--- title: "Shoulder pain: When to See a GP | HealthAnswers" description: "Shoulder pain is often caused by rotator cuff problems or frozen shoulder and usually improves with physiotherapy over weeks. See a GP after an injury." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/shoulder-pain/ robots: noindex --- # Shoulder pain: When to See a GP | HealthAnswers Symptoms Shoulder pain is often caused by rotator cuff problems or frozen shoulder and usually improves with physiotherapy over weeks. See a GP after an injury. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026 ## Quick answer What could shoulder pain mean? Shoulder pain is a common problem, often caused by rotator cuff tendinopathy, frozen shoulder or pain referred from the neck. Most cases improve over weeks with physiotherapy, gentle movement and suitable pain relief. See a GP if the pain follows an injury, comes with fever, or is not improving. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Shoulder pain, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 4 sections ## Common causes of shoulder pain - Rotator cuff problems are a very common cause of shoulder pain. - Frozen shoulder causes stiffness and pain that can last for months. - Pain from a neck problem is often felt in the shoulder. - A dislocated shoulder follows trauma and needs emergency care. - A shoulder that is red and hot may be a sign of infection. ## Understanding shoulder pain The shoulder relies on the rotator cuff for its stability, which is why rotator cuff problems are such a common source of pain. Recovery usually depends on graded exercise that builds the shoulder up gradually rather than resting it completely. ## Common causes of shoulder pain **Rotator cuff tendinopathy** and **frozen shoulder** are common causes of shoulder pain. Frozen shoulder produces stiffness as well as pain, and its painful, stiff phase can last for months. **Referred neck pain** is also common, because a problem in the neck is often felt in the shoulder. A **dislocation** follows trauma and needs emergency care, and a shoulder that is **red and hot** may be infected. ## Self-care for shoulder pain While the shoulder recovers, modify overhead activities that aggravate the pain rather than stopping all movement. Gentle movement helps prevent stiffness, so avoid prolonged immobilisation. Physiotherapy exercises help most people improve, and pain relief can be used alongside them if it is suitable for you. Most rotator cuff pain improves within 6 to 12 weeks with exercises. ## When to seek help for shoulder pain See a GP if your shoulder pain follows trauma, if there are signs of infection such as a red, hot shoulder, or if the pain has not improved after six weeks. Imaging may be arranged if a rotator cuff tear is suspected. Call 999 or go to A&E for a suspected dislocation, and call 111 if you are unsure what to do. ## ! When to get medical help for shoulder pain See a GP if shoulder pain persists beyond a few weeks or follows an injury. Call **999** or go to A&E if you think the shoulder is dislocated. Call **111** for urgent advice when you are unsure what to do. ## Common questions about shoulder pain What is frozen shoulder? Frozen shoulder is a condition in which the shoulder becomes painful and stiff, and the painful, stiff phase can last for months. Physiotherapy helps during recovery. How can I tell whether pain is coming from my neck or my shoulder? It can be difficult to tell, because problems in the cervical spine often refer pain into the shoulder. A clinical assessment can find the true source of the pain. How long does shoulder pain take to recover? Most rotator cuff pain improves within 6 to 12 weeks with a programme of exercises. See a GP if your pain is not improving, or sooner if it followed an injury. Should I immobilise a painful shoulder or keep it moving? You should keep the shoulder gently moving, because movement helps prevent stiffness. Avoid prolonged immobilisation, and instead modify the activities that aggravate the pain while it settles. ## Sources - [NHS — Shoulder Pain](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/shoulder-pain) - [NHS — Frozen Shoulder](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/frozen-shoulder)