168. How to explain shoulder pain to pat...

How do the terms we use influence a patient’s understanding of their shoulder pain, their recovery expectations, and even their treatment choices? In this episode of the Physio Edge Shoulder Success Podcast, Jo Gibson (Upper Limb Rehabilitation Specialist Physio), explores the power of language in physiotherapy and how our explanations can either support or hinder a patient’s progress.

Drawing on research and real-world clinical experience, Jo discusses a compelling case study:

• Persistent shoulder pain after multiple treatments – A patient with years of ongoing pain, failed surgeries, and various diagnoses struggles to make sense of their condition. Despite normal imaging, they avoid activity and seek repeated treatments, caught in a cycle of fear and uncertainty.

Jo unpacks key questions around patient communication:

• How do diagnostic labels like "impingement" or "rotator cuff tear" shape patient beliefs?
• Why do patients often focus on the most negative aspects of their diagnosis?
• How can we explain shoulder pain in a way that reassures rather than reinforces fear?

You’ll also gain practical strategies to:

• Explore what patients understand about their diagnosis and how it influences their behavior.
• Use language that encourages confidence and movement rather than avoidance.
• Identify non-verbal cues that indicate uncertainty or distress in your patients.

With evidence-based insights and actionable communication tips, this episode will help you refine your patient interactions and improve rehabilitation outcomes.

Listen now to discover how small changes in your language can make a big impact on your patients’ recovery.

Click on an image below to access these free resources from Jo Gibson and Clinical Edge

The handout for this podcast consists of a transcript associated with this podcast.

Shoulder: Steps to Success online course with Jo Gibson

Improve your assessment and treatment of shoulder pain with the Shoulder: Steps to Success online course with Jo Gibson, now available for enrolment at clinicaledge.co/shouldersuccess

Free trial Clinical Edge membership

Use a fresh approach to your musculoskeletal and sports injury treatment with a free trial Clinical Edge membership at clinicaledge.co/freetrial

Links associated with this episode:

• Free video series - How to be a shoulder detective: Solving acute shoulder pain with Jo Gibson
• Get your access to the free video series “Frozen shoulder assessment & treatment” with Jo Gibson
• Improve your shoulder assessment & treatment with the Shoulder: Steps to Success online course with Jo Gibson
• Improve your confidence and clinical reasoning with a free trial Clinical Edge membership
• Join Jo Gibson live on Facebook & ask your shoulder related questions every Monday
• Download and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes
• Download the podcast now using the best podcast app currently in existence - Overcast
• Listen to the podcast on Spotify
• Jo Gibson on Twitter
• Let David know what you liked about this podcast on Twitter
• Review the podcast on iTunes
• Infographics by Clinical Edge