Shoulder pain in Eastbourne

Shoulder pain can make it difficult to reach a shelf, put on a coat, lift a bag or find a comfortable sleeping position. You may have noticed a recent change, increasing stiffness or a problem that keeps returning.

I am Andy Duckmanton, a GOsC-registered osteopath. I assess your symptoms, explain my findings and discuss suitable options with you.

First appointment: £70 · approximately 60 minutes
Follow-up: £60 · approximately 30 minutes

At Natural Fitness and Therapies, Royal Parade, beside the Redoubt Fortress.

Book a first appointment | Call 01323 335052

When to get medical help

Call 999 if sudden arm pain occurs with pressure, heaviness or squeezing across your chest.

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 for sudden or severe shoulder pain, inability to move your arm, an obvious change in shape, marked swelling, persistent tingling or loss of feeling. Pain after a fall or other injury, severe pain in both shoulders, or pain with fever or feeling unwell also needs urgent advice.

See a GP if the pain is worsening, is not improving after two weeks, or makes moving your shoulder very difficult.

Different reasons for shoulder pain

Similar symptoms can have different causes. These examples explain why the history and examination matter; they cannot establish a diagnosis on their own.

Pain when lifting or reaching

Rotator-cuff-related pain can affect the shoulder and upper arm, particularly when reaching overhead or behind your back. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that helps control shoulder movement. Symptoms can follow increased activity or develop gradually, and may disturb sleep.

Increasing stiffness and frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder usually involves both pain and a substantial loss of movement. Everyday tasks such as dressing or washing your hair can become difficult. It can take months or years to settle, so management needs to reflect how painful and stiff the shoulder is.

Read the frozen shoulder guide

Joint symptoms or pain from the neck

Arthritis and other joint problems can contribute to pain and stiffness. Some pain felt around the shoulder comes from the neck, and symptoms extending into the arm may need a wider assessment. Tell me about any tingling, numbness or weakness.

What your assessment involves

I will ask when the symptoms began, whether there was an injury, which movements are difficult and how your sleep, work and other activities are affected. We will also discuss your medical history, medicines and any previous treatment or investigations.

The examination may include shoulder movement, strength and relevant checks of your neck and arm. I will explain the findings, any uncertainty and whether care here, self-management or another medical assessment is appropriate.

Treatment and a plan you can follow

Where suitable, osteopathic care may combine hands-on techniques with advice and exercises tailored to your symptoms. We will agree goals that matter to you, such as getting dressed more comfortably, reaching further or returning to an activity.

I will explain the proposed approach, alternatives and relevant risks before asking for your consent. You can decline a technique or stop at any time. Follow-up appointments allow us to review progress and adjust the plan; the number needed varies.

Managing activity and sleep

For uncomplicated shoulder pain, keeping the arm gently moving is usually preferable to avoiding all use. Temporarily reduce activities that clearly aggravate symptoms, especially repeated heavy lifting or overhead work. Build activity back up gradually rather than testing the shoulder with strenuous exercises.

For comfort, try supporting the arm on a pillow and avoiding lying directly on the painful shoulder. A pharmacist can advise on suitable pain relief. If you have had an injury, surgery or specific medical advice, follow the guidance given for your situation.

Common questions

Will I need a scan?

An X-ray or scan is not automatically the first step. Your history and examination help determine whether further investigation could change the next steps. I will explain if a GP or specialist assessment is advisable.

How will we judge progress?

We can review pain alongside movement, sleep and activities you want to regain. If symptoms worsen or progress is limited, we will reconsider the approach and whether another service is needed.

Appointments at the Eastbourne clinic

I am Andy Duckmanton, a GOsC-registered osteopath who qualified in 2007. The clinic is at Natural Fitness and Therapies, Royal Parade, Eastbourne BN22 7AQ, beside the Redoubt Fortress on the seafront promenade.

Check online booking for current appointment days and times.

There are three entrance steps and one internal step. Please call before booking to discuss access.

Book online | Call 01323 335052

Location and fees

About Andy and your first appointment