Shoulder pain treatment in Poole

Private shoulder pain treatment at The Harbour Hospital in Poole 

Shoulder pain can make everyday movements such as lifting, reaching, or even getting dressed increasingly difficult.  

At The Harbour Hospital, you can access private shoulder pain treatment in Poole, with fast access to specialist assessment, an accurate diagnosis, and personalised care in a comfortable private hospital environment. 

Our aim is to reduce your shoulder pain, restore your movement, and help you get back doing the things you love.  

Your care is delivered by experienced orthopaedic consultants and specialist physiotherapists who are highly skilled in diagnosing and treating joint and soft tissue conditions. 

From your initial consultation through to recovery, you will be supported by a multidisciplinary team focused on delivering high-quality, consultant-led care tailored to your individual needs. 

How much does shoulder pain treatment cost at The Harbour Hospital? 

The cost of private shoulder pain treatment depends on the type of consultation and whether any investigations or follow-up care are required. 

You can choose to fund your treatment through self-pay (paying for yourself) or use private health insurance. We work with most major providers, and our friendly advisory team can help guide you through using your cover. 

Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you. We offer fixed-term monthly payment plans over one to five years with no deposit required. If you decide to pay over 10 months, you will pay interest-free. If you are paying for a longer period, you will pay 9.9% APR. 

Why might you need treatment for shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain often develops when the muscles, tendons, or structures that support your joint become irritated, damaged, or overworked. Because the shoulder relies on a complex system of soft tissues for stability, even small issues can lead to noticeable pain and restriction in your overall movement. 

You may experience discomfort when lifting your arm, reaching overhead, or carrying objects. Some people notice weakness, reduced range of movement, or a catching sensation within the joint. Pain can also become more noticeable at night, particularly when lying on the affected side, and may gradually worsen if left untreated. 

Rotator cuff injury 

Common causes of shoulder pain include rotator cuff problems, which affect the group of tendons responsible for stabilising and moving your shoulder. These can range from inflammation (tendinopathy) to partial or complete tears, often linked to repetitive use or natural degeneration over time. A sudden fall, a direct blow to the shoulder, or a sudden, forceful motion can cause acute rotator cuff injuries. These incidents can cause the tendons to tear partially or completely from the bone. They often occur during sport.  

Shoulder impingement 

Shoulder impingement is another frequent cause of shoulder pain, when your tendons become compressed during movement, leading to pain when raising your arm.  

Frozen shoulder 

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) can cause progressive stiffness and a significant reduction in mobility, often developing slowly over several months. 

Arthritis

Other conditions include bursitis, where the fluid-filled sacs that cushion your joint become inflamed. Osteoarthritis, which leads to gradual wear and tear of the joint surfaces.  

A fracture

Shoulder instability or dislocation can also occur following trauma, particularly in younger or more active individuals. 

During your initial consultation, your orthopaedic consultant will assess how your symptoms developed, what movements trigger discomfort, and how your shoulder pain is affecting your daily activities. This helps identify the underlying cause and ensures your treatment is tailored to your needs. 

Diagnosing your shoulder problem 

Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective shoulder pain treatment.  

Diagnostic imaging tests may be used to provide further detail and support clinical assessment where needed. 

X-rays are often used to assess bone structure and identify joint changes such as arthritis or calcification. Ultrasound scans can evaluate soft tissue structures in real time, including tendon movement and areas of inflammation. MRI scans provide a more detailed view of the shoulder, helping to identify rotator cuff tears, ligament damage, and cartilage issues. 

However, imaging is not always necessary. Your consultant will only recommend tests when they are clinically appropriate and likely to influence your treatment plan. 

A thorough physical examination forms a key part of your assessment. Your consultant will begin by observing your shoulder for visible signs such as swelling, muscle imbalance, or changes in posture. They will then guide your arm through a series of movements to assess your flexibility, strength, and pain response. 

Your findings will be explained clearly, ensuring you understand the cause of your symptoms and how this informs your treatment plan. 

Treatment options for your shoulder pain

Shoulder pain treatment at The Harbour Hospital is tailored to your symptoms, diagnosis, and overall goals. 

In many cases, non-surgical treatment provides effective relief, particularly when shoulder problems are addressed early.  

Physiotherapy is often central to your recovery, with a structured programme designed to improve strength, flexibility, and coordination within the shoulder joint. Strengthening the surrounding muscles helps restore stability and supports your more natural movement patterns. 

You may also receive guidance on modifying activities that place strain on your shoulder, along with expert advice on posture and movement techniques. This can include adjustments to your work environment, exercise routine, and daily habits that may be contributing to your symptoms. 

Pain-relief medication may be recommended where appropriate, including anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling and discomfort. In some cases, steroid injection therapy may be used to deliver targeted relief. These injections place corticosteroid medication directly into the affected area, helping to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and improve mobility. They are commonly used for conditions such as bursitis, tendon irritation, or shoulder impingement. 

For some patients, combining different treatment approaches leads to the most effective outcome. Your consultant will guide you through your options and help you choose the most appropriate treatment plan. 

Surgery for shoulder pain 

Surgical treatment for shoulder pain may be considered if non-surgical options have not provided sufficient relief or if there is a structural issue within your shoulder that requires correction. Some of the procedures we offer include: 

Shoulder arthroscopy

Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions within your shoulder joint. It is commonly recommended for rotator cuff tears, impingement, or damage to the labrum or cartilage. 

During the procedure, a small camera is inserted through tiny incisions in your skin, allowing your consultant to view the inside of your shoulder in detail via a monitor. Specialised instruments are then used to repair damaged tissue, remove inflamed structures, or improve joint function. 

Because this approach uses keyhole techniques, it typically results in less disruption to surrounding tissue, smaller scars, and a faster initial recovery compared to open surgery. 

Rotator cuff surgery 

A rotator cuff repair may be carried out during an arthroscopy to reattach your torn rotator cuff tendon to your humerus (upper arm bone). 

In addition to a general anaesthetic, you may be given a local anaesthetic to alleviate pain following your rotator cuff surgery.  

90% of patients who undergo rotator cuff repair surgery experience improvement in their pain and an increased ability to move their shoulder. 

Shoulder manipulation under anaesthetic (MUA) 

Shoulder manipulation through arthroscopy is a surgical technique that aims to increase the range of movement in your shoulder and help alleviate your symptoms. You will be under general anaesthetic during the procedure, meaning you won’t be awake. 

During MUA, a saline solution is inserted into your shoulder joint to stretch your capsule. Your consultant then surgically releases your tight capsule and manipulates your shoulder joint to restore movement in your joint.  

Shoulder replacement surgery 

Shoulder replacement surgery may be recommended when there is significant joint damage, most commonly due to advanced osteoarthritis or severe injury. 

The procedure involves replacing the damaged parts of your shoulder joint with artificial components, designed to restore smoother, less painful movement. 

This type of surgery can significantly improve both comfort and function, particularly in cases where joint damage is advanced. Recovery includes physiotherapy to rebuild strength and mobility, with gradual improvement over time. 

If surgery is recommended, your consultant will explain the procedure fully, including expected outcomes, potential risks, and your recovery process. 

Why choose The Harbour Hospital for shoulder pain treatment in Poole? 

When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect: 

• Flexible appointment times to fit your schedule 
• Bespoke, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs 
• Support from the same compassionate clinical team from beginning to end 
• Transparent, fixed-price packages with aftercare included 
• Flexible payment options to help spread the cost of your care 

Going private for healthcare provides faster access to a vast range of treatment options, greater flexibility in choosing specialists, and more personalised care. 

How to book a shoulder pain appointment in Poole 

To book a consultation to discuss shoulder pain with an orthopaedic consultant near you, or with one of our specialist physiotherapists, use our online booking system, or give us a call and one of our dedicated advisors will help you find an appointment time that suits you.