Common shoulder problems
The shoulder has the widest range of movement of any joint, which also makes it prone to injury and instability.
- Rotator cuff injury — pain when lifting the arm or at night, sometimes with weakness
- Shoulder dislocation and instability — the joint slipping out of place, sometimes repeatedly
- Frozen shoulder — painful, progressive stiffness
- General shoulder pain and restricted movement
Assessment
Your symptoms and a structured shoulder examination guide the diagnosis. X-ray, ultrasound or MRI may be advised.
Treatment options
Many shoulder conditions respond to medicines, injections where appropriate, and a guided physiotherapy programme. When a tendon or the joint's stabilising structures are damaged, shoulder arthroscopy allows repair through small incisions.
This page is general information. Whether a treatment is suitable for you is decided at consultation.