When a client describes their shoulder as “stiff”, what do you ask next?

4 days ago

2 min read

Three questions worth asking

My shoulder feels stiff” is a familiar opening to a consultation. But what does that description mean for this particular client?

Before moving into assessment, a few focused questions can help you understand what has changed and what matters most to them.

1. Which everyday activities have changed?

Ask for a specific example. Is putting on a jacket becoming difficult? Reaching a shelf? Washing their hair?

Follow up with: “What happens when you try?”

An everyday task gives the conversation a useful focus. It also provides something meaningful to revisit when reviewing progress.

2. What makes the movement difficult?

Give the client room to describe the experience in their own words. Does the shoulder feel painful, restricted or uncertain to move? Do they stop because it hurts, or because they feel they cannot move further?

These descriptions help guide your assessment. The word “stiff” alone does not tell you which structures are involved.

3. How has the pattern changed?

Ask what they noticed first and how things have developed. Has movement gradually become harder, or does the difficulty vary with particular activities?

Explore what eases the symptoms, what aggravates them and whether daily function is improving or declining.

The aim is to build a clearer picture before deciding on the next step.

Together, these questions help turn a general complaint into a more useful history. They support your assessment without turning a single symptom into a diagnosis.