Access expert-led shoulder surgery in Dorchester
Persistent shoulder pain can have a significant impact on your daily life, affecting your ability to work, exercise, sleep comfortably or carry out simple tasks such as dressing or lifting.
When non-surgical treatments are no longer effective, shoulder surgery may be recommended to restore movement, reduce pain and improve overall function.
At The Winterbourne Hospital, you can access private shoulder surgery in Dorchester, delivered by experienced orthopaedic consultants who specialise in shoulder conditions. Treatment is tailored to each patient, with a strong focus on safety, long-term outcomes and supported recovery.
At The Winterbourne Hospital, your care is provided by consultant orthopaedic surgeons with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating shoulder conditions.
From your initial consultation through to rehabilitation, your treatment is carefully planned and supported by a multidisciplinary team, ensuring a high standard of care at every stage.
Some common conditions that may lead to shoulder surgery include:
Osteoarthritis affects millions of people in the UK and develops when the protective cartilage at the ends of your joints gradually wears away. This can cause the bones within the joint to rub together, leading to pain, stiffness and inflammation.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a less common condition, affecting around 1% of the population. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing swelling, pain and stiffness, which can affect the shoulder.
Frozen shoulder develops when the connective tissue around the joint becomes thickened and tight. This can lead to increasing pain and restricted movement, often worsening over time before gradually improving over one to three years.
The rotator cuff tendon can become torn due to injury, repetitive use (such as sports or manual work), or age-related wear and tear. Surgery may be recommended to repair the damaged tendon and restore shoulder function.
Shoulder impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendon becomes compressed against the acromion (part of the shoulder blade) during movement. This is often linked to inflammation in the surrounding bursa or a rotator cuff tear, causing pain when lifting the arm.
Shoulder instability can result from injuries such as dislocation, where the joint comes completely out of place, or subluxation, where it partially slips out. This can lead to repeated episodes of the shoulder feeling loose, painful or unstable.
If you are experiencing any of these shoulder problems, your consultant will usually begin with non-surgical treatments to help manage your symptoms.
This may include pain relief medication or steroid injections to reduce inflammation and discomfort in the affected joint.
Physiotherapy is also commonly recommended to improve strength, flexibility and range of motion. Suitable for people of all ages, physiotherapy can involve targeted exercises to strengthen the shoulder, relax surrounding muscles and joints, and reduce stiffness and pain.
If these approaches do not provide sufficient relief, your consultant may then discuss whether shoulder surgery is an appropriate next step.
The cost of shoulder surgery will depend on various factors, from your symptoms and condition or injury, to the type of surgery recommended, and prices also vary between consultants.
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.
Shoulder surgery is usually performed under general anaesthetic, meaning you will be asleep throughout the procedure. The length of surgery will depend on the type of operation being carried out.
Some types of orthopaedic surgery can be performed arthroscopically (as keyhole surgery) and some procedures such as shoulder replacement surgery need to be done as open surgery.
Open surgery involves making a single incision of around 7cm in the front of your shoulder. Open surgery may also be used to perform shoulder stabilisation surgery.
Arthroscopic procedures often take between one and two hours, while more complex surgeries may take longer. Many procedures are performed as day cases, allowing you to return home the same day.
Your surgical team will ensure you are comfortable and supported throughout your treatment.
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.
In cases of severe joint damage or arthritis, shoulder replacement surgery may be considered. This involves replacing parts of the shoulder joint with artificial components to relieve pain and improve movement.
This type of surgery is usually recommended when other treatments have not been effective, and symptoms significantly affect your quality of life.
At The Winterbourne Hospital, specialist assessment is provided to determine whether shoulder replacement is suitable, and which type would offer the best outcome.
It is important to note that shoulder surgery can be major surgery. If you are advised to have surgery for your shoulder problems, your consultant will explain what this will involve, including how to prepare for your surgery, what happens during your procedure, its risks and benefits and what to expect during your recovery.
Our team of dedicated specialists will support you through every step of your healthcare journey, including during your recovery, to ensure you get the best possible outcome from your shoulder surgery.
Recovery times vary depending on the procedure and individual factors such as your overall health. Many patients begin physiotherapy within a few weeks, with steady improvement over several months.
Full recovery can take between three and twelve months, particularly for rotator cuff repairs or joint replacement procedures.
Regular follow-up appointments allow your consultant to monitor your progress and provide guidance throughout your recovery.
When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:
Going private for healthcare provides faster access to a vast range of treatment options, greater flexibility in choosing specialists, and more personalised care.
To book a consultation to discuss shoulder surgery with an orthopaedic surgeon near you, 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.
Reception: 01305 263252
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