Shoulder Rehab

Let’s be real — shoulder injuries are frustrating. They sneak up during bench press, show up after a surf session, or flare up in the middle of your sleep for no apparent reason. Maybe it started with a little pinch. Maybe you’ve been nursing it for months, hoping it would just go away.

At Athletic Edge Physical Therapy, we specialize in figuring out why your shoulder’s hurting — and what to actually do about it.

Close-up of shoulder rehab stability work during post-injury shoulder rehab at AEPT San Diego.

Common Shoulder Injuries We Treat

We’ve worked with everyone from competitive lifters to weekend paddlers to new parents with aching rotator cuffs. Whatever stage you’re at — we’ve probably seen it.

Some of the most common shoulder issues we treat include:

  • Rotator cuff tears (surgical + non-surgical)

  • Shoulder impingement

  • Labral tears

  • Biceps tendonitis

  • Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)

  • Post-op shoulder rehab

  • AC joint injuries

  • Shoulder instability and dislocations

  • Pain with overhead movement (lifting, throwing, reaching)

  • “It hurts but my MRI says I’m fine” pain (yep, that’s a real category)

And if your diagnosis isn’t listed here — no stress. If it’s shoulder-related, we can help.

Why Shoulder Pain Is So Common AND So Tricky

The shoulder is a pretty incredible joint. It’s mobile, dynamic, and lets you do everything from overhead presses to hugging your kid. But all that movement comes with a cost: it relies on dozens of muscles, joints, and timing mechanisms to stay stable.

When even one part of the system isn’t working quite right, your shoulder starts compensating. That’s when pain creeps in — and hangs around longer than it should.

We take a full-body approach to shoulder rehab. Because the real problem? It’s often not just the shoulder.

What to Expect at AEPT

Whether you’re post-op or still figuring out what’s going on, your first session is all about getting clarity.

Here’s what it typically includes:

  • A deep dive into your injury history, daily movement, and goals

  • Functional movement screening — how your shoulder moves in real life, not just on a table

  • Targeted shoulder and scapular mobility assessments

  • Full kinetic chain evaluation (we’re looking at your spine, ribcage, core — not just the joint)

Then we get to work — together.

Your Personalized Shoulder Rehab Plan

At AEPT, your treatment will feel different — because it’s designed around you. Not your insurance. Not a printed protocol.

You’ll get:

  • 1-on-1 sessions with a Doctor of Physical Therapy

  • Manual therapy to calm things down (and improve mobility)

  • Progressive strength training — starting where you’re at

  • Neuromuscular re-education to restore coordination

  • Real-world movement training (for your gym, your sport, or your life)

  • A clear, evolving plan with no fluff or guesswork

We stay in touch between sessions, update your programming, and make sure you’re never left wondering, “Am I doing this right?”

What Our Clients Say

“I found Athletic Edge PT after dealing with over 6 months of shoulder pain. Despite trying to rehab it on my own, nothing was really helping. I was honestly shocked by how quickly it started feeling better and the continual progress I’ve made. Dr. Natasha and the team are incredibly knowledgeable and what really stood out was how they tailored the rehab program to my specific body and goals. The focused bodywork is excellent, and they have a careful eye for spotting imbalances and dialing in form. Plus, sessions are actually fun! If you’re looking for a team that really knows their stuff, I highly recommend Athletic Edge!”
— Erin K.

“The entire team at Athletic Edge are absolutely incredible. I have been dealing with an on and off shoulder injury for years, and without long term solutions. Natasha is the first therapist who I am confident will set me up for long term success. She took the time to listen to all my concerns and understand how my pain was impacting my day to day life as well as my ability to participate in CrossFit. She set me up with a long term plan to prevent my injury from recurring as well as short term solutions to get my pain under control.”
— Jaime T.

Physical therapist guiding patient through shoulder mobility and strength rehab at Athletic Edge PT in San Diego.

Who This Is For

  • You had shoulder surgery and want focused, hands-on rehab

  • You’ve been dealing with pain during lifting or training

  • Your shoulder “clicks,” “catches,” or feels unstable

  • You’ve stopped doing what you love because of shoulder pain

  • You’ve tried rest, stretches, and Google — and you’re still stuck

We work with athletes, active adults, recreational lifters, parents, desk workers, and anyone in between. If your shoulder is holding you back, we’re here to help move you forward.

Why Choose AEPT for Shoulder Rehab?

  • Cash-based model = more time with your PT, less waiting room time

  • Deep experience with both surgical and non-surgical shoulder care

  • 60-minute sessions focused entirely on you

  • Sports performance knowledge + real-world movement coaching

  • Care that doesn’t stop at “you’re discharged” — we support you all the way back