Skip to main content

Dr. Ahmed Gadallah

Book on WhatsApp Book

U·01Upper limb

Shoulder pain & conditions

Shoulder pain may result from tendon injuries, instability, impingement, arthritis or trauma affecting movement, strength and everyday function.

Fig. — ShoulderU·01
3D figure of the human body highlighting the shoulder

01Common conditions

Common shoulder conditions

The most frequent causes of shoulder problems, how they usually show up and the treatment options that may be considered after assessment.

01 · U·01

Rotator cuff injuries

The rotator cuff tendons move and stabilise the shoulder. They can become inflamed, partly torn or fully torn after an injury or with gradual wear.

Common signs

  • Pain when lifting the arm or reaching overhead
  • Night pain, especially when lying on the shoulder
  • Weakness when raising or turning the arm

Treatment options

  • Physiotherapy
  • Activity modification
  • Targeted injections
  • Arthroscopic repair when appropriate
Read about Arthroscopy →

02 · U·01

Shoulder impingement

Irritation of the tendons and bursa under the bony arch of the shoulder, often linked to repeated overhead activity.

Common signs

  • Pain in a mid-range arc when lifting the arm
  • Pain over the outer shoulder
  • Discomfort with overhead work or sport

Treatment options

  • Physiotherapy
  • Activity modification
  • Injections
  • Arthroscopic decompression in selected cases
Read about Arthroscopy →

03 · U·01

Instability & dislocation

The ball of the shoulder can slip partly or fully out of the socket, usually after an injury, and in some patients it happens again.

Common signs

  • The shoulder slips or gives way
  • A previous dislocation
  • Apprehension with the arm raised and turned out

Treatment options

  • Reduction and rehabilitation
  • Strengthening programme
  • Arthroscopic stabilisation for recurrent instability
Read about Arthroscopy →

04 · U·01

Frozen shoulder

The shoulder capsule becomes inflamed and tight, gradually limiting movement in every direction.

Common signs

  • Stiffness that slowly gets worse
  • Pain at night
  • Difficulty reaching overhead or behind the back

Treatment options

  • Physiotherapy
  • Pain management
  • Injections
  • Release procedures in resistant cases

05 · U·01

Shoulder arthritis

Wear of the joint cartilage causes pain, stiffness and grinding, particularly with age or after a previous injury.

Common signs

  • Deep, aching pain
  • Stiffness and reduced movement
  • Grinding or clicking

Treatment options

  • Activity modification
  • Physiotherapy
  • Injections
  • Joint replacement when appropriate
Read about Joint Replacement →

02When to see a specialist

Signs it is time for an assessment

  • Pain that lasts more than a few weeks or keeps coming back
  • Swelling, locking, catching or giving way
  • Weakness, numbness or tingling
  • Pain that wakes you at night or limits daily activities
  • Pain after an injury, especially if it is hard to bear weight or use the limb

Urgent care: a severe injury, an obvious deformity, being unable to bear weight, or a hot, red, swollen joint with fever needs urgent medical attention.

03Our approach

Surgery isn’t always the first answer.

  1. 01
    UnderstandExamination, a review of your imaging and a clear explanation of what is causing the problem.
  2. 02
    Conservative careRehabilitation, activity modification and non-surgical approaches when clinically appropriate.
  3. 03
    Targeted treatmentInjections, minimally invasive options and modern techniques selected according to the diagnosis.
  4. 04
    Surgery when it helpsSurgical treatment is considered when it offers a clear and meaningful benefit for the patient.

Explore all treatments →

Next stepBook an assessment

Not sure what is causing your pain?

A clear diagnosis comes first. Send a message on WhatsApp and the team will help you choose the right clinic and time.

This page is general information to help you understand common orthopedic conditions. It does not replace a medical consultation, and your diagnosis and treatment options are always discussed individually.