Rotator Cuff Injury and Tendinopathy Physiotherapy in Clapham
Pain in your upper arm when you lift, reach overhead or lie on your side? Rotator cuff problems are a common cause of shoulder pain, and the right exercise usually helps. Olivia offers thorough, unhurried care at our Clapham clinic.
Understanding Rotator Cuff Injuries and Tendinopathy
As part of our shoulder physiotherapy for women, Olivia treats rotator cuff injuries, tendinopathy and tears in Clapham, with a progressive exercise plan to ease pain and rebuild strength.
What Is the Rotator Cuff?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that hold your shoulder joint in place and help you lift and rotate your arm.
Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust describes rotator cuff related shoulder pain as irritation of the rotator cuff tendons underneath the bony arch of the shoulder. It can build up gradually or come on after a demanding activity.
Rotator Cuff Tears
Tears can happen after a fall or injury, or develop gradually with age. Many people with a tear on a scan have no pain, and many tears can be managed with exercise. Some, particularly after an injury with sudden weakness, may need a specialist opinion.
Symptoms
- Pain on the outside of the upper arm
- Pain lifting your arm, especially overhead or out to the side
- Pain putting your hand behind your back
- Pain lying on the affected side
- Weakness in the shoulder
How Physiotherapy Helps
NHS guidance describes staying active as the most important way to help yourself, and notes the right exercises allow most people to recover. Treatment may include:
- A progressive strengthening programme for your rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles
- Advice on adjusting lifting, overhead work and gym training
- Hands-on treatment where helpful
- A step-by-step return to sport, the gym or work
Rotator Cuff Exercises
Rotator cuff exercises are one of the most searched-for shoulder topics, but the right ones depend on your symptoms and stage of recovery. Olivia will choose exercises that suit you and show you how to progress.
Lifting Your Baby and Shoulder Pain
Repeatedly lifting and carrying a baby or toddler can strain the rotator cuff. Olivia can help with lifting technique and strength. Read more about postnatal physiotherapy.
When to Get Help
See your GP or get urgent advice if you have sudden weakness after a fall or injury, can’t lift your arm, or have a red, hot, swollen shoulder or a fever.
Meet Olivia, your Pelvic Floor physio
Chartered Women's Health & MSK Physiotherapist
Olivia Denman
Olivia founded Liv Physio to give women the specialist, unhurried care they deserve, especially those who have felt overlooked by the healthcare system. She is Master’s-qualified, with five years of experience across the NHS and private practice.
She specialises in pelvic floor and urogynaecological conditions, including prolapse, incontinence and pelvic pain, alongside pre- and postnatal care, with advanced training through the POGP. Every appointment is one-to-one, in a safe, judgement-free space where you’ll be truly listened to.
Registered and accredited
Pricing & Appointments
Single Session Initial appointments & follow-ups
A one-to-one, 60-minute appointment with Olivia at our Clapham clinic. Your session includes a thorough assessment, hands-on treatment and a personalised plan, with exercises to continue at home between appointments.
The Clapham Clinic
Inside the clinic
A calm, private space
Liv Physio is ideally situated in the heart of Clapham, London, nestled between the green expanse of Clapham Common and the boutiques of Abbeville Village.
Our clinic at Lion Yard has been designed to feel calm and welcoming from the moment you arrive, with a bright reception, a comfortable waiting area and a private treatment room.
It is a space where you can relax, take your time and talk openly about anything, however personal.
Find us
Clinic location
AddressLiv Physio, 7 Lion Yard, Tremadoc Road, Clapham, London SW4 7NQ
Appointment hoursMonday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
All visits are by appointment only, so please book before coming to the clinic.
Rotator Cuff FAQs
- How long does a rotator cuff injury take to heal?
Many people improve over a few weeks to a few months with the right exercises. Tendon problems and tears can take longer.
- Do I need surgery for a rotator cuff tear?
Many tears can be managed with exercise. Surgery may be considered for some tears, particularly after an injury. Olivia can advise if a referral might help.
- What are the best rotator cuff exercises?
It depends on your symptoms and stage of recovery. Olivia will tailor exercises to you rather than giving a generic list.
- Is rotator cuff tendinopathy the same as impingement?
They’re closely related, and NHS guidance groups them as rotator cuff related shoulder pain. Read more about shoulder impingement.
- Do I need a referral for rotator cuff physiotherapy?
No, you can book directly with us. Olivia is happy to work alongside your GP, consultant or surgeon if needed.
What our patients say
What I’ve appreciated most is how comfortable and at ease she makes you feel. She is kind, understanding and non judgemental, which makes talking about things that can sometimes feel quite personal so much easier. She always takes the time to listen and explains everything clearly, and the exercises are tailored to what I feel comfortable with.
I’m really grateful for all her support and would definitely recommend Olivia to anyone looking for postnatal or pelvic floor support.
Free 15-Minute Initial Consultation Call
This complimentary consultation call is your chance to meet Olivia, discuss your goals, and see if she's the right fit for you. You'll learn about her approach, how physiotherapy can help your condition, and what to expect from sessions including treatment options and pricing.
Please note: No physical treatment, diagnosis or clinical assessment is provided during this consultation.
Get in Touch
We are always on hand to help with any queries you may have.
We suggest you use our contact form to get in touch so we can direct your query to the relevant person.
Call Us or WhatsApp Us
To speak to our specialist, please call us on 020 8058 0762
(our lines are open Monday – Sunday 8am to 8pm).
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Care you can trust
Why choose Liv Physio?
Choosing the right specialist makes all the difference. At Liv Physio, you’ll find expert, unhurried care in a calm and private clinic in Clapham, delivered with warmth and a genuine commitment to getting you the results you deserve.
Specialist care: Women’s health is our focus, not an add-on. Every appointment is with a chartered physiotherapist with advanced training in pelvic health.
Time to listen: Unhurried, one-to-one appointments, so we can understand the full picture and you never feel rushed.
A holistic approach: We look beyond your symptoms to the lifestyle, hormonal and day-to-day factors behind them, using evidence-based treatment.
A safe space: A calm, private, judgement-free clinic where you can talk openly about anything, however personal.