Shoulder, elbow or arm pain holding you back?
Reaching for the top shelf, a golf swing, gripping a pan or hours on a laptop. Shoulder, elbow and arm pain makes everyday things hard. Our Elstree physios work out where it is really coming from and how to fix it.
★★★★★ 5.0 on Google from 85 reviews of our Elstree clinic
Quick answer: Most shoulder and elbow pain comes from overloaded tendons and improves with a progressive strengthening programme rather than injections or surgery. Arm pain with pins and needles often starts in the neck. Our Elstree clinic at HCA Elstree Outpatients Centre, WD6 3BS, and our Borehamwood clinic nearby can assess you.
Where does it hurt?
Rotator cuff pain
Outside of the upper arm
Worse lifting overhead or out to the side and lying on it.
Frozen shoulder
Stiff and painful
Gradual loss of movement in every direction.
Tennis and golfer’s elbow
Outside or inside of the elbow
Pain gripping, lifting and twisting.
Nerve pain from the neck
Down the arm
Aching, tingling or numbness that changes with neck movement.
Tendon pain usually follows a change in load: a new job, decorating, a tennis or golf comeback or extra gym sessions. Rest eases it, but building strength is what makes it stay away.
Frozen shoulder is different, with stiffness in every direction, and needs a different plan. We test carefully so you get the right one.
Early to mid stage rotator cuff exercises
Struggling to lift or grip?
Book at Elstree or our nearby Borehamwood clinic.
What helps
- Easing off the movements that flare it, without stopping everything
- A progressive strengthening plan for the tendon and the whole arm
- Hands-on treatment and acupuncture where they help
- Changes to your work set up, grip or technique
- Clear expectations, as tendons usually take weeks to months to settle
No better
than placebo surgery: shoulder decompression for subacromial pain
Beard et al, Lancet 2018 (CSAW)
Worse
long term results after steroid injection for tennis elbow than placebo at 1 year
Coombes et al, JAMA 2013
~5
sessions is typical for our patients to reach their goals
BOOST PHYSIO patient data
Shoulder test for over 60s
This simple test shows how your shoulder moves and is one we use with older patients.
When to seek medical advice
- Shoulder or arm pain with chest pain or breathlessness: call 999
- Sudden weakness lifting the arm after a fall or heavy lift
- A hot, swollen, very painful joint with fever
- Weakness or numbness in both arms
Meet your Elstree physios
Catriona and Jolene both treat shoulder and elbow problems, and the Borehamwood team is close by if you need a different time.
Catriona Benson
Senior Physiotherapist and Clinical Lead
Catriona treats sports injuries and is our Elstree women’s health physio, trained in the Mummy MOT.
Jolene Sher
Specialist Physiotherapist and Clinical Lead
Jolene leads our Elstree and Borehamwood clinicians, with a special interest in back and neck pain and Pilates-based rehab.
What our Elstree patients say
★★★★★
“Jolene Sher has been instrumental in my continued recovery from major Achilles reconstructive surgery.”
★★★★★
“Great hydrotherapy session with Jolene today at the Venue borehamwood.”
★★★★★
“Jolene’s expert guidance was an enormous help following my lumbar injury.”
Watch: shoulder and elbow rehab
Short videos our physios use with arm patients.
How physios rehab shoulder injuries
Tennis elbow: pain on the outside of the elbow
One clinic, the experience of a whole team
Something our patients don’t always realise is how much support sits behind each physio. Our team trains together twice a month and every physio has a dedicated mentor who reviews cases with them, so when you see us in Elstree you get the experience of the whole BOOST PHYSIO group.
- Same day appointments, seven days a week across our clinics
- No GP referral needed
- Recognised by Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, WPA and Aviva
Elstree is often busy. Our Borehamwood clinic inside Anytime Fitness, WD6 4PR, is close by and usually has more availability. You can also book at Mill Hill or Hampstead Garden Suburb, or read more about shoulder pain physio.
Get your arm working again
Book at BOOST PHYSIO Elstree, HCA Elstree Outpatients Centre, WD6 3BS.
Related reading
Your questions answered
Where is your Elstree clinic?
At HCA Elstree Outpatients Centre, Beaufort House, The Waterfront, Elstree Road, WD6 3BS.
Is my shoulder pain coming from my neck?
It can be. Pain that spreads down the arm with tingling and changes with neck movement often starts in the neck. We check both.
How long does frozen shoulder last?
It often improves over many months. Physio helps you keep as much movement and function as possible while it recovers.
Do I need a GP referral to see a physio?
No. You can book directly with us online, by phone or on WhatsApp. If you are claiming on private medical insurance, check with your insurer first, as some ask for a GP or specialist referral.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the problem and your goals. On average our patients reach their goals in around 5 sessions, and we will give you an honest estimate at your first appointment in Elstree.
Written and clinically reviewed by Steven Berkman, BSc Physiotherapy (University of Cape Town), HCPC-registered chartered physiotherapist, MCSP, founder of BOOST PHYSIO in 2008, with Catriona Benson and Jolene Sher at BOOST PHYSIO Elstree. Last reviewed 12 November 2026.
References
- Beard DJ et al. Arthroscopic subacromial decompression for subacromial shoulder pain (CSAW). Lancet 2018;391:329-338.
- Coombes BK et al. Effect of corticosteroid injection, physiotherapy, or both on clinical outcomes in patients with unilateral lateral epicondylalgia. JAMA 2013;309:461-469.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis. If you are unsure what is causing your symptoms, book an assessment or speak to your GP. If you have severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, call 111 or 999.
