Lambert Sports Clinic · Surbiton

Shoulder Pain Physiotherapy in Surbiton — What's Causing It & How We Treat It

Shoulder pain is the third most common musculoskeletal complaint after back and knee pain. Its causes are varied, and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment — the same symptom of "shoulder pain" can arise from very different structures requiring very different approaches.

At Lambert Sports Clinic in Surbiton, we offer physiotherapy assessment and treatment for the full range of shoulder conditions, from rotator cuff problems and shoulder impingement to frozen shoulder and calcific tendonitis. We are available 6 days a week, including Saturdays.

The Rotator Cuff

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that stabilise the shoulder joint. Rotator cuff conditions are among the most common causes of shoulder pain across all ages:

Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

Degenerative or reactive changes in the rotator cuff tendons — most commonly the supraspinatus — cause pain with overhead movements, discomfort when sleeping on the affected side, and weakness with shoulder activities. A progressive rotator cuff and scapular strengthening programme is the foundation of treatment. For persistent cases, shockwave therapy (ESWT) may be considered.

Rotator Cuff Tear

Partial or full-thickness tears of the rotator cuff can occur acutely (from a fall or shoulder injury) or develop over time as a degenerative process. Not all rotator cuff tears require surgery — many are managed effectively with physiotherapy. Assessment, possibly including imaging (ultrasound or MRI), helps guide the appropriate management approach.

Subacromial Impingement Syndrome

Compression of the rotator cuff tendons and subacromial bursa in the space beneath the acromion produces a painful arc of movement — typically pain when lifting the arm between 60 and 120 degrees. Physiotherapy addressing rotator cuff strength, scapular control, and posture is the primary management approach.

Calcific Tendonitis

Calcium deposits that form within the rotator cuff tendon (most commonly supraspinatus) can cause significant pain and restriction. Shockwave therapy has a particularly strong evidence base for calcific tendonitis, with studies demonstrating high rates of calcium resorption and pain reduction. It is typically recommended as a first-line non-surgical treatment.

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder involves progressive stiffening and pain in the shoulder joint due to inflammation and thickening of the joint capsule. It typically progresses through three phases — freezing (painful), frozen (stiff), and thawing (gradually improving) — over a period of 1 to 3 years. Physiotherapy helps to manage pain, maintain movement, and guide the patient through the phases of recovery. Early physiotherapy input is associated with a better outcome.

Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Injury

The AC joint, at the top of the shoulder, can be sprained acutely (typically from a fall onto the shoulder) or develop chronic irritation from overhead activities. Treatment depends on the severity of any disruption to the joint structures.

Shoulder Instability

Shoulder instability — a feeling that the shoulder may dislocate, sometimes with actual dislocation episodes — is more common in younger patients and those with a history of shoulder dislocation. A specific shoulder stabilisation programme is the primary treatment, with surgical referral reserved for cases not responding to rehabilitation.

Physiotherapy Assessment for Shoulder Pain

At Lambert Sports Clinic, shoulder assessment includes a detailed history, assessment of range of movement, rotator cuff and scapular strength, shoulder joint stability, and neurological screening of the arm. The thoracic spine and cervical spine are also assessed, as they frequently contribute to shoulder pain.