Don’t Let Shoulder Pain Ruin Your Summer in Dorset

Matthew Barrett
Aug 1
3 min read

Updated: Aug 6

Bournemouth shoulder clinic — *Bournemouth Pier, Dorset*

Expert care, fast access, and personalised treatment so you can get back to doing what you love.

When the sun’s out, Dorset comes to life. Families, visitors, and individuals are venturing out, swimming off Studland, playing tennis at their local club, or simply enjoying some DIY in the garden; tis the season for getting outdoors and moving more! But with all that extra activity, shoulder pain can creep in and when it does, it can take the fun out of even the simplest things.

Dive into why shoulder pain flares up in the summer months, when you should see someone about your shoulder pain, and how making a private appointment is healthy.

Why does shoulder pain often flare up in summer?

Did you know that shoulder pain is a common issue during the summer?

More time spent outdoors means more repetitive or strenuous shoulder movements, like serving a tennis ball, lifting garden furniture, or even being more active in the garden.

I have seen firsthand how these wonderful seasonal activities can sometimes aggravate existing issues or trigger new injuries in the shoulder joint, especially if there’s underlying wear and tear.

Don't let this stop you from enjoying your summer; it's more informative. Should your shoulder become aching or stiff or stop you from doing what you love this summer, it's important to listen to your body and know what to do when it happens.

When should you see someone about shoulder pain?

While mild aches can sometimes improve with rest, it can be difficult to identify ongoing shoulder pain or stiffness. I would say that if your pain:

Has lasted more than two months
Worsened over time
Is keeping you up at night
Limiting your movement and day-to-day life

…then it might be time to get it properly checked out by a physiotherapist or shoulder specialist like myself.

Common causes of longer-term shoulder pain can be due to a frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tears, arthritis, instability, and even shoulder impingement. These can all worsen over time if left untreated, but thankfully, many are very treatable without surgery when caught early.

How can private care help?

As a consultant orthopaedic surgeon working across Dorset, I offer private appointments at clinics in Dorchester and Poole so you can be seen quickly, begin your recovery without unnecessary delays, and get back to doing what you love.

Whether you need diagnostic imaging, physiotherapy, a steroid injection, or surgery, you’ll receive a personalised plan based on your needs, goals, and lifestyle.

With no waiting lists, expert care, and clear communication every step of the way, we’ll get you back to your favourite summer activities as soon and as safely as possible.

Why early treatment matters

Leaving shoulder pain for too long can make recovery more difficult. Stiffness, weakness, and further injury can be more likely if the issue isn’t addressed. Diagnosing the problem early means we can start treatment before things get worse and often, that means less intervention is needed.

Ready to take the first step?

If shoulder pain is putting a pause on your summer plans, I’m here to help. You can complete my Score My Shoulder questionnaire or jump straight to booking an initial appointment with me at one of my private clinics in Dorchester, Bournemouth, and Poole without the wait.