Shoulder conditions -Private treatment in London

The most common cause in adults over 40 is rotator cuff degeneration, the gradual wearing of the tendons that power and stabilise the shoulder joint. This can range from tendon inflammation (tendinopathy) to partial or full thickness tears. Other common causes include frozen shoulder, shoulder impingement, and acromioclavicular joint arthritis. In younger, more active patients, instability from previous dislocation is a frequent presentation. An accurate diagnosis is essential before treatment, the right approach for a rotator cuff tear is very different from the right approach for frozen shoulder.

Not necessarily. In many cases Mr Baring can make an accurate clinical assessment at your first appointment without prior imaging. If a scan is needed, he will arrange an MRI or X-ray — usually at the same hospital where you are being seen, on the same day or shortly after. If you already have recent imaging from a GP or another specialist, bring it with you — it will help inform the consultation and may avoid the need for repeat scans.

Surgery is generally considered when non-surgical treatment, physiotherapy, injections, activity modification, has been tried for an appropriate period and has not produced sufficient improvement, or when the nature of the injury makes conservative management unlikely to succeed. Some conditions, such as significant rotator cuff tears in active patients or advanced arthritis, are more likely to benefit from surgical intervention. Mr Baring will give you an honest assessment of the evidence for your specific condition, including what surgery is likely to achieve and what the alternatives are.