Shoulder Pain Physiotherapy in Surbiton

Expert assessment and treatment for frozen shoulder, rotator cuff injuries, impingement, and post-surgical rehabilitation. Delivered by chartered physiotherapists at a CQC-registered clinic in Surbiton.

Common Shoulder Pain Symptoms

Shoulder pain can significantly affect daily life and sport. These are the symptoms our patients commonly present with.

Restricted Movement

Difficulty raising your arm, reaching behind your back, or performing overhead movements -- a hallmark of frozen shoulder and impingement.

Night Pain

Shoulder pain that wakes you up or prevents comfortable sleeping, particularly when lying on the affected side.

Pain with Lifting

Sharp or catching pain when lifting objects, pushing, or pulling -- often indicating rotator cuff involvement.

Weakness

Reduced strength in the shoulder, difficulty carrying bags, or inability to perform exercises at the gym.

Postural Shoulder Pain

Aching between the shoulder blades or at the top of the shoulder from prolonged desk work and poor posture.

Pain During Sport

Shoulder pain with throwing, swimming, tennis, or overhead sports -- often related to impingement or instability.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is one of the most common conditions we treat. Our physiotherapists identify the root cause to deliver targeted treatment.

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Progressive stiffness and pain that develops over weeks or months. Physiotherapy is essential to restore range of motion and speed recovery through each stage of the condition.

Rotator Cuff Injuries

Tears, strains, and tendinopathy of the rotator cuff muscles. Common in overhead sports and lifting. Physiotherapy strengthens the shoulder and restores function -- often avoiding surgery.

Shoulder Impingement

Pain when raising the arm caused by compression of the rotator cuff tendons. Responds very well to physiotherapy including postural correction, scapular retraining, and graduated strengthening.

Shoulder Instability & Dislocations

Recurrent dislocations or subluxations, common in contact sports. Rehabilitation focuses on strengthening the dynamic stabilisers to restore confidence and prevent recurrence. See our sports injury clinic.

AC Joint Injuries

Acromioclavicular joint sprains from falls or direct impact. Graded rehabilitation helps restore pain-free movement and return to sport.

Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

Recovery after rotator cuff repair, shoulder decompression, labral repair, or replacement surgery. Structured physio is critical for optimal outcomes.

How Physiotherapy Helps Shoulder Pain

Our physiotherapists use evidence-based assessment and treatment to reduce pain, restore movement, and rebuild strength.

1
Assessment

Detailed clinical assessment of your shoulder, including range of motion, strength testing, and special tests to identify the cause.

2
Diagnosis

Clear explanation of your shoulder condition with a personalised treatment plan. Onward referral for imaging if clinically needed.

3
Treatment

Manual therapy, exercise prescription, scapular retraining, and graduated loading to restore pain-free function and strength.

4
Return to Activity

Sport-specific or work-specific rehabilitation to get you back to full function. Sports massage can support ongoing maintenance.

Recovery Timeline

Recovery varies by condition. Here are typical timelines for common shoulder problems treated with physiotherapy.

Shoulder Impingement

4-8 weeks

Most impingement responds well to postural correction and scapular strengthening within 4-8 weeks of physiotherapy.

Frozen Shoulder

6-18 months

Frozen shoulder resolves through three stages. Physiotherapy significantly reduces recovery time and improves range of motion at each stage.

Rotator Cuff Repair

4-6 months

Post-surgical rotator cuff rehab follows a structured protocol with graduated loading over 4-6 months for return to full strength.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about shoulder pain physiotherapy at Lambert Sports Clinic.

No. You can book directly with our physiotherapists without a GP referral. If you are using private health insurance, check whether your policy requires pre-authorisation. View our insurance guide.

Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three stages over 6-18 months. Physiotherapy can significantly speed recovery and restore range of motion. Early intervention gives the best results, so we recommend booking as soon as symptoms begin.

Many rotator cuff tears respond very well to physiotherapy without surgery. Conservative treatment focuses on strengthening the remaining rotator cuff muscles and shoulder stabilisers to restore function. Your physiotherapist will assess whether surgery is likely to be needed and refer appropriately.

Yes. We accept all major health insurers including Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva, Cigna, Allianz, and WPA with direct billing. View our insurance page.

Sports massage can help with muscle tightness around the shoulder and upper back. However, for conditions like frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tears, or impingement, physiotherapy is the more appropriate treatment as it addresses the underlying cause with a structured rehab programme.

Book Shoulder Pain Physiotherapy in Surbiton

Expert assessment and treatment from chartered physiotherapists. No GP referral needed. All major insurers accepted with direct billing.

380 Ewell Road, Surbiton KT6 7BE