Shoulder Pain Treatment in Pembrokeshire
Understanding Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can make even simple everyday tasks difficult. Reaching into a cupboard, fastening a seatbelt, putting on a coat or getting comfortable in bed can all become painful.
At Tenby Health, we focus on understanding why your shoulder hurts before recommending treatment. Because effective treatment starts with understanding the most likely cause of your pain .
Diagnosis-led Care
We take an assessment-led approach. Every appointment begins with understanding your symptoms and identifying the most likely cause of your pain. Depending on your symptoms, this may involve a detailed clinical assessment, diagnostic ultrasound where appropriate, and a clear explanation of your diagnosis and treatment options.
We Can Help With:
- Pain lifting or reaching overhead
- Night pain affecting sleep
- Shoulder weakness
- Clicking or catching in the shoulder
- Sports injuries to the shoulder
- Gradual or sudden onset shoulder pain
- Pain after a fall or trauma
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
Rotator cuff-related shoulder pain
Changes or irritation affecting the tendons around the shoulder. These problems are common and often respond well to appropriately graded rehabilitation.
Subacromial bursal irritation
Irritation or swelling of the bursa that helps the shoulder move smoothly. This commonly occurs alongside rotator cuff problems.
Calcific tendinopathy
Calcium deposits within one or more rotator cuff tendons. These may cause significant pain and restricted movement, although some deposits cause no symptoms. Focused shockwave therapy may be considered in appropriate cases where symptoms persist.
Frozen shoulder
A condition causing progressive pain, stiffness and substantial restriction of shoulder movement. Recovery can take many months and sometimes longer.
Rotator cuff tears
Partial- or full-thickness tears affecting one or more rotator cuff tendons. Their importance depends on your symptoms, strength, function and how the injury developed.
Shoulder arthritis
Changes affecting one or more shoulder joints that may contribute to pain, stiffness and reduced movement.
Pain referred from the neck
Problems affecting the neck can produce pain around the shoulder or upper arm. Assessment helps determine whether symptoms are most likely coming from the shoulder, the neck, or both.
How We Diagnose Shoulder Pain
Your assessment begins with a detailed case history and physical examination. We then follow a structured diagnostic pathway:
- Detailed symptom history - how your pain developed and what makes it better or worse
- Medical, drug and surgical history
- Hands-on clinical examination of the shoulder, neck and upper back
- Movement pattern and range of motion testing
- Neurological testing where appropriate
- Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound where this will add useful information
Not everyone with shoulder pain needs an ultrasound. If imaging is likely to provide useful diagnostic information, we can usually perform it during your appointment.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on your diagnosis and may include:
- Rehabilitation exercise tailored to your specific condition
- Focused shockwave therapy - particularly for tendinopathy and calcific tendinitis
- Chiropractic care and manual therapy
- Education and activity modification
- Posture and ergonomic advice
- Referral for MRI or specialist opinion where needed
When Should You Seek Assessment?
- Persistent pain
- Night pain is affecting your sleep
- You have weakness or cannot lift your arm
- Symptoms are getting worse rather than better
- Pain developed after an injury
Why Choose Tenby Health?
- Diagnosis-led care - we focus on understanding the cause of your pain before recommending treatment. Where appropriate, diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound can be used to provide additional detail.
- West Wales' specialty clinic combining diagnostic ultrasound, focused and radial shockwave therapy, chiropractic care and rehabilitation under one roof.
- Evidence-based treatment - guided by current research, relevant professional guidance and your individual clinical findings.
- Tailored plans - your treatment is specific to your diagnosis, your goals and your lifestyle.
- Qualified MSK sonographer - Ben holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Musculoskeletal Medical Ultrasound with distinction.
- No long waits - appointments usually available within days. No referral needed.
- Serving West Wales - supporting patients across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion.
What to do next
If shoulder pain is affecting your daily life, the most important first step is an accurate assessment.
Book a new patient consultation (£65) and your clinician will assess you thoroughly, explain clearly what is causing your symptoms and discuss all your options.
If a diagnostic ultrasound scan is appropriate, it can usually be carried out in the same appointment for an additional fee of £200. All scans include comprehensive medical written reports for your own medical records.
Most people leave their first appointment with a clearer understanding of the likely cause of their symptoms and a personalised plan for moving forward.