Shoulder pain
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, which makes it easy to injure and important to treat carefully.
Shoulder pain can make everyday tasks hard: reaching up to a cupboard, getting dressed, lifting shopping or sleeping on your side. Common problems include rotator cuff tendon pain, frozen shoulder and pain after a fall or sports injury. A careful assessment tells us which structure is involved so treatment can be specific and effective.
You might notice
- Pain when lifting your arm or reaching behind your back
- Pain lying on the affected side at night
- Weakness or a "catching" feeling
- Stiffness that is slowly getting worse
- Clicking or a feeling that the shoulder is unstable
Common causes
- Overloading the rotator cuff tendons, often with repeated overhead tasks
- Frozen shoulder, which is more common in middle age
- Falls, dislocations or sporting injuries
- Reduced strength and control around the shoulder blade
- Wear-related changes in the joint
How we work on shoulder pain.
- 01
Calm and protect
Settle the pain with hands-on treatment and smart changes to how you use the arm day to day.
- 02
Restore movement
Get the shoulder moving freely again, without forcing it.
- 03
Rebuild strength
Progressive work for the rotator cuff and shoulder blade, measured as you go.
- 04
Back to full use
Reaching, lifting, carrying, swimming or serving, built up step by step.
- A detailed assessment of movement, strength and stability
- Hands-on treatment to ease pain and restore movement
- A progressive strengthening programme for the shoulder and shoulder blade
- Advice on sleep positions and day-to-day tasks
- Coordination with your GP or consultant if an injection or scan may help
Tendon problems often improve over several weeks to a few months with the right exercise. Frozen shoulder can take longer, and physiotherapy helps you keep as much movement and comfort as possible while it settles.
Elite-level care, on your case.
The people who have looked after Premier League footballers and Premiership rugby players will look after you. Same standards, same attention to detail, whatever brings you in.
Your first appointment.
01
We listen
Your first appointment lasts an hour with a senior physiotherapist. We start by understanding your symptoms, your history, your work and what you want to get back to.
02
We find the cause
A thorough hands-on assessment of how you move, so we treat the cause and not just where it hurts.
03
You leave with a plan
You will understand what is wrong, how long it should take, and exactly what to do next, including treatment and exercises to start straight away.
Good questions.
Will I need surgery?
Most shoulder problems get better without surgery. If your assessment suggests a surgical opinion is worthwhile, we will tell you and help you find the right specialist.
Should I keep using my arm?
Usually yes, within comfort. Keeping the shoulder moving is important, and we will show you how to do that without making it worse.
