Physiotherapy · Hampstead, London · 5 Ella Mews, NW3
Wellness-led shoulder pain physiotherapy in Hampstead, London
HCPC-registered physiotherapy at 5 Ella Mews, NW3. Our shoulder pain physiotherapy takes a whole-body approach, addressing rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, AC joint pain and long-term instability through hands-on therapy, targeted rehabilitation and strength work designed around your body and your goals.
Understanding shoulder pain
What is shoulder pain?
Shoulder pain is one of the most common issues we see, particularly with modern lifestyles, repetitive movement, and time spent at desks or on screens. What often starts as mild discomfort or restriction can develop into more significant conditions such as rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, or long-term instability if not properly addressed. This is particularly common in active individuals, during periods of hormonal change such as menopause, and as part of the natural ageing process. The shoulder is a complex joint that relies on strength, stability, and coordination from the surrounding muscles - when one area becomes weak or restricted, it often leads to compensation, pain, and reduced movement. Addressing shoulder pain early leads to better outcomes and helps prevent more serious limitations over time.
Types of shoulder pain
Symptoms shoulder pain can cause
Shoulder pain can affect how you move, work, sleep and exercise. Symptoms include:
- Rotator cuff pain, weakness or restricted movement overhead
- Frozen shoulder, progressive stiffness and loss of range
- AC joint pain at the top of the shoulder, often from impact or load
- Long-term instability or repeated dislocations / subluxations
- Shoulder pain from desk work, screens or repetitive movement
- Sleep disturbed by aching, throbbing or sharp shoulder pain
- Tension that spreads from the shoulder into the neck and upper back
- Reduced performance in sports such as golf, tennis or swimming
Physiotherapy can help identify what's contributing to your symptoms and get you back to moving well and doing what you love.
Benefits
Benefits of Shoulder Pain Physiotherapy
Shoulder pain can significantly impact your day-to-day life. It can affect your ability to sleep, limit your movement, and create tension that spreads into the neck and upper back.
Left untreated, shoulder issues can become more complex, leading to reduced mobility, ongoing discomfort, and increased risk of further injury.
Targeted shoulder pain physiotherapy helps to:
Reduce pain and muscular tension
Restore range of motion and joint stability
Improve strength and control around the shoulder
Prevent recurring or progressive injury
Whether your goal is to return to sport such as golf, tennis, or swimming, or simply to move comfortably and sleep without pain, physiotherapy provides a structured and effective path forward.
Alongside treatment, we integrate physiotherapy-led training to strengthen the muscles that support the shoulder joint, building long-term resilience and protecting against future injury.
Our approach
How we treat shoulder pain
Your physiotherapist will carry out a detailed assessment of your shoulder, range of motion, strength, and movement patterns, alongside your daily habits and activity levels. From there, we build a structured programme designed around your body and your goals, combining hands-on therapy, targeted rehabilitation and strength work to restore movement and prevent further injury.
Sports physiotherapy
A performance-focused approach to restore movement, rebuild strength, and support a safe return to activity, including return to sport such as golf, tennis or swimming.
AC joint & rotator cuff rehabilitation
Targeted rehabilitation to rebuild strength and stability in the key joints and surrounding muscles of the shoulder, supporting long-term function and injury prevention.
Soft tissue therapy
Hands-on treatment to release tight muscles, reduce pain and improve mobility, including cupping therapy where appropriate, to reduce inflammation and support recovery in affected areas.
Strength training & personal training
Progressive, individually tailored programmes that rebuild strength in the muscles surrounding the shoulder, protect against future injury, and support your long-term recovery, movement and performance.
Your programme
What your treatment may include
Your physiotherapy programme is designed around you, your current activity level, and what you want to achieve.
No.1
Sports physiotherapy
A performance-focused approach to restore movement, rebuild strength, and support a safe return to activity.
No.2
AC joint rehab
Targeted rehabilitation to rebuild strength and stability in a key joint of the shoulder, supporting long-term function and injury prevention.
No.3
Soft tissue therapy
Hands-on treatment to release tight muscles, reduce pain, and improve mobility.
No.4
Cupping therapy
Used to reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and support recovery in affected areas.
No.5
Strength training
Progressive programmes designed to rebuild strength in the muscles surrounding the shoulder and protect against future injury.
No.6
Personal training
Individually tailored programmes that support your recovery, movement, and long-term performance.
What to expect
How it works
Four principles that shape every session - whether you're recovering from surgery, managing chronic back pain, or returning to sport.
Step 1
Initial consultation
A 60-minute first consultation. We'll discuss your history, your symptoms, and what you want to be able to do again. Hands-on assessment plus, where clinically relevant, Kinvent technology to give us objective data.
Step 2
Your treatment plan
A personalised plan built around your back, your life, and your goals. Combining hands-on therapy, movement rehabilitation and, where it serves you, coaching, massage or strength work from the wider SF Studios team.
Step 3
Recovery & progress
Follow-up sessions guided by measurable progress. We share the data, we share the reasoning. You'll leave with a clear understanding of your body and the tools to take care of it long after treatment ends.
Meet the team
Meet the team
Highly skilled and personable. Whatever brings you in, you'll work with someone genuinely invested in your progress.
Founder • Director physiotherapist
Suz Ferreira
Physiotherapist, coach and movement specialist. BPhysT · APPI · ICF · IFS · Gestalt · Strozzi.
25+ years helping people recover from injury, overcome pain and build lasting resilience - treating the whole person, not the symptom.
Book now
Senior Physiotherapist
Tamas Kariko-Toth
MSc Physiotherapy, Semmelweis. Sports injuries, back pain and post-surgical rehab.
Sports injuries, chronic pain, post-surgical rehab and senior care, with a strong focus on educating every client.
Book nowWhat it costs
Physiotherapy pricing
All sessions at 5 Ella Mews, Hampstead NW3. Clear bookings and follow-up packages available - designed to keep you on track with your treatment.
New clients
Physio Intro Package
£225
1-hour assessment + 3 × 30-min follow-ups with Tamas.
Book this packageFirst assessment with senior physio
£135
Initial 60-min consultation. Expert-led assessment & hands-on treatment with Tamas.
Book with TamasFirst assessment with director physio
£195
60-min consultation with Suz. Senior-level care for complex cases and strategic rehabilitation.
Book with SuzFollow-up sessions
From£100
Packages: 12 × 30-min from £90/session ・ 6 × 60-min from £145/session. Valid for 7 months
View packagesCover & Reimbursement
Private medical insurance
Our physiotherapists are registered with Aviva and WPA. We operate on a self-pay basis and provide a detailed invoice for reimbursement. Clients have also claimed with providers including Vitality, Healix, and others, depending on their coverage.
If you are planning to use private medical insurance, we recommend checking with your provider in advance to confirm your level of cover and reimbursement eligibility.
FAQ's
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a GP referral to see a physiotherapist for shoulder pain?
No. You can book directly with a private physiotherapist, no referral needed. Just book an initial consultation through our website or by phone.
How many sessions will I need?
Most acute issues respond within 3–6 sessions. Chronic or complex cases may require more. After your initial consultation, your physiotherapist will give you a realistic treatment plan with an expected timeline, no surprises, no open-ended treatment.
Is physiotherapy covered by insurance?
Many private health insurance providers (Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Cigna and others) cover physiotherapy. Check your policy or contact your insurer directly. We can provide invoices and clinical notes to support your claim.
What's the difference between Tamas and Suz?
Both are HCPC-registered. Tamas (Senior) provides expert-led, hands-on assessment and treatment for sports injuries, back pain and post-surgical rehab. Suz (Director, founder) provides Director-level clinical care for complex cases that benefit from strategic rehabilitation across her wider expertise in coaching and movement. Not sure which is right? Get in touch, we'll help you decide.
What should I bring to my first consultation?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Bring any relevant MRI or X-ray results and a list of current medication if you have one. None of this is essential, but it helps your physiotherapist build a fuller picture from the outset.
Can you relate to these?
Other conditions we treat
Click a condition to see how we treat it - symptoms we recognise, the approach we take, who you'll work with, and what to expect from your first visit.
- Back painChronic, acute and posturalView
- Neck PainDesk strain, headaches, mobilityView
- Knee PainACL rehab, sports injuries, strengthView
- Foot & ankle painLigament injury, balance, gaitView
- Sports physiotherapySports massage, ACL rehab, performance recoveryView
- Pre & post-surgeryRehab & recovery, build back strongerView
- Senior physiotherapyActive ageing, arthritis, falls preventionView
- ACL injuryReconstruction rehab, return to sportView
- All PhysiotherapyConditions, team and pricingView
Ready to address your shoulder pain?
Book your first consultation, or start with the Physio Intro Package, £225 for an assessment plus three follow-ups.