London Cartilage Clinic IconLondon Cartilage Clinic66 Harley Street
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Shoulder treatment

Shoulder pain? Understand your options before making a decision.

Many patients have more options than they realise. We offer treatments from simple injections to surgical repair.

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Professor Paul LeeReviewed byProfessor Paul LeeCartilage and joint preservation expertise
Last reviewed 1 May 2026
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Our Approach to Shoulder Treatment

Everything we do is aimed at relieving your shoulder pain and restoring your movement. How we get there depends on your situation. Our clinical approach covers four areas of treatment. Many of our treatments work across more than one area depending on your condition and how they are applied. Your consultation determines exactly which combination is right for you.

Relieve

Everything below has the same primary goal: relieving your shoulder pain and restoring your movement. The four approaches describe how we get there.

Preserve

Protect your shoulder joint and manage inflammation, impingement, or early arthritis. Injections and treatments that maintain mobility and slow degeneration.

Repair

Fix structural damage. A torn rotator cuff, a labrum tear, shoulder instability. Surgical procedures that restore what is broken.

Regenerate

Rebuild damaged shoulder cartilage and tissue using advanced biological treatments. Restore function without replacement.

Replace

When other options are exhausted. Shoulder replacement restores function, but only after we have explored every alternative.

How to use this page: Browse the four areas below. You do not need to know which treatment is right for you. The right approach depends on the nature and extent of your shoulder injury, your goals, your lifestyle, and factors that can only be fully understood through a consultation with Professor Lee. Many treatments span more than one area. Start by getting a sense of what is possible, then get in touch.

Your Options

Explore Treatment Approaches

Preserve: Protect what you still have

Preserve your joint, your movement, and your quality of life. From immediate symptom management to treatments that slow degeneration and protect cartilage.

You might be here if you have: shoulder arthritis, rotator cuff tendinitis, frozen shoulder, impingement
Non-Surgical

Hyaluronic Acid

Restores the natural lubrication your joint has lost. If your cartilage is wearing and movement feels stiff or grindy, HA reduces friction and eases daily pain.

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Non-Surgical

mFat / Stem Cell

Uses your own fat tissue to deliver stem cells to the shoulder. For patients with rotator cuff degeneration, cartilage wear, or chronic shoulder pain seeking biological regeneration.

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Non-Surgical

Cartilage Micrograft

Harvests healthy cartilage cells from your own body and reimplants them at the damage site. Targets specific defects where the body needs a biological scaffold to rebuild.

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Non-Surgical

Steroid Injection

Rapid relief for acute pain and inflammation. Often used as a first step to manage a flare-up, reduce swelling, and create a window for rehabilitation or further assessment.

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Non-Surgical

PRP

Uses your own blood platelets to accelerate healing. Suited to patients with sports injuries, tendon damage, or early joint wear who want to support the body's natural repair.

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Non-Surgical

PRF

A next-generation blood concentrate that releases growth factors slowly over time. Suited to patients who want longer-lasting biological support for healing tendons, cartilage, and soft tissue.

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Surgical

Osteotomy

Bone realignment surgery to redistribute weight away from damaged areas.

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Ready to explore preservation options?

Take Our Assessment

Self Assessment

Not sure where to start?

Answer a few questions to get a personalised starting point for your shoulder treatment.

Question 1 of 425%

How would you describe your shoulder situation?

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Your Journey

What your journey can look like

Professor Lee consulting with a patient
01

Consultant-Led Assessment

Symptoms, imaging and goals reviewed in one structured appointment. We gather the full picture before recommending anything.

Reviewing imaging to build a personalised treatment plan
02

Personalised Treatment Plan

A clear route chosen from preservation, repair, regeneration or replacement options, matched to your diagnosis and goals.

Shoulder treatment planning and delivery
03

Precision Delivery

Modern techniques and specialist equipment matched to your diagnosis. From ultrasound-guided injections to advanced surgical procedures.

Shoulder recovery and movement assessment
04

Long-Term Shoulder Health

Follow-up guidance focused on durable function and quality of life. We monitor your progress and adapt the plan as needed.

Conditions

Common Shoulder Conditions

Understanding your condition is the first step. These pages explain what is happening in your joint and how it connects to treatment.

Cartilage Damage

Understand how cartilage wears down, what the stages of damage look like, and when treatment is needed.

Learn more

Rotator Cuff Injury

Rotator cuff injuries range from tendinitis to full tears, causing shoulder pain, weakness, and difficulty with overhead activity.

Learn more

Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder causes progressive stiffness and pain as the joint capsule tightens, restricting movement in all directions.

Learn more

Shoulder Instability

Shoulder instability and SLAP lesions cause recurrent dislocation, apprehension, and pain during overhead or throwing activities.

Learn more

Shoulder Resources

Shoulder Insights

Clinical updates, treatment guidance, and recovery articles specific to shoulder conditions.

Distinguishing Shoulder Impingement Symptoms from Labral Tears: A Practical Diagnostic Guide
Shoulder

Distinguishing Shoulder Impingement Symptoms from Labral Tears: A Practical Diagnostic Guide

Shoulder pain is often caused by either shoulder impingement or labral tears—two distinct conditions with overlapping symptoms but different underlying issues and treatments. This comprehensive guide explains the differences in anatomy, symptoms, and diagnosis using the latest medical insights. Discover how targeted clinical tests and advanced imaging, like MRI, help distinguish these injuries, and why accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure proper treatment and faster recovery. Whether you are experiencing sharp pain or a deep ache, understanding the nuances between shoulder impingement and labral tears can empower you to make informed decisions and return to pain-free movement. Read more to learn how to identify and manage these common shoulder problems effectively.

Read More
Effective Recovery from a Torn Shoulder Labrum Without Surgery: Your Guide to Conservative Rehabilitation
Shoulder

Effective Recovery from a Torn Shoulder Labrum Without Surgery: Your Guide to Conservative Rehabilitation

Wondering if a torn shoulder labrum can heal without surgery? Discover evidence-based, step-by-step strategies for non-surgical rehabilitation, including pain management, targeted physical therapy, and strength-building exercises. Learn how early intervention, consistent rehab, and expert guidance can restore shoulder function, reduce pain, and help you avoid surgical risks. This guide explains types of labral tears, symptoms, and key tips for long-term shoulder health to support a pain-free, active lifestyle. Ideal for those seeking natural recovery from shoulder injuries.

Read More
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