Have you ever experienced shoulder pain with bench press, shoulder press or another chest or shoulder exercise?
Here at RRP Physiotherapy – based on Brisbane’s southside – we see clients presenting with these kinds of aches almost every day.
But we don’t want you to sit out too many workouts. That’s why we strive to return amateur, semi-pro and advanced-level clients back to lifting and exercising pain-free, in a time-efficient manner!
Learn more about the causes of shoulder pain when benching, and how a physio can help with your treatment, in our blog below.
Why Do I Have Shoulder Pain while Benching?
Shoulder pain related to bench press can be multi-factorial.
The most common causes of shoulder pain with ‘push’ movements at the gym include:
- Biomechanical error (the way your body moves)
- Technique error (the way you perform the exercise)
- Training error (the frequency/intensity/volume etc of your training)
- Anatomical issues (e.g. muscle tightness, weakness, imbalances etc.)
In most cases, shoulder pain occurs due to a combination of these factors, which your Physiotherapist can help to identify and explain to you.
What Is Causing My Shoulder Pain?
Along with above causes of shoulder pain at the gym, some people may have a specific condition that could be the source of their bench press-related shoulder pain.
Some other sources of shoulder soreness include:
- Rotator Cuff Tendinitis/Tendinopathy
- Shoulder Bursitis
- Joint Capsulitis
- Shoulder Instability
- Scapula Dyskinesia
Once the source and cause of your symptoms is identified, our highly-skilled therapists can develop a personalised treatment plan for you.
To ensure the treatment meets your needs and suits your schedule, we will consider your exercise goals, competitions/tournaments, and work commitments.
Physiotherapy For Shoulder Pain
Depending on the assessment and subsequent diagnosis, your physiotherapist can perform a range of techniques to help enhance your rehabilitation, including (but not limited to):
- Manual Therapy (e.g. Deep tissue massage, joint manipulations)
- Exercise Therapy (e.g. technique assessment, home exercise prescription)
- Western Acupuncture/Dry Needling
- Taping
- Discussion & education (regarding your condition, training, prognosis etc)
Shoulder Pain Bench Press
Do bench press and shoulder pain go hand in hand for you?
No one wants to be in agony during or after a workout. Get in touch with RRP Physiotherapy today and we’ll find the cause of your pain and begin a personalised treatment plan as soon as possible. Call us today on 0431 048 286 or make a booking here.

If a little niggle, or serious injury is stopping you from reaching your potential and performing at your best, then the trusted team at RRP Physiotherapy can help.
We develop customised treatment plans for people of all walks of life and sporting abilities, including professional athletes.
Our team has a strong background in exercise rehabilitation and is obsessed with health and fitness. But rest assured, we also treat non-sporting injuries like workplace injuries, chronic diseases, musculoskeletal imbalances, body stiffness and much more.
We are located at North West Physiotherapy Everton Park – one of North Brisbane’s most reputable Physiotherapy clinics.
RRP Physiotherapy accepts Private Health Insurance (via HICAPS), and bulk-bills WorkCover, DVA (White/Gold Cards) and GP Management Plans (EPCs). Plus, you don’t need a referral to come and see us!
Book online now or call (07) 3353 4111. Physiotherapy & Sports Physiotherapy.