Within NTIMS, we provide specialist assessment and management for a variety of shoulder conditions.

These problems can be secondary to injury, ageing, doing too much or too little. At times, there will not be an obvious direct cause.

The symptoms may include pain, stiffness, weakness or instability. Often, it is not necessary to seek input from a health professional. Symptoms can improve on their own given enough time.

  • Shoulder pain is common without damage to the joint.
  • Clicking and creaking of the shoulder is common and is rarely a sign of harm or damage.
  • An exercise programme can be just as effective as surgery or injections to manage shoulder pain in the long term.
  • Steroid injections may provide short term relief for some shoulder conditions however only 20% of individuals report relief after steroid injections.
  • Your shoulder can become healthier and stronger with regular movement and exercise.
  • Even if you have had shoulder pain for a long time, it can often improve with the right management – consistency is key!
  • X-ray and scans are not usually needed to diagnose shoulder pain.
  • X-ray and scans are not able to tell us how much pain you are experiencing.
  • X-rays and scans often will identify osteoarthritis, tendinopathies and rotator cuff tears which are common findings in the shoulder even in those that do not have shoulder pain and this will often not change the management of the condition.
  • X-rays and scans are best used when there is suspicion of serious injury ie broken bone, or conditions such as cancer or infections.

  • Pain around the front, side or back of the shoulder.
  • Reduced movement and/or strength in the shoulder.
  • Night waking, especially if lying on the affected side

  • Within the first 48 hours, it may be necessary to ease back a little on usual activities. But don’t stop moving completely.  Carry out a few movements every hour to prevent stiffness.  You can then gradually increase movements, avoiding movements that really hurt.
  • Keeping active and moving is very important when it comes to recovery and return to usual function.
  • Improving your sleep and general health is also important for shoulder pain.

  • It is important to manage your pain so that you are able to move more comfortably. Taking regular pain relief will maximise its effect
  • You may wish to speak with your community pharmacist, allied health prescriber or GP about pain relief
    • Use of ice packs or heat pads over the painful area can give good pain relief

  • Keeping time off work to a minimum has been shown to have better outcomes for recovery. It is not always necessary to be pain-free before returning to work.
  • You may wish to avoid recreational activities or sports which involve heavy lifting or contact until your pain has reduced and your movement has returned.

  • Seek advice if there has been significant trauma (fall from height) or a direct injury
  • If you are unable to move your shoulder at all due to pain
  • Develop severe pain in both shoulders
  • Feel feverish or unwell

Subacromial shoulder pain

Subacromial Shoulder Pain – British Elbow & Shoulder Society (bess.ac.uk)

 

Frozen shoulder

Frozen Shoulder – British Elbow & Shoulder Society (bess.ac.uk)

Northumbria Healthcare patient information leaflet

 

Acromioclavicular joint pain

 ACJ Arthritis | ShoulderDoc

 

Shoulder joint arthritis

Shoulder Arthritis | ShoulderDoc

 

Shoulder instability

Shoulder Instability – British Elbow & Shoulder Society (bess.ac.uk)

 

Referred pain from neck

Neck Pain referred to the Shoulder | ShoulderDoc

 

General shoulder pain

https://www.versusarthritis.org/media/23100/shoulder-pain-information-booklet.pdf

www.nhs.uk/conditions/shoulder-pain/

 

Help and support

  • If after six weeks you have tried the advice and exercise suggested and your symptoms haven’t improved, a self-referral to NTIMS may be beneficial.
  • Click here for self-referral