Shoulder pain: when to see a doctor and your first visit
Shoulder pain can occur in or around the joint. To see me at my clinic in San Pedro de Alcántara or at home, message me on WhatsApp or call.
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 for sudden pressure or crushing pain in the shoulder. This is especially urgent if pain spreads from the chest to the left jaw, arm or neck. The same applies if it comes with breathlessness, dizziness or sweating.
Go to the emergency department (urgencias) after a serious injury if the shoulder is very painful, swollen, bruised or bleeding.
Seek urgent medical attention in any of these situations:
- The pain is sudden or very severe.
- You cannot move your arm.
- Your arm or shoulder changes shape or is badly swollen.
- Pins and needles do not go away.
- You lose feeling in the arm or shoulder.
- Your arm or shoulder feels hot or cold to the touch.
- The pain starts after an injury or accident, such as a fall.
- You develop severe pain in both shoulders.
- You feel feverish or generally unwell.
See your doctor if pain gets worse, remains unchanged after two weeks or makes it very difficult to move your arm. MedlinePlus also advises a medical appointment for swelling, red or blue skin, or pain accompanied by fever or redness. Significant pain even when someone else moves the shoulder also needs a doctor’s attention.
List based on MedlinePlus and the NHS, checked on 29 October 2026.
Osteopathy does not replace your doctor or any medication you have been prescribed.
What this pain means
MedlinePlus defines shoulder pain as any pain in or around the shoulder joint.
Causes it describes include inflammation or damage to the rotator cuff tendons. These belong to a group of four muscles and their tendons that allow the shoulder to move. Another is frozen shoulder, where stiffness in the muscles, tendons and ligaments makes movement difficult and painful.
Pain felt here can also start elsewhere. MedlinePlus explains that it sometimes comes from the neck or lungs. This is called referred pain. Diagnosis is your doctor’s responsibility.
Sources
- MedlinePlus, “Shoulder pain”, reviewed 2 September 2025, accessed 29 October 2026.
- NHS, “Shoulder pain”, reviewed 22 May 2023, next review due 22 May 2026, accessed 29 October 2026.
Coming with shoulder pain: your first visit
Shoulder problems are among the reasons people contact me. If that’s why you’re getting in touch, this is how we arrange the first visit:
Choose where we meet
Send a WhatsApp message or call me. Tell me whether you want a clinic appointment or a home visit, and which town you’re in. We agree a day and time.
I assess your case
I observe and listen to you, assess your case and do some first hands-on work. The Comprehensive Body Assessment includes a case history, a full check and initial contact. The case history is a conversation about your health history.
I begin with some hands-on work
There is no single action on that isolated area: I look at your body as one single, indivisible unit.
When I recommend a doctor
If I have any doubts or cannot work with you, I recommend visiting your doctor.
Sessions and exercises at home
My sessions involve thorough, hands-on work. I include posture recommendations and personalised exercises you can do at home.
Read the general explanation of my approach to osteopathy. There are separate pages about neck pain and muscle knots.
Prices
Clinic, home visits and prices
I see clients by appointment at the San Pedro clinic. The address is C/ Ilusión 17, Fuente Nueva. There’s a free, unpaved car park 50 m away.
- First clinic visit: €70. Comprehensive Body Assessment, 60 minutes.
- First home visit: €120. Comprehensive Body Assessment.
- Clinic osteopathy session: €70 per session.
- Home session: from €100. Travel as far as Estepona costs no extra. Use the link in the next paragraph to check prices, terms and cancellation.
- Russian or Ukrainian translator: She costs you €60 more per session. You need to request her 5 hours before your appointment. For an urgent visit, the translator can come subject to availability.
For visits to your home, hotel or villa, I travel to San Pedro, Benahavís and Marbella, including Nueva Andalucía and Puerto Banús. Visits in Estepona need prior notice.
You can pay in cash, with Bizum or by bank transfer. My appointments are private; I don’t work with insurers. See the full price list.
For medical emergencies, call 112.
Frequently asked questions
Questions before getting in touch
I fell and my shoulder hurts now. Should I arrange a visit with you?
According to the NHS, if pain starts after a fall or another injury, ask your doctor for an urgent appointment. After a serious injury with severe pain, swelling, bruising or bleeding, MedlinePlus advises going to the emergency department (urgencias).
What if both shoulders hurt badly at the same time?
The NHS lists severe pain in both shoulders as a reason to seek urgent medical attention.
Should I try strenuous exercises on my own?
The NHS advises against making up strenuous exercises or using heavy gym equipment. Its general advice is to stay active and move the shoulder gently, avoiding activities that make the pain worse.
I have shoulder test results. Should I bring them to the visit?
Bring any reports or test results you have from your doctor or a specialist. It’s fine if you don’t have any.
After a shoulder operation, who decides when we can start?
Your doctor has the final say. We start working once your doctor has discharged you, following all their instructions and safety guidance.
Who tells me what to do about my medication?
Your doctor is responsible for your medication.
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.