Common Shoulder Conditions – And How Yorkshire Shoulder Can Help
Shoulder pain is a common issue that can affect people of all ages and activity levels. Whether it’s a sports injury, overuse from work, or gradual wear and tear, shoulder problems can limit your mobility, disrupt your sleep, and impact your quality of life.
At Yorkshire Shoulder, our team of expert consultants offers advanced diagnosis and personalised treatment for a wide range of shoulder conditions. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common problems we treat—and how we help our patients get back to doing what they love.
Rotator Cuff Tears
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilise the shoulder and allow smooth movement. Tears can occur suddenly from an injury or gradually due to degeneration over time.
Common symptoms:
Pain when lifting or reaching overhead
Weakness in the arm
Night pain, especially when lying on the affected side
How we help:
We offer a full range of treatments—from physiotherapy and ultrasound-guided injections to advanced arthroscopic (keyhole) surgical repair. Our goal is to restore strength and movement with minimal downtime.
Shoulder Instability & Dislocations
Shoulder instability happens when the ball of the shoulder joint doesn’t stay securely in the socket. This may result from a traumatic injury (e.g. sports dislocation) or repetitive strain in activities like swimming or throwing.
Common symptoms:
Sensation of the shoulder “slipping out” or weakness
Recurrent dislocations
Pain during movement
How we help:
Our specialists are nationally recognised for managing shoulder instability. We use state-of-the-art imaging, rehabilitation protocols, and surgical techniques including the arthroscopic Latarjet procedure to stabilise the joint and prevent further dislocations.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Frozen shoulder causes pain and stiffness in the joint capsule, often limiting both active and passive range of motion. It may be associated with diabetes or occur after injury or surgery.
Common symptoms:
Gradual onset of stiffness and pain
Difficulty lifting the arm or reaching behind the back
Pain that disturbs sleep
How we help:
Treatment varies depending on the stage of the condition. We offer non-surgical options such as hydrodilatation, steroid injections, and tailored physiotherapy. In more advanced cases, keyhole release surgery may be recommended for faster recovery.
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
This occurs when the tendons or bursa in the shoulder become compressed or inflamed, usually during overhead activities. It’s one of the most common causes of shoulder pain.
Common symptoms:
Pain when raising the arm
Discomfort when reaching behind or across the body
Weakness or aching in the upper arm
How we help:
We provide expert diagnosis to differentiate impingement from more serious conditions. Treatment options include activity modification, targeted physiotherapy, injections, and if necessary, arthroscopic decompression surgery.
Shoulder Arthritis
Arthritis in the shoulder joint (glenohumeral or acromioclavicular) leads to cartilage breakdown, resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced function. It may be age-related or follow trauma.
Common symptoms:
Deep, aching pain
Reduced range of motion
Grinding or clicking in the joint
How we help:
Our team offers a full spectrum of care from non-operative management (pain relief, injections, physiotherapy) to shoulder joint replacement surgery, including reverse shoulder arthroplasty for more complex cases.
Biceps Tendon Problems & SLAP Tears
The biceps tendon attaches near the top of the shoulder joint. Overuse or trauma can cause inflammation or tearing—often seen in athletes and weightlifters.
Common symptoms:
Pain at the front of the shoulder
Clicking or locking sensation
Weakness during overhead or pulling activities
How we help:
We offer accurate diagnosis via clinical exam and imaging, followed by treatment ranging from rest and physiotherapy to arthroscopic tendon repair or tenodesis procedures when required.
How Our Specialists Can Help
At Yorkshire Shoulder, we’re proud to offer care led by three of the UK’s most experienced shoulder consultants:
Mr Simon Boyle – Expert in sports injuries and complex shoulder stabilisation
Mr Charlie Talbot – Specialist in arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery and joint replacements
Mr Neil Pennington – Leader in shoulder arthroplasty and reconstructive surgery
Our consultants work across York, Leeds, Harrogate, Huddersfield, Halifax, and Elland, providing both NHS and private care.
We use the latest imaging, minimally invasive techniques, and personalised rehab plans to ensure the best outcomes and quickest recovery for our patients.
Start Your Journey to Shoulder Recovery
If shoulder pain is interfering with your life, don’t wait. Early diagnosis and expert treatment can make all the difference.
Call Nikki (Secretary to Mr Simon Boyle) on 07864 374304 to book a consultation
Appointments available across Yorkshire
Yorkshire Shoulder – World-Class Shoulder & Elbow Care, Right Here in Yorkshire.