Shoulder pain

What it feels like

• Pain reaching overhead, behind the back or across the body
• Pain at night, especially lying on the shoulder
• Weakness lifting the arm, or the arm feeling heavy
• Stiffness that limits movement in every direction
• Clicking, or a feeling that the shoulder may slip out

Common causes

• Rotator cuff problems

  Inflammation, wear or tears of the group of tendons that lift and rotate the arm. Pain is typically felt on the outer upper arm and with overhead activity.

• Frozen shoulder

  Painful stiffening of the joint capsule, more common in people with diabetes. It usually passes through painful, stiff and recovering phases over many months.

• Dislocation and instability

  The ball of the joint comes out of the socket, usually after a fall or sporting injury. After a first dislocation the shoulder may remain loose and dislocate again.

• Arthritis

  Wear of the joint surface, or damage after long-standing rotator cuff tears, causing grinding and loss of movement.

• Fractures

  Breaks of the collarbone or upper arm after a fall, with swelling, bruising and inability to move the arm.

When to seek care straight away

How it is assessed at the centre

1. 01A consultation and examination of movement, strength and stability.
2. 02Digital X-ray on site to check for fracture, dislocation or arthritis.
3. 03An ultrasound or MRI scan, arranged when a rotator cuff tear or labral injury needs to be confirmed.

Treatment options

• Physiotherapy and injections

  A structured exercise programme at the on-site physiotherapy department is the first treatment for most shoulder pain. Injections can help in the painful phase of frozen shoulder or tendon inflammation.

  Joint Disorders

• Shoulder arthroscopy

  Keyhole repair of rotator cuff tears, stabilisation after dislocation, and release of tight tissue, with small incisions and a shorter recovery.

  Sports Injury & Arthroscopy

• Shoulder replacement

  For advanced arthritis or some complex fractures, the joint surfaces are replaced. The type of replacement depends on the state of the rotator cuff.

  Joint Replacement Surgery

• Fracture care

  Collarbone and upper-arm fractures are treated by the trauma team, with a sling, or fixation when the bones are displaced.

  Accident & Complex Trauma Care

Questions patients ask

Will a rotator cuff tear heal on its own?

Small tears and tendon inflammation often settle with physiotherapy. Complete tears do not usually heal by themselves, and repair is considered when weakness or pain persists, particularly in active people.

How long does a frozen shoulder last?

It commonly runs its course over many months to a couple of years. Treatment aims to relieve pain and keep as much movement as possible during that time.

How do I book a consultation?

Call 080 2664 3970 or 96201 51588 during consultation hours, Monday to Saturday, 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm.

What if it happens at night or on a Sunday?

Accident and trauma care is available at any hour. Call the emergency line, 98450 75749.