Patient guide / Shoulder
Understanding shoulder pain
Pain in the same area can have different explanations. These guides explain the terms, care options and when to seek help. They cannot diagnose your condition.
This page is awaiting validation. It does not replace a consultation or a programme adapted to your situation.
Shoulder tendinopathy, bursitis and impingement: understanding the pain
Reaching for a plate, putting on a jacket or lying on your side can become uncomfortable. Tendinopathy, bursitis and impingement describe related shoulder problems, but the label alone does not tell you which treatment you need.
Read the guidePain and conditionsRotator cuff tear: understanding the tendon and your treatment options
The word “tear” on a scan report can be worrying. A tendon can tear after an accident or gradually over time. The circumstances, your strength and your activities matter alongside the wording of the report.
Read the guidePain and conditionsFrozen shoulder: understanding stiffness and progressing without forcing
A frozen shoulder can make brushing your hair or putting on a jacket difficult. Pain and stiffness often change slowly. Understanding what limits movement helps you adapt care and avoid forcing an already painful shoulder.
Read the guidePain and conditionsCalcific shoulder tendinopathy: understanding deposits and treatment choices
A calcification is a calcium deposit within a rotator cuff tendon. It can remain unnoticed or become very painful. Seeing a deposit on an X-ray does not explain every shoulder symptom by itself.
Read the guidePain and conditionsShoulder dislocation and instability: protecting your recovery
A dislocated shoulder needs urgent medical care. Repeated slipping afterwards raises a different question: how can you regain a stable, useful shoulder without provoking another episode?
Read the guidePain and conditionsAC joint pain and shoulder separation: the joint on top of the shoulder
Pain on top of the shoulder can involve the small joint between the collarbone and shoulder blade. An injury after a fall and gradually developing pain do not necessarily have the same cause or treatment.
Read the guidePain and conditionsShoulder osteoarthritis: stiffness, movement and treatment
Osteoarthritis can make dressing, reaching and sleeping difficult. Understanding the affected joint helps you discuss useful movement, symptom relief and when other treatment might be appropriate.
Read the guidePain and conditionsBiceps tendon pain at the shoulder: tendinopathy and tears
The biceps has more than one tendon attachment. Pain at the front of the shoulder, a long-head tear and a tendon tear near the elbow need to be distinguished before choosing treatment.
Read the guidePain and conditionsShoulder and collarbone fractures: protection and rehabilitation
A fracture around the shoulder needs an individual plan. The injured bone, its alignment and any associated damage determine protection, movement and the return to loading.
Read the guidePain and conditionsShoulder pain: warning signs and when to seek help
Most shoulder pain is not an emergency, but some situations need urgent medical care. This page explains signs to recognise; it cannot assess your individual symptoms or replace a clinician.
Read the guideText updated on
Medical review: awaiting Hasib Selimovic.