Shoulder Impingement and Bursitis Physiotherapy in Clapham
Pain when you lift your arm out to the side or overhead, or a painful catch partway up? Shoulder impingement and bursitis usually improve with the right exercise. Olivia offers thorough, unhurried care at our Clapham clinic.
Understanding Shoulder Impingement and Bursitis
As part of our shoulder physiotherapy for women, Olivia treats shoulder impingement, subacromial pain and bursitis in Clapham, helping you ease pain and lift, reach and sleep comfortably again.
What Is Shoulder Impingement?
NHS guidance explains that shoulder impingement, subacromial pain syndrome, bursitis and rotator cuff tendinopathy are different names for pain from irritation of the rotator cuff tendons underneath the bony arch at the top of the shoulder.
Symptoms
- Pain on the outside of the upper arm
- Pain lifting your arm out to the side or overhead
- A painful catch partway through lifting
- Pain putting your hand behind your back
- Pain lying on the affected side
What Causes It?
NHS guidance lists contributing factors including posture, overuse, overhead lifting, decorating and intensive gym training. It can come on gradually or after a demanding activity.
Shoulder Bursitis
The bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that helps the tendons glide. It can become irritated alongside the tendons, causing pain with overhead movements. Treatment is usually the same as for impingement.
Calcific Tendinitis
Sometimes calcium deposits form in the rotator cuff tendons, which can cause sudden, severe pain. Your GP may arrange a scan and discuss treatments such as injections, and physiotherapy helps restore movement and strength.
How Physiotherapy Helps
NHS guidance notes that this type of shoulder pain usually gets better over time, and that the right exercises allow most people to recover. Treatment may include:
- Progressive strengthening for your rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles
- Advice on adjusting overhead activities while symptoms settle
- Posture and upper back mobility exercises
- Hands-on treatment where helpful
Gym Training and Shoulder Pain
Heavy pressing and chest-focused training can aggravate impingement. Olivia can help you adapt your programme so you can keep training while your shoulder recovers. See also rotator cuff injury.
What Happens at Your First Appointment
Your first appointment lasts 60 minutes and takes place in a private room at our Clapham clinic. Olivia will:
- Talk through your symptoms, the activities that trigger them and your goals
- Assess your shoulder, neck and upper back, your strength and how you move
- Explain what she has found and agree a treatment plan with you
- Give you exercises and practical advice to start at home
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.
Shoulder Impingement FAQs
- How long does shoulder impingement take to heal?
Many people improve within a few weeks to a few months with the right exercises. NHS guidance suggests seeing a GP or physiotherapist if home exercises haven’t helped after about a month.
- Should I stop going to the gym?
Not necessarily. Adjusting your exercises, especially heavy overhead and pressing movements, often lets you keep training.
- Is shoulder bursitis serious?
Usually not. It often improves with exercise and activity changes. See a GP if your shoulder is hot and swollen or you feel unwell.
- Will I need an injection?
Most people improve with exercise alone. A steroid injection may be offered if pain is limiting your rehab.
- Do I need a referral for shoulder impingement 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.