Frozen shoulder: when to see a doctor and your first visit
Frozen shoulder causes pain and loss of movement through inflammation, according to MedlinePlus. The NHS says pain and stiffness can last months or years. Message me on WhatsApp or call to arrange a visit at my San Pedro de Alcántara clinic or at home.
Clinic in San Pedro de Alcántara, by appointment only · Home visits in San Pedro, Marbella, Benahavís and, with prior notice, Estepona
Comprehensive Body Assessment €70 at the clinic · €120 at home
Phone +34 672 29 91 22
When to see a doctor or call 112
Call 112 or go to A&E (urgencias)
- Sudden pressure or crushing pain in the shoulder, especially if it runs from the chest to the left jaw, arm or neck, or occurs with shortness of breath, dizziness or sweating.
- A recent severe injury with a very painful, swollen, bruised or bleeding shoulder.
Ask your doctor for an urgent appointment
- Sudden or very severe shoulder pain.
- Being unable to move your arm.
- A change in shape or marked swelling of the arm or shoulder.
- Pins and needles that persist.
- You lose sensation in your arm or shoulder.
- Your arm or shoulder feels hot or cold when touched.
- Pain starting after an injury or accident, including a fall.
- Severe pain affecting both shoulders.
- Feeling feverish or unwell.
Book an appointment with your doctor
- Shoulder pain and stiffness that persist.
- Pain that makes moving your arm or shoulder very difficult.
- The shoulder pain is worsening, or two weeks pass without improvement.
List based on the NHS pages “Shoulder pain” and “Frozen shoulder”, and MedlinePlus “Frozen shoulder” and “Shoulder pain”; checked on 5 November 2026.
Osteopathy does not replace your doctor or any medication you have been prescribed.
What frozen shoulder is
MedlinePlus describes frozen shoulder as pain and loss of shoulder movement caused by inflammation; another name is adhesive capsulitis.
The capsule around the joint contains ligaments that hold the bones together. MedlinePlus explains that inflammation in this capsule stops the bones moving freely. Often, no cause is known. Women aged 40 to 70 are most affected, although men can develop it too.
MedlinePlus lists shoulder injury or surgery among the risk factors. The NHS says the pain and stiffness can last months or years. MedlinePlus also notes that both can persist. Your doctor is responsible for the diagnosis.
The NHS lists shoulder pain and stiffness as the two main symptoms. The pain can be worse at night and disturb sleep, while stiffness makes movement difficult.
For the broader topic, read shoulder pain and when to seek medical advice.
Sources
- MedlinePlus, “Shoulder pain”, reviewed 2 September 2025; accessed 5 November 2026.
- MedlinePlus, “Frozen shoulder”, reviewed 7 October 2024; accessed 5 November 2026.
- NHS, “Frozen shoulder”, reviewed 24 June 2024; accessed 5 November 2026.
- NHS, “Shoulder pain”, reviewed 22 May 2023; next review due 22 May 2026; accessed 5 November 2026.
If you get in touch about frozen shoulder: the first visit
Choose where to meet
Send a WhatsApp message, or phone if you prefer. Say which town you’re in and whether you want a clinic or home appointment. We agree a day and time.
We begin with a conversation
The first appointment is the Comprehensive Body Assessment: a case history, a full check and initial contact. The case history is a conversation about your health.
Assessment and first hands-on work
I observe and listen to you, assess your case and do some first hands-on work. There is no single action on an isolated area: I look at your body as one single, indivisible unit.
If there is a doubt
If I have any doubts, or cannot work with you, I recommend a visit to your doctor.
What my work involves
My sessions involve thorough hands-on work. I also give personalised posture recommendations and exercises to do at home. You can read about my approach on the osteopathy page.
Prices
Where we can meet and what a visit costs
You’ll need an appointment to come to my San Pedro de Alcántara clinic. The address is C/ Ilusión 17, Fuente Nueva. There’s a free unpaved car park 50 m away.
For an appointment at your accommodation, I can visit your home, hotel or villa. I cover San Pedro, Marbella, including Nueva Andalucía and Puerto Banús, and Benahavís. Visits to Estepona need advance notice.
- Comprehensive Body Assessment at the clinic: €70. This first appointment lasts 60 minutes.
- Comprehensive Body Assessment at your home, hotel or villa: €120.
- Osteopathy at the clinic: €70 per session.
- Home sessions: from €100.
You can pay by bank transfer, Bizum or cash. I don’t work with insurers. The full price list brings the visit rates together.
For medical emergencies, call 112.
Frequently asked questions
Before visiting with a diagnosis
Will I need an MRI to find out what’s wrong?
MedlinePlus explains that diagnosis is often made with a clinical examination. X-rays may be used to rule out other problems. In some cases, an MRI can show inflammation, although it is not usually needed for diagnosis. Whether you need any tests is your doctor’s decision.
Can it begin without an injury?
Yes. MedlinePlus says it can start without a known cause or after a minor injury.
Should I bring the report I already have?
You can bring reports or test results from your doctor or specialist to the visit. It’s fine if you don’t have any.
When could I visit you after an operation?
We start working once you have been discharged by your doctor, following their instructions. Your doctor has the final say.
What should I wear, and can someone come with me?
Wear comfortable clothes. You can have someone with you at the clinic or during a home visit.
Should I ask you about my prescription?
Medication is a matter for your doctor.
Tell me what kind of visit you need and where
Phone +34 672 29 91 22
To arrange a visit, tell me your town and whether you prefer the clinic or a home visit. Don’t send diagnoses, reports or medical test results by message.
Clinic in San Pedro de Alcántara, by appointment only; home visits in San Pedro, Marbella, Benahavís and, with prior notice, Estepona. Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM.
I do the sessions in Spanish or English.