Get fast-track access to shoulder replacement surgery and treatment for shoulder pain at Three Shires Hospital.
Living with persistent shoulder pain can make everyday activities difficult, affecting everything from getting dressed and driving to working, exercising, and sleeping comfortably.
Whether your symptoms are caused by arthritis, a previous injury, or long-term wear and tear, ongoing shoulder pain can have a significant impact on your quality of life. While some people find relief through physiotherapy, medication, or injections, others may continue to experience pain, stiffness, and reduced movement despite conservative treatment.
If non-surgical treatments are no longer effective, shoulder replacement surgery may be the most appropriate option to help reduce pain, restore function, and improve your mobility.
At Three Shires Hospital, we offer fast access to experienced orthopaedic consultants who specialise in diagnosing and treating shoulder conditions. Our multidisciplinary team will support you throughout your treatment journey, from your initial consultation and diagnosis through to surgery, rehabilitation, and recovery.
Whatever your concerns, our team is here to help you regain confidence in your movement and return to the activities you enjoy.
You may be recommended a shoulder replacement if your shoulder joint has become damaged and is causing persistent pain, stiffness, weakness, or limited movement that affects your quality of life.
The most common reason for shoulder replacement surgery is osteoarthritis, where the protective cartilage within the joint gradually wears away. Other conditions that may lead to shoulder replacement include rheumatoid arthritis, severe shoulder fractures, avascular necrosis (loss of blood supply to the bone), or long-standing rotator cuff damage.
You may be considered for a shoulder replacement if you experience symptoms such as:
The aim of shoulder replacement surgery is to relieve pain, improve movement, and restore function by replacing the damaged joint surfaces with artificial components. Depending on the condition of your shoulder, your consultant may recommend a total shoulder replacement or a reverse shoulder replacement, which is often used when there is significant rotator cuff damage.
Your consultant will assess your symptoms, imaging results, and overall health before discussing whether shoulder replacement surgery is the most appropriate treatment option for you.
The cost of shoulder replacement surgery will depend on the consultant you choose, and the type of procedure recommended.
At Three Shires Hospital, the typical cost of a shoulder replacement range between £16,000 - £20,000*.
A standard (primary) shoulder replacement typically starts from around £16,000, while a reverse shoulder replacement may cost up to £20,000, due to the complexity of the procedure and implant used. Your consultant will discuss the most appropriate type of shoulder replacement based on your symptoms, anatomy and treatment goals.
Our fixed-price packages include the cost of your surgery and appropriate aftercare consultations within your hospital treatment package. Please note that your initial consultation and any required pre-operative diagnostic tests are charged separately.
We also offer flexible payment options, helping you spread the cost of your treatment through monthly payment plans.
If you have private medical insurance, shoulder replacement surgery is commonly covered by many providers. We recommend checking directly with your insurer before your treatment begins.
*Guide price only. All patients will be assessed by a consultant who will recommend the most appropriate treatment. A personalised quotation will then be provided.
At Three Shires Hospital, surgery is not always the first recommended treatment option for shoulder pain. Where appropriate, we will usually explore non-surgical treatments first to help manage your symptoms and avoid unnecessary procedures.
Shoulder replacement surgery is typically recommended when conservative treatments are no longer effective.
Non-surgical options we may recommend include:
Physiotherapy can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint, improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance overall function.
At Three Shires Hospital, our dedicated physiotherapy team provides personalised rehabilitation plans designed to help patients improve movement, maintain independence, and achieve the best possible outcomes.
For some, physiotherapy may successfully delay or remove the need for surgery.
Shoulder injections can help reduce pain and inflammation within the shoulder joint, improving comfort and movement without the need for surgery.
These injections are often recommended when symptoms persist despite physiotherapy, activity modification, or pain relief medication. Depending on your condition, your consultant may recommend a corticosteroid injection to help manage pain and improve function.
At Three Shires Hospital, shoulder injections are performed by experienced consultants as part of a personalised treatment plan. Many patients experience temporary pain relief, allowing them to continue with physiotherapy and daily activities more comfortably.
While injections can be effective in managing symptoms, they do not reverse underlying joint damage.
If non-surgical treatments no longer provide sufficient relief, your consultant may recommend shoulder replacement surgery as the most appropriate next step.
Your consultant will discuss all available treatment options and advise on the most suitable course of action based on your individual needs.
Shoulder replacement surgery involves removing the damaged parts of the shoulder joint and replacing them with artificial components designed to reduce pain and restore movement.
At Three Shires Hospital, your consultant may recommend one of two types of shoulder replacement surgery:
A total shoulder replacement is typically recommended when arthritis has damaged the joint, but the surrounding muscles and tendons, including the rotator cuff, remain healthy.
During the procedure, the damaged ball-and-socket joint is replaced with artificial components that replicate the natural anatomy of the shoulder. The aim is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore function.
A reverse shoulder replacement may be recommended if you have significant rotator cuff damage alongside arthritis or another shoulder condition.
Unlike a traditional shoulder replacement, the position of the ball and socket components is reversed. This allows other muscles, particularly the deltoid muscle, to take over much of the work normally performed by the damaged rotator cuff. This can help improve shoulder function, strength, and stability.
Regardless of the type of procedure, shoulder replacement surgery is performed under anaesthetic, so you will not be awake or aware of what is happening during the operation. Typically, the surgery will take between one and two hours to complete, depending on your individual circumstances.
Your consultant will discuss the most appropriate type of shoulder replacement for your condition and explain what to expect before, during, and after surgery.
The goal of both procedures is to relieve pain, improve shoulder movement, and help you return to everyday activities with greater comfort and confidence.
Recovery following shoulder replacement surgery varies from person to person. However, most patients experience a gradual improvement in pain, mobility, and function over the weeks and months after surgery.
Your arm will usually be supported in a sling for several weeks while the shoulder heals. Some pain, swelling, and stiffness are normal during the early stages of recovery and can usually be managed with pain medication alongside following your consultant's advice.
Physiotherapy is an important part of recovery. Our experienced physiotherapy team will support you with a personalised rehabilitation programme designed to restore movement, rebuild strength, and help you return to everyday activities safely.
Many patients return to office-based work within two to six weeks, although recovery times can vary. If your job is more physically demanding may require a longer recovery time. Driving is often possible after around six weeks, depending on your recovery and your consultant's guidance.
It can take several months to achieve the full benefits of surgery. Your consultant and physiotherapy team will monitor your progress throughout your recovery and provide guidance on when it is safe to increase your activity levels and return to hobbies, exercise, and sport
When you choose to go private with Three Shires Hospital, you can expect:
Multidisciplinary care – our network of expert consultants, surgeons, and dietitians work together for optimal outcome
Advanced onsite diagnostics – a wide range of diagnostic tests and scans available including X-rays, CTs, MRIs, ultrasounds, and a fluoroscopy
Rapid access – minimal waiting times and appointments available at your convenience
Patient-focused approach – combining specialist expertise, personalised care, and comfort
Outstanding quality of care – Rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
Going private for your healthcare journey provides you with faster access to a vast range of treatment options, greater flexibility in choosing specialists, and more personalised care.
If you have ongoing shoulder pain, our orthopaedic specialists can assess your symptoms and discuss the treatment options available to you.
To find out more about shoulder replacement surgery at Three Shires Hospital, contact our team on 01604 620311 to arrange a consultation or book an appointment online with your preferred orthopaedic specialist.
Reception: 01604 620311
Mon-Fri: 8 am-8pm
Sat: 8:30am-12:30pm
The Larkin Unit (Oncology): 8am - 4pm
75 car parking spaces, 1 oncology bay, and 3 disabled parking bays.
