Restore Movement and Reduce Shoulder Pain
Reclaim Your Mobility and Comfort
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body, but that remarkable range comes at a cost. Because it relies so heavily on muscles and ligaments for stability, it is prone to injury. Shoulder pain can make the simplest tasks—reaching for a cupboard, sleeping on your side, or simply getting dressed—feel frustrating or even impossible.
At The Whiteley Physiotherapy Centre, our physiotherapists are experts in untangling the complexities of shoulder mechanics. We don’t just look at the joint in isolation; we identify the specific drivers of your pain and build a rehabilitation programme designed to restore your strength, range, and long-term function.
Understanding Shoulder Pain
Common Causes
- Rotator Cuff Injuries: The four key tendons that stabilise your shoulder. Problems range from “wear and repair” (tendinopathy) to partial or full-thickness tears.
- Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): A condition where the joint capsule becomes thickened and tight, causing significant stiffness and deep aching.
- Shoulder Impingement: Pain caused by structures being “nipped” or compressed during overhead movements, often due to muscle imbalances.
- Calcific Tendinopathy: The development of small calcium deposits within the tendons, which can cause episodes of intense, sharp pain.
- Referred Pain: It is common for stiffness or trapped nerves in the neck (cervical spine) to “send” pain down into the shoulder and upper arm.
When to Seek Help
If your shoulder pain has persisted for more than two weeks, is regularly interrupting your sleep, or followed a specific injury (like a fall or a heavy lift), a professional clinical assessment is highly recommended to prevent the condition from becoming chronic.
How We Treat Shoulder Pain
- The “Bigger Picture” Assessment: We assess your shoulder joint alongside your shoulder blade (scapula) movement and your upper back. Many shoulder issues are actually caused by the mid-back being too stiff or the shoulder blade not “tracking” correctly.
- Diagnostic Ultrasound: If the cause of your pain is unclear, we offer on-site diagnostic ultrasound. This allows us to look directly at the tendons and ligaments in real-time to identify tears or calcium deposits.
- Exercise-Based Rehabilitation: Strengthening the rotator cuff is the “gold standard” for recovery. We provide targeted exercises that gradually increase in load and speed as your tissue heals.
- Manual Therapy: We use joint mobilisations and soft tissue work to “open up” the joint space and provide immediate symptomatic relief.
- Advanced Interventions: For stubborn cases, we provide Shockwave Therapy (excellent for calcific deposits) and Ultrasound-Guided Injections to ensure medication is delivered with pin-point accuracy.
Your First Appointment
At The Whiteley Physiotherapy Centre, we know that shoulder pain can be wearying. Your first session is about providing clarity and a practical “day one” strategy.
Practicalities for your visit:
- A Thorough 45-Minute Assessment: Your clinician will take a detailed history and perform specific diagnostic tests to see which structures are provoked.
- What to wear: Please wear a vest top or a loose t-shirt that allows the therapist to see your shoulder, shoulder blade, and neck clearly.
- What to bring: If you have had any previous imaging (X-rays or MRI) or are currently using a sling or support, please bring those details with you.
- Immediate Plan: You will leave with a clear diagnosis and a set of “rehab” exercises designed to settle your pain and begin the strengthening process.
Honesty in Recovery
We believe in realistic expectations. The shoulder is a “suspension” joint, meaning it relies on muscle balance to stay healthy.
Clinical Note: Because we are often retraining movement patterns and waiting for tendons to remodel, shoulder rehab is rarely a “quick fix.”
Conditions like Frozen Shoulder are notorious for their length, sometimes taking months to fully thaw. However, with consistent physiotherapy, we can significantly reduce the pain and prevent permanent stiffness. Most mechanical shoulder issues show meaningful improvement within six to eight weeks of dedicated rotator cuff work. Our job is to keep your progress on track and ensure you have the tools to keep your shoulder resilient for years to come.
Your Treatment Team
- Felicia Fetcu – Physiotherapist (CSP: 106027 | HCPC: PH117618)
- Bethany Vance – Physiotherapist (CSP: 127691 | HCPC: PH146896)
- Yves De Vos – Physiotherapist and shockwave therapy (CSP: 54623 | HCPC: PH48182)
- Diane Shaw – Physiotherapist (CSP: 49658 | HCPC: PH41958)
- Simona Jacob – Physiotherapist (CSP: 111102 | HCPC: PH124185)
- Peter Monk – Diagnostic ultrasound and guided injections (HCPC: PH49513)
Pricing and Appointment
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Initial Assessment £79 / 45 minutes
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Follow-Up Session £59 / 30 minutes
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Block Booking £319 for 6 sessions
We are recognised by Bupa, AXA PPP, Aviva, WPA, Cigna, and Vitality.
To book, call 01489 569888 or email info@thewhiteleyphysiocentre.co.uk.
Conveniently Located in Whiteley
Our clinic is at Gull Coppice, Yew Tree Drive, Whiteley, Fareham, Hampshire, PO15 7LS. We serve patients from Whiteley, Fareham, Segensworth, Swanwick, Titchfield, Sarisbury, and Burridge.
Phone: 01489 569888
Email: info@thewhiteleyphysiocentre.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a scan for my shoulder?
Not always. Many shoulder conditions can be diagnosed clinically. If imaging is needed, our on-site diagnostic ultrasound can assess the rotator cuff and other soft tissue structures immediately.
Can physiotherapy help with a rotator cuff tear?
Yes. Research shows that many rotator cuff tears, including some full-thickness tears, can be managed effectively with physiotherapy. Strengthening the surrounding muscles can compensate for the torn structure. Surgery is not always necessary.
How long does frozen shoulder last?
Frozen shoulder typically follows a pattern of three phases: freezing, frozen, and thawing. The full cycle can take twelve to eighteen months, but physiotherapy can help manage pain, maintain as much movement as possible, and speed up recovery.
Should I rest my shoulder?
Complete rest is rarely helpful. Gentle movement and specific exercises, guided by your physiotherapist, are usually more effective than immobilisation.
Can neck problems cause shoulder pain?
Yes. Cervical spine conditions can refer pain into the shoulder and upper arm. We always assess the neck as part of a shoulder examination to ensure the correct source of pain is identified.
What is shoulder impingement?
Impingement occurs when structures within the shoulder are compressed during overhead movements. It is often related to rotator cuff weakness or poor scapular control and responds well to targeted rehabilitation.
Is shockwave therapy effective for shoulder problems?
Shockwave therapy is effective for calcific shoulder tendinopathy and can also be used for persistent rotator cuff tendinopathy. Your clinician will advise whether it is appropriate for your condition.
When is surgery needed for shoulder pain?
Surgery is considered when physiotherapy has not provided sufficient improvement, or when the nature of the injury (such as a large acute rotator cuff tear or recurrent dislocation) makes surgical repair the best option. Your physiotherapist can discuss this with you and arrange a surgical referral if needed.
Is treatment covered by insurance?
Yes. We are recognised by Bupa, AXA PPP, Aviva, WPA, Cigna, and Vitality.
How do I book?
Ready to Get Started?
Shoulder pain limiting your life? Call 01489 569888 to book your assessment and start treatment.