How do I know if it is a frozen shoulder or a rotator cuff problem?

Frozen shoulder typically limits movement in every direction, including when someone else moves your arm. Rotator cuff problems usually allow more passive movement but hurt with lifting, reaching or lying on the shoulder. Examination, and where useful a diagnostic ultrasound scan, separates the two.

How long does frozen shoulder last?

Left alone it often runs for eighteen months to two years. Treatment aims to control pain earlier, protect range of movement and shorten the stiff phase.

Can you scan or inject the shoulder here?

Yes. Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound is available in clinic, and ultrasound-guided injection can be arranged where it is clinically appropriate.

Do I need a GP referral?

No. You can self-refer directly for assessment and treatment in the same visit.

Frozen shoulder & rotator cuff · Botley, Oxford

Frozen shoulder & rotator cuff physiotherapy in Oxford.

Shoulder pain that wakes you at night or stops you reaching behind your back deserves a clear diagnosis. At our Botley clinic, a few minutes' drive from central Oxford, a chartered, HCPC-registered physiotherapist examines the shoulder, scans it where useful and starts treatment in the same appointment.

Book an assessment 01865 317483

Physiotherapist scanning a patient's shoulder at G B Clinics in Botley, Oxford

HCPC registered5.0 Google ratingNo GP referral neededFree parkingEvening appointments

Shoulder problems we treat

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)

Progressive stiffness and night pain, with movement restricted in all directions and difficulty dressing, reaching overhead or behind the back.

Rotator cuff pain & tears

Pain on lifting, reaching or sleeping on the shoulder, weakness with the arm out to the side, and pain following a fall or a heavy lift.

Subacromial & bursal pain

A painful arc of movement, pinching overhead and irritation of the bursa that limits sport, gym work and everyday lifting.

Understanding your condition

Frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder passes through painful, stiff and thawing phases. Early on, the priority is controlling pain and protecting the movement you still have; later, graded stretching and loading restore range. Knowing which phase you are in changes the treatment entirely, which is why examination matters more than generic stretches.

Rotator cuff

Most cuff problems respond to progressive loading rather than rest. We test each tendon, identify whether irritation, weakness or a structural tear is driving your pain, and use diagnostic ultrasound in clinic when the picture is unclear. Where appropriate, an ultrasound-guided injection can create a window for rehabilitation.

How we treat shoulder pain

01
Assess
A full shoulder and neck examination, with diagnostic ultrasound in clinic when it changes the plan.
02
Treat
Manual therapy, movement work and, where indicated, shockwave or guided injection to settle pain.
03
Restore
Progressive strength and control so you can sleep, reach, lift and train comfortably again.

Initial assessment £75 (45 min) · Assessment with diagnostic ultrasound scan £150 (60 min) · Follow-up treatment £60 (30 min).See full physiotherapy prices and our treatments in Oxford.

Relevant services

Manual therapy Exercise rehabilitation Diagnostic MSK scans Ultrasound-guided injections

Common questions

How do I know if it is a frozen shoulder or a rotator cuff problem?: Frozen shoulder typically limits movement in every direction, including when someone else moves your arm. Rotator cuff problems usually allow more passive movement but hurt with lifting, reaching or lying on the shoulder. Examination, and where useful a diagnostic ultrasound scan, separates the two.
How long does frozen shoulder last?: Left alone it often runs for eighteen months to two years. Treatment aims to control pain earlier, protect range of movement and shorten the stiff phase.
Can you scan or inject the shoulder here?: Yes. Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound is available in clinic, and ultrasound-guided injection can be arranged where it is clinically appropriate.
Do I need a GP referral?: No. You can self-refer directly for assessment and treatment in the same visit.

Book a shoulder physiotherapy assessment in Oxford

Our clinic is in Botley, a few minutes’ drive from central Oxford, with free parking and evening appointments. Book online or call 01865 317483.

14 Elms Parade, Botley, Oxford OX2 9LG

Book online Call 01865 317483