Supporting you out of pain
Effective treatment for
shoulder pain
struggling with shoulder pain?
Does This Describe You?
- Are you struggling with shoulder pain and not sure what to do or who to ask?
- Are you frustrated your pain is stopping you from doing the things you love?
- Are you having difficulty putting on your bra, putting on a jacket or doing the simplest of tasks because of your shoulder pain and this is affecting your energy and well being during the day?
- Are you frustrated that it feels like life is on hold since your injury started?
- Are you starting to worry it isn’t ever going to get better and might mean arthritis or an operation?
Here at Compass Health Clinic, our highly experienced team are dedicated to serving the local community in Finchley and helping shoulder pain sufferers just like you, get back to doing the things you love, without pain or restriction.
What causes shoulder pain?
And why isn’t your pain going away?

There are lots of things that can cause shoulder pain, from the various tissues that make up the shoulder like tendons, ligaments and bursa, to referred pain that comes from other sources like the neck.
The most important step is to first understand what is happening to your shoulder, why it is in pain, so that you can then get the right treatment and advice to help you get back to doing all the things you love.
The most common issues contributing towards knee pain are:
- osteoarthritis
- tendon damage (supraspinatus tendinopathy)
- bursitis
- muscular pain








At Compass Health Clinic we’ve helped 1000s of patients with their pain, creating curated treatment programmes that support them on their journey to doing the things they love.
Our 3 simples steps to eliminating shoulder pain

Step 1: Choosing the Correct Treatment Approach.
At Compass Health Clinic, our osteopaths and physios we will carry out a detailed case history and examination so that we can give you the correct diagnosis. From there, depending on the outcome, we will then provide you with options, such as osteopathy and physiotherapy, to shockwave therapy if it’s related to the tendons of the shoulder or bursa.
Step 2: Latest technology for chronic tendon pain
Shockwave therapy is a targeted therapy that can help with a multitude of chronic tendon and muscular issues. It is delivered no-invasively through the skin and is often indicated in those whole have not responded to other forms of treatment.
Compass Health Clinic is proud to have invested in shockwave therapy to ensure our patients have the latest technology and support during the recovery of shoulder bursitis or supraspinatus tendinopathies.
Step 3: Education, rehab and advice
This is the most important step, where we will explain what exactly is happening, your triggers so you know what not to do, and exercise advice to gently and progressively increase the load and capacity of your shoulder, so it reduces the chances of re-occurance into the future.
Shockwave Therapy for shoulder pain pain - finchley
Shockwave therapy is also known as radial shockwave therapy. It is a newly available treatment for the management of pain, predominantly found in tendon issues such as the knee.
A shockwave is an intense, short energy wave that moves faster than the speed of sound. This energy wave is used to target painful areas such as the foot, knee, hip, elbow and shoulder. The energy creates micro-trauma, which in turn accelerates the healing process by switching on the body’s own healing mechanisms.

Travelling for shockwave therapy from North London?
We treat patients from all over north London. Patients travel from High Barnet, Whetstone, Totteridge, West Finchley, Southgate, Muswell Hill and Finchley Central. Want to find out more? Click below:
Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder Pain:
Q: What are the most common causes of shoulder pain?
A: The most common causes of shoulder pain include rotator cuff problems (irritation or tears of the tendons around the shoulder), frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), shoulder impingement, bursitis, and referred pain from the neck. Shoulder pain can also develop from overuse at the gym, repetitive work movements, or sleeping in an awkward position. At Compass Health Clinic, our osteopaths and physiotherapists carry out a detailed assessment to pinpoint the specific cause before starting treatment. |
Q: How is shoulder pain treated at your clinic?
A: Treatment depends on the diagnosis but typically involves a combination of hands-on manual therapy, specific strengthening and mobility exercises, and education about activity modification. For tendon problems such as rotator cuff tendinopathy, we may also use shockwave therapy and dry needling. The most important part of shoulder rehabilitation is a progressive exercise programme, which we tailor to your condition, activity level and goals. |
Q: How long does shoulder pain take to heal?
A: This varies depending on the cause. Simple muscular shoulder pain can resolve within a few weeks. Rotator cuff tendinopathy typically takes 6–12 weeks with the right rehabilitation. Frozen shoulder can take longer — often 12–18 months for full resolution, although treatment can significantly reduce pain and improve function during that time. We will give you an honest and realistic timeline based on your specific diagnosis. |
Q: Do I need a scan for my shoulder pain?
A: Not in most cases. A thorough clinical examination is usually sufficient to diagnose the cause of your shoulder pain and start effective treatment. If we suspect a significant structural issue, has been going on for more than 3 months, or if your shoulder is not responding to treatment as expected, we can refer you for an ultrasound or MRI. However, it is important to know that many scan findings (such as rotator cuff changes) are normal age-related features that do not always explain your pain. |
If you'd like to find out more about shoulder pain, send us an email.
We help those with shoulder pain in Finchley.