Upper Limb Hub: A Patient Friendly Guide
The upper limb includes the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand. As there are many common conditions affecting these areas, they are organised into three main sections below. Within each section, you’ll find individual condition pages explaining what the diagnosis means, what typically drives symptoms, and what usually helps.
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The Shoulder Complex
The shoulder is not a single joint, but a complex made up of several structures working together. It includes the glenohumeral joint (the main ball-and-socket joint), the acromioclavicular joint (AC joint), the sternoclavicular joint, and the scapulothoracic articulation. Muscles, tendons, ligaments and the rotator cuff all contribute to movement and stability, allowing the shoulder to achieve a greater range of motion than any other joint in the body.
Shoulder Anatomy
Understanding shoulder anatomy helps make sense of diagnosis and treatment. The shoulder is a coordinated system made up of the glenohumeral joint, acromioclavicular (AC) joint, sternoclavicular joint and the movement of the shoulder blade against the ribcage. Muscles such as the rotator cuff and surrounding stabilisers allow both mobility and control — and problems often arise when that balance is disrupted.
Link: /shoulder-anatomy
Rotator Cuff Tears
Rotator cuff tears can cause pain, weakness and difficulty lifting the arm. This page explains the difference between partial and full tears, what matters clinically, and when surgery is — or isn’t — needed.
Link: /rotator-cuff-tears
Shoulder Instability
Shoulder instability occurs when the joint moves excessively or feels like it may slip out of place. This can follow a traumatic dislocation, develop gradually in hypermobile individuals, or result from repeated overload. This page explains the difference between structural instability and muscular control problems — and why management depends on the type involved.
Link: /shoulder-instability
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Frozen shoulder causes progressive stiffness and pain, often lasting months. This guide explains the phases, why it happens, and how to manage it properly.
Link: /frozen-shoulder
Mid Humeral Fracture
Fractures of the upper arm can affect movement, strength and nerve function. This page outlines recovery expectations and rehabilitation principles.
Link: /mid-humeral-fracture
Clavicle Fracture
Collarbone fractures are common after falls or sport. Learn when they heal well with conservative care and when surgery may be considered.
Link: /clavicle-fracture
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome (Subacromial Pain Syndrome)
Often used as a broad label, “impingement” can mean different things. This page explains what the term really describes and what typically drives symptoms.
Link: /shoulder-impingement
Biceps Tendon Rupture
A biceps tendon rupture can cause sudden pain and visible changes in the upper arm. This guide explains when strength returns and when surgery is necessary.
Link: /biceps-tendon-rupture
Shoulder Procedures
If you’ve been advised to consider surgery, this page explains common shoulder procedures and what rehabilitation involves.
Link: /shoulder-procedures
Understanding Elbow Pain In Northampton:
A Comprehensive Guide to Conditions, Treatments, and Surgeries
Elbow pain can be a significant hindrance, affecting everything from daily tasks to your favorite activities. Whether you're dealing with an acute injury or chronic discomfort, understanding the causes and treatment options is key to finding relief.
Start by exploring my detailed overview of elbow anatomy, which breaks down the essential structures of the elbow joint and how they function. This foundational knowledge can help you pinpoint where your pain might be originating and why.
Common conditions like tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, and golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, are thoroughly explained in our resources. Learn about the symptoms, causes, and non-surgical treatments that can help alleviate pain and restore your elbow's function.
For those dealing with nerve-related issues, myguide on cubital tunnel syndrome provides valuable insights into this condition and its management. If you've experienced a tendon injury, such as a rupture, our article on distal biceps tendon offers information on surgical solutions and what to expect during recovery.
When it comes to more advanced treatment options, elbow arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that can address a variety of elbow problems. Explore how this surgery works and whether it might be the right choice for you.
My goal is to equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your elbow health. Click on the links to dive deeper into each condition, treatment, or surgical option and take the next step toward relieving your elbow pain.
Understanding Wrist and Hand Pain In Northampton:
A Comprehensive Guide to Conditions, Treatments, and Surgeries
Explore my comprehensive resources to better understand and manage various hand and wrist conditions. Whether you're dealing with the discomfort of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, recovering from a scaphoid fracture, or concerned about a metacarpal fracture, our detailed guides provide valuable insights. In fact learning about hand and wrist anatomy will allow you to picture things in your minds eye more easily. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for common wrist fractures, and find out how to address finger fractures effectively. If you're experiencing the tightening effects of Dupuytren’s contractures or the nerve-related challenges of carpal tunnel syndrome, my pages offer the information you need to take control of your health and find the right path to recovery.
In the rare cases where surgery is needed you can find out what happens during an elbow arthroscopic procedure. Click through each link to discover more about these conditions and how my expert physiotherapy can support your journey to wellness.
Why You Should Choose Chris Heywood Physio
The most important thing when seeking help is finding a practitioner you trust—someone who is honest, responsible, and clear about your diagnosis, the treatment you really need, and whether any follow-up appointments are necessary.
I’m not here to poach you from another therapist, but if you’re looking for a new physiotherapist in Northamptonshire or simply want a second opinion, here’s why many people choose to work with me (read my reviews):
Over 25 Years of Experience & Proven Expertise
With 25+ years of hands-on physiotherapy experience, I’ve built a trusted reputation for clinical excellence and evidence-based care. My approach combines proven techniques with the latest research, so you can feel confident you’re in safe, skilled hands.
Longer Appointments for Better Results
No two people—or injuries—are the same. That’s why I offer 60-minute one-to-one sessions, giving us time to:
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Thoroughly assess your condition
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Provide focused, effective treatment
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Explain what’s really going on in a clear, simple way
Your treatment plan is tailored specifically to you, aiming for long-term results, not just temporary relief.
Honest Advice & Support You Can Trust
I’ll always tell you what’s best for you—even if that means you need fewer sessions, not more. My goal is your recovery and wellbeing, not keeping you coming back unnecessarily. I have low overheads nowadays and I do not have pre-set management targets to maximise patient 'average session per condition' (yes it does happen commonly and I hate it with a passion - read my article here)
Helping You Take Control of Your Recovery
I believe the best outcomes happen when you understand your body. I’ll explain your condition clearly, give you practical tools for self-management, and step in with expert hands-on treatment when it’s genuinely needed.
Looking for a physiotherapist who values honesty, expertise, and your long-term health?
Book an appointment today and take the first step towards feeling better.
Contact Info
On a Monday and Tuesday I work as a advance musculoskeletal specialist in primary care but I can still be contacted for enquiries. You are welcome to call but it is often faster for me to reply via an email or watsapp message, simply as my phone will be on silent in clinic. Either way, I will reply as soon as possible, which in the week, is almost always on the same day at the latest.
Clinic Opening Hours
The Clinic is located at 2 Old Road, Scaldwell, Northants, NN6 9LA
Tel: 07576 473422 (Feel free to watapp)
** Please note that online sessions and Aquatic sessions be arranged outside of normal clinical hours on request.**
Sat -Sun
Closed (Family Time!)
0900 - 1330
Closed for Contract Work
Weds - Fri
Mon - Tues