Usually not structural damage. A tight pec minor pulls the shoulder blade forward. An overactive upper trap pinches the space at the top of the shoulder. A stiff upper back stops the shoulder blade moving well. Weak stabilisers can't hold it steady. Treating those imbalances restores movement and takes away the source of the pain.
Is massage safe for rotator cuff problems?
For most rotator cuff problems, including impingement, tendinopathy and general tightness, yes. Treatment works on the muscles around the tendon rather than the tendon itself. If you've been diagnosed with a full tear, Nick will advise whether massage is appropriate first.
How many sessions will I need for shoulder pain?
Most shoulders improve clearly within 3 to 5 sessions. Long-standing or complex patterns, especially with a stiff upper back, may need more. You'll get an honest recommendation after the first session.
Can shoulder pain and neck pain be treated together?
Yes and they usually should be. The upper trap runs from the base of the skull to the shoulder, so the two often drive each other. Treating both in the same session gets better results.
When to see your GP first
Call 999 or go to A&E straight away if you have sudden shoulder or arm pain with chest pain, breathlessness or sweating.
Call NHS 111 or see your GP before booking if you have shoulder pain with any of these:
- Shoulder pain after a fall or accident, or you can't lift your arm at all
- A hot, red or swollen shoulder, especially with a fever
- Numbness, tingling or weakness running down your arm
- Pain that is severe, constant or getting worse quickly
Not sure? WhatsApp Nick a quick description first. If massage isn't the right first step, he'll tell you before you book.
Your shoulder has neighbours.
Get your shoulder moving again.
- £80 first session, assessment included
- Mon–Fri 11am–7pm
- Near New Malden station · free street parking
- Personal reply from Nick, usually same day
“Had severe pain on my left shoulder. Nick got straight to it. Took approx 3 sessions to solve the problem.”