By Ollie Emberson

Case Study: How Matt Reclaimed His Strength and Beat 4 Years of Shoulder Pain

Matt was an experienced gym-goer and who had been struggling with constant shoulder pain for 48 months.

 

Despite seeing multiple physical therapists and even undergoing cortisone injections, he couldn’t make progress.

 

The impact? 

 

  • His workouts became painful, and daily activities—like putting away dishes or sleeping—were uncomfortable.

 

  • Frustrated and losing motivation, Matt began to question if he could ever get back to lifting without pain.

What Was Holding Him Back?

Matt’s injury limited him in overhead and pressing movements, and his posture worsened over time. He tried multiple rehab solutions… but they either didn’t work or provided only temporary relief.

 

His Key Mistakes:

 

  1. Generic programs that didn’t adapt to his specific pain and limitations.

  2. A lack of hands-on support to adjust exercises in real-time when needed.

  3. Treatments that left him feeling like surgery might be his only option.
  •  

How we solved it

Matt joined my program looking for a different approach—one that would give him real progress without wasting more time or money.

 

Here’s what made the difference:

 

  • Tailored Programming: I designed a specific plan focused on reducing shoulder pain while building strength.

  • Adaptive Coaching: Each week, we assessed his progress and adjusted exercises. If a movement caused discomfort, I modified it or replaced it entirely.

  • Support on Demand: Matt had full access to me via Telegram and Zoom for any questions or feedback—ensuring he never felt stuck or unsupported.

 

The result?

 

Within 4 weeks, Matt experienced his first pain-free workout in years. A few months later, he was bench pressing 80kg—completely pain-free.

The Results: A life-changing transformation

  • Pain-Free Workouts: Matt can now lift without any shoulder discomfort.

  • Improved Confidence: For the first time in 4 years, he feels optimistic about his shoulder health.

  • Back to Progress: Matt’s regained his motivation and is now working towards being stronger than ever.

Why Matt chose this program over others

After trying physical therapy and other methods that fell short, Matt wanted something more advanced. He found me on Twitter, drawn to my expertise and reputation for getting results.

 

Here’s what he had to say about the experience:

Matt Finnegan
Matt Finnegan
Fitness Enthusiast // UK
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I struggled with day to day shoulder pain for 4 years and despite trying physios and cortisone injections, I was in constant pain during the day and unable progress or train properly in the gym.

The program and depth of support was great with Ollie. Being able to ask questions over telegram or get face to face support on zoom anytime I needed it.

4 weeks in, and my workouts were completely pain free. Months later and I’m benching 80kg without any issues. Ollie’s program has been a massive positive impact on my life.

My shoulder is in the least amount of pain since I injured, and for the first time in 4 years I am optimistic about my shoulder.

Takeaway for you

Matt’s story proves that you don’t need to live with pain forever.

 

If you’ve tried physical therapists, injections, or generic rehab programs without success, my program can help you get the results you’ve been missing.

 

Imagine what it would feel like to be pain-free, motivated, and back to living without frustration and training without limitations.

 

Want the same results as Matt?

 

Apply for a free consultation today to see how I can help you eliminate pain and regain your strength.

Who Is Ollie?

 

Ollie is a performance and injury advisor trusted by athletes, biz owners and health optimisers.

 

In 2023 and 2024, 93% of Ollie’s clients recovered better AND faster than in-person physical therapy, osteo and more.

When you’re Ready, Here’s How I can Help: 

Pro Perform Club

 

Join 1000+ high-performers getting 2 powerful emails a week on pain-free movement and workout optimisation.

Pain-free Masterclass [Free]

 

Discover how to overcome recurring shoulder injuries so you can train 100% pain free in the next 30 days

Pain-free Athlete™ [Paid]

 

For those who have been injured for 6+ months and failed to fix their injury with physical therapy.

Get out of pain (for good), train without limits, and feel strong, sturdy and confident in the gym.

This is only for those who have had shoulder pain for 6+ months AND tried physical therapy. If that’s not you, leave this page now!