Rotator cuff: when to see a doctor and your first visit
The rotator cuff is part of the shoulder; MedlinePlus describes tendinitis, bursitis and tears among its injuries. Shoulder pain after a fall needs an urgent doctor’s appointment, according to the NHS. You can phone me or send a WhatsApp message 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 your shoulder: call 112. It can be a heart attack, especially if it spreads from your chest to your left jaw, arm or neck, or comes with breathlessness, dizziness or sweating.
- Following a severe injury, a very painful, swollen, bruised or bleeding shoulder: go to the hospital emergency department.
Ask your doctor for an urgent appointment
- Shoulder pain that comes on suddenly or is very bad.
- Being unable to move your arm.
- Your arm or shoulder changes shape or becomes badly swollen.
- Persistent pins and needles, or loss of feeling in your arm or shoulder.
- An arm or shoulder that feels hot or cold to touch.
- Pain starting after a fall, accident or other injury.
- Severe pain affecting both shoulders.
- Feeling feverish or unwell.
MedlinePlus also says to see your doctor as soon as possible if your arm feels weak immediately after a sudden shoulder injury.
Book an appointment with your doctor
- Ongoing pain, or symptoms that do not improve with the treatment your doctor prescribed, according to MedlinePlus.
- Pain that gets worse or has not improved after two weeks, according to the NHS.
- Great difficulty moving your arm or shoulder.
- Swelling or red or blue skin around the shoulder; also pain with swelling or redness.
- Significant pain when moving the shoulder, including when somebody else moves it.
- Shoulder discomfort during particular activities, according to MedlinePlus.
List based on MedlinePlus, “Shoulder pain”, “Rotator cuff problems” and “Rotator Cuff Injuries”, and the NHS, “Shoulder pain”; checked on 5 November 2026.
Osteopathy does not replace your doctor or any medication you have been prescribed.
What the rotator cuff is
MedlinePlus describes the rotator cuff as a group of muscles and tendons that keeps the shoulder stable and allows it to move.
MedlinePlus describes tendinitis as irritation and swelling of the tendons. Bursitis affects the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac between the cuff and the shoulder bones. Tears can extend part way or all the way through a tendon.
The same source explains that many injuries involve wear from repeated movements, particularly reaching overhead. A tear can also happen suddenly after falling on an outstretched arm or lifting something heavy. Your doctor is responsible for the diagnosis. Decisions about medication belong to your doctor.
According to MedlinePlus, tendinitis can cause pain when lifting the arm overhead and, over time, at rest or at night. There may also be weakness, stiffness or loss of movement. With tears, the source describes night pain and difficulty moving the shoulder or raising the arm.
For the broader topic, there is a separate page about shoulder pain.
Sources
- MedlinePlus, “Rotator cuff problems”, reviewed 2 September 2025; accessed 5 November 2026.
- MedlinePlus, “Rotator Cuff Injuries”, health topic with no review date shown; accessed 5 November 2026.
- MedlinePlus, “Shoulder pain”, reviewed 2 September 2025; 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 a rotator cuff injury: your first visit
Tell me which visit you would like
Message me on WhatsApp, or phone if you prefer to call. Say whether you would like to come to the clinic or have me visit you. For a home visit, include the town. We agree a day and time.
We begin with your health history
This initial conversation is the case history. It forms part of the Comprehensive Body Assessment, your first visit, alongside a full check and first contact. I observe and listen to you, assess your case and do some first hands-on work.
How I look at the body
There is no single action on an isolated area: I look at your body as one single, indivisible unit.
When I recommend medical advice
If something leaves me in doubt, or I’m unable to work with you, I recommend that you visit your doctor.
How my sessions work
I do thorough hands-on work and give recommendations about posture. Exercises to do at home are personalised. I make no promises.
You can read more about my work in the explanation of my osteopathy sessions.
Prices
Where to meet me and what you pay
If you choose an appointment at my San Pedro de Alcántara clinic, come to C/ Ilusión 17, Fuente Nueva. I see clients by appointment only. There is free parking on unpaved ground 50 m from the clinic.
You can also ask me to visit your home, hotel or villa. I travel to San Pedro, Marbella (including Nueva Andalucía and Puerto Banús) and Benahavís. For Estepona visits, I need advance notice.
- Comprehensive Body Assessment at the clinic: €70. The Comprehensive Body Assessment at the clinic lasts 60 minutes.
- Comprehensive Body Assessment at home: €120.
- Osteopathy at the clinic: €70 per session.
- A home session: from €100.
You can pay by bank transfer, Bizum or cash. I don’t work with insurers. The remaining rates are on my list of appointment prices.
For medical emergencies, call 112.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about the injury and your appointment
Do tendinitis and a tear mean the same thing?
No. MedlinePlus distinguishes irritation and swelling of tendons from a partial or complete tear. They are different medical terms.
What should I do if my arm becomes weak straight after an injury?
MedlinePlus says to see your doctor as soon as possible if your arm feels weak straight after a sudden shoulder injury. The other warning signs are in the medical advice box above.
Should I bring an ultrasound or MRI report I already have?
Yes, bring the reports or test results you have from your doctor or specialist. You don’t need to obtain them for the visit if you have none.
Can we arrange a visit after my operation?
The doctor who treated you decides what treatment or rehabilitation you need after the operation. We start after medical discharge and with their go-ahead, following their instructions and safety requirements.
Can someone stay with me throughout the session?
Yes, an adult can have someone with them during a session, both at the clinic and at home.
Do I need special clothes, or can I wear something comfortable?
Wear comfortable clothes for the session.
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.