Shoulder Pain Physical Therapy in Raleigh, NC
Whether you’re dealing with a rotator cuff injury, shoulder impingement, or persistent pain that’s keeping you off the court or out of the gym, our expert physical therapists will help you move without compensation and regain the freedom to do what you love most. Get back to training, competing, and living pain-free.
Is Shoulder Pain Holding You Back From Your Active Lifestyle?
Shoulder injuries don’t just hurt—they steal your performance, disrupt your training, and keep you from the activities that make you feel like yourself. Whether it’s a nagging ache after every workout or sharp pain that won’t go away, ignoring it only makes things worse.
Limited Range of Motion
You can’t lift your arm overhead without pain, making everyday tasks and athletic movements nearly impossible.
Chronic Pain & Stiffness
That dull ache or burning sensation in your shoulder is affecting your sleep, workouts, and ability to perform at your best.
Recurring Injuries
Your shoulder keeps “going out” or you’re compensating with other muscles, creating new problems throughout your body.
Expert Shoulder Pain Treatment That Addresses the Root Cause
At Smart Athlete Physiotherapy, we don’t just mask your symptoms—we identify and treat the source of your shoulder dysfunction. Our team has worked with athletes from the ATP World Tour, NFL, NBA, and Olympic teams, bringing elite-level care to weekend warriors, fitness enthusiasts, and everyone in between. Unlike traditional PT clinics that rush you through appointments, we provide 45-60 minute one-on-one sessions focused entirely on your recovery.
✓ One-on-one care from experienced physical therapists – No aides, no shortcuts, just expert hands-on treatment every session.
✓ Comprehensive evaluation from head to toe – We identify compensations and movement patterns that are contributing to your shoulder pain.
✓ Proven manual therapy techniques – Including dry needling, myofascial release, postural restoration, and joint mobilization to get you results fast.
Our Proven 3-Step Process for Shoulder Pain Relief
Comprehensive Shoulder Evaluation
We start with a detailed musculoskeletal evaluation and functional movement assessment to identify the root cause of your shoulder pain—not just treat symptoms.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Using advanced manual therapy, dry needling, and movement correction techniques, we address soft tissue restrictions, joint dysfunction, and compensatory patterns.
Return to Performance
We equip you with the knowledge, exercises, and strategies to stay pain-free and perform at your best—whether that’s on the tennis court, in the gym, or at your desk.
Shoulder Conditions We Successfully Treat in Raleigh
Our physical therapists specialize in treating a wide range of shoulder injuries and conditions. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, dealing with chronic pain, or trying to prevent future injury, we have the expertise to help you heal properly and get back to full strength.
✓ Rotator cuff tears and strains
✓ Shoulder impingement syndrome
✓ Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
✓ Labral tears and instability
✓ Biceps tendonitis
✓ Bursitis and inflammation
✓ Post-surgical rehabilitation
✓ AC joint injuries
✓ Thoracic outlet syndrome
✓ Postural-related shoulder pain
"Jon is awesome. Extremely knowledgeable. My shoulder pain, that I thought would require surgery, is now gone. I would highly recommend making an appointment with Jon."
"I had major neck/upper shoulder issues that had been going on for six weeks. After two sessions with Holly I am almost 100% back to normal running every day and with full mobility. Holly is fantastic!"
"Jeff and his team are deeply knowledgeable and responsive to the individual needs of the client. They have worked with our son to help prevent repetitive and overuse injuries, and it's made a huge difference in his progression."
Meet the Smart Athlete Physiotherapy Team
Jeff Vajay, PT | Founder Sports Physiotherapist
Jeff has nearly two decades of experience working with athletes from the NHL, NFL, NBA, ATP, WTA, MLB, and US Olympic Track and Field. He spent four years as a sports medicine therapist for the United States Tennis Association Men’s Professional Circuit and currently travels internationally as a Physiotherapist with the ATP World Tour.
Education: BS Physical Therapy, Quinnipiac University
Specialties: Elite athlete care, tennis injuries, international sports medicine, dry needling
Michael Vita, DPT | Co-Founder Electrophysiologic Clinical Specialist
Michael has been practicing in orthopaedics and electrophysiology for 19 years. He obtained his Electrophysiologic Clinical Specialist designation from the American Board of Physical Therapy Examiners in 2007, bringing specialized expertise in neuromuscular rehabilitation.
Education: DPT, Rocky Mountain University
Specialties: Orthopaedics, electrophysiology, neuromuscular rehabilitation, manual therapy
Jon Paryz, PT, CSCS | Co-Owner Physical Therapist & Strength Coach
Jon earned his Physical Therapy degree from Daemen College in 1993 and became NSCA Certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist in 2002. He brings a unique combination of rehabilitation expertise and performance training to help athletes return stronger than before.
Education: PT, Daemen College | CSCS, NSCA
Specialties: Return-to-sport training, strength and conditioning, athlete performance optimization
Find Us Inside The Performance Hub in Raleigh
We’re located inside The Performance Hub in Raleigh, creating a unique environment where rehabilitation meets performance training. We’re just minutes from downtown Raleigh, easily accessible from Cary, Apex, Wake Forest, and throughout the Triangle.
Email Contact via phone for scheduling
Phone (919) 424-6055
Office 2415 Atlantic Ave Raleigh, NC 27604 (Inside The Performance Hub)
We’re located off Atlantic Avenue near Glenwood South, just minutes from downtown Raleigh. Easy access from I-440 and Wade Avenue. We also offer tennis-specific training at our Bryan’s Tennis location at 6405 Westgate Road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I recently injured my shoulder during sports or training?
If you’ve been sidelined due to a sudden shoulder injury, it’s important to immediately address swelling, pain, joint stiffness, or weakness. We provide an initial evaluation and assessment from head to toe to guide you on the fastest route to optimal recovery. If your injury requires attention from another medical professional, we’ll connect you with the best option.
Can you help with chronic shoulder pain that won’t go away?
Absolutely. We specialize in identifying the root cause of chronic shoulder pain—not just treating symptoms. Our comprehensive neuro-biomechanical evaluations help us understand compensations and movement patterns that contribute to ongoing pain. We use advanced manual therapy techniques including dry needling, myofascial release, and postural restoration to provide lasting relief.
How long does shoulder physical therapy take?
Each treatment plan is customized based on findings from your initial evaluation and your individual goals. Given the length and intensity of our 45-60 minute treatment sessions, most people come in once a week before tapering off. Our typical frequency and duration is almost half that of in-network facilities because we provide more intensive, one-on-one care. Home exercises are assigned to your PtEverywhere account to speed progress.
Do you accept insurance for shoulder pain treatment?
We are an out-of-network provider and do not directly participate with insurance plans. However, we provide you with a detailed invoice that includes treatment and diagnostic codes, which you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. We chose this model because it allows us to provide the quality, individualized care you deserve without insurance limitations dictating your treatment.
Still Have Questions?
We’re here to help you get back to doing what you love.