Shoulder, Elbow & Wrist Pain Physio in Southampton
Shoulder, Elbow and Wrist Pain Physio in Southampton
From lifting overhead to opening a jar, your upper limb plays a huge role in daily life – and when pain strikes, everything feels harder.
Maybe youâve got shoulder pain that flares up at night. Maybe your elbow burns after working on your laptop. Maybe your wrist aches when typing or holding a cup.
If youâre dealing with shoulder, elbow or wrist pain, you donât have to just rest and hope it settles.
We help people move better, feel stronger and get back to what they love – whether thatâs work, the gym or simply lifting their kids without worry.
Conditions We Treat
Shoulder, elbow and wrist pain can come from a variety of issues, including tendons, nerves, joints or even postural load. We treat all of the following:
Shoulder Conditions
Elbow Conditions
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
- Golferâs Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
- Ulnar nerve irritation (cubital tunnel)
- Biceps or triceps tendon overload
Wrist and Hand Conditions
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- TFCC Injury
- Wrist Sprain and Instability
- De Quervainâs Tenosynovitis
If you donât see your exact issue listed, donât worry – most people come to us unsure of the cause. Weâll guide you from your first appointment.
Does This Sound Familiar?
We treat people every week with:
- Shoulder pain when lifting, reaching or sleeping on one side
- Elbow discomfort when gripping, pulling or using tools
- Wrist pain or forearm tension from long hours on a keyboard
- Numbness or tingling into the hand or forearm
- Clicking, catching or stiffness in the shoulder or wrist
- Night pain, disturbed sleep or stiffness that builds during the day
- A âbad shoulderâ or âdodgy elbowâ thatâs never been fully resolved
You might not know whatâs causing it – and thatâs okay. You donât need a label to get started. Weâll assess the problem, explain whatâs going on and give you clear steps forward.
Why Am I in Pain?
Itâs not always a tear. And itâs rarely permanent.
Pain in the upper limb is often the result of overload, not damage – especially in the tendons and surrounding tissues.
Here are some common contributors:
- Rotator cuff overload - pain with overhead movements, weakness, loss of control
- Tendon irritation - e.g. tennis elbow or De Quervainâs, from repetitive loading
- Joint stiffness - frozen shoulder or postural holding patterns
- Nerve tension - carpal tunnel or referred pain from the neck
- Ergonomic strain - from poor setup, phone scrolling or mouse use
- Lack of variety - repetitive movement in sport, work or daily tasks
Pain can also persist because of fear, guarding or deconditioning – not just because of whatâs happening in your tissues.
We treat the whole picture – not just the sore spot.
How Physiotherapy Helps
At Southampton Physio, we take a holistic, evidence-based approach that adapts as you progress.
You donât need a scan or a specialist label to start. Hereâs what the process looks like:
1. Reset the irritation
- Hands-on treatment to ease muscle tension, joint restriction or nerve symptoms
- Specific advice around pacing, posture or loading
- Strategies to improve sleep or calm the nervous system
- Early-stage mobility, grip or positioning drills
2. Rebuild strength and confidence
- Targeted rehab exercises for shoulder or elbow control
- Grip strength, rotator cuff loading, tendon progression
- Progressive return to gym, lifting, work or sport
- Long-term strategies to keep flare-ups at bay
3. Support along the way
- We donât just hand you exercises and send you off
- We coach you through setbacks, tweaks and wins
- We adjust your plan as your body adapts
We also offer ergonomic advice, custom rehab plans and pacing strategies for desk-based strain, tennis elbow or wrist overload.
What to Expect
Youâll start with a one-to-one consultation where we:
- Listen to your story and understand your goals
- Assess your movement, strength and any relevant nerve involvement
- Explain whatâs going on in plain English
- Begin treatment - usually combining manual therapy with movement strategies
- Create a plan that evolves as you improve
Weâll never rush you, lecture you or hand you a one-size-fits-all sheet of exercises. Everything is built around your life and your priorities.
You donât need to pick between physio, osteopathy or massage – weâll build the right blend for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can physio help with shoulder impingement?
Yes – impingement is often linked to movement patterns and tendon overload. We help calm irritation and rebuild shoulder control so you can lift, carry and move freely again.
What causes pain when I lift my arm?
Itâs often due to rotator cuff overload or altered shoulder mechanics – not a tear. Weâll assess thoroughly and get you back to confident, pain-free movement.
Do I need a scan or MRI?
Not usually. Scans rarely change the treatment plan. Weâll let you know if imaging is truly necessary.
Can carpal tunnel be treated without surgery?
Yes. In many cases, we can reduce symptoms and improve wrist mechanics through education, movement and load management – especially early on.
How long does tennis elbow take to heal?
With the right plan, many people improve in 6â12 weeks. But ongoing overload or poor grip control can delay things. Weâll guide you through it, step by step.
Who We Help
This page is for you if:
- Youâre struggling with everyday tasks like dressing, cooking or working
- Youâre a gym-goer, climber or swimmer frustrated by shoulder pain
- Youâre an office worker with wrist or elbow pain from your desk setup
- Youâre a parent or carer whose arm pain makes lifting hard
- Youâve had treatment before - but it didnât last or never fully worked
- You just want to move well and stop thinking about your shoulder, elbow or wrist
We support people from all across Southampton, Eastleigh, Hedge End, Chandlers Ford and Bishopâs Waltham. Our clinic has easy parking and flexible appointments – including early mornings and evenings.
Booking
Ready to Feel in Control Again?
Shoulder, elbow and wrist pain can make you feel limited, cautious or frustrated.
But pain doesnât mean damage. And it doesnât mean you need to stop doing the things you love.
With the right support, you can move better, feel stronger and trust your body again