Mr Nasir Shah talks about Upper Limb Orthopaedics

Shoulder Injuries on the Rise: Expert Insight from Spire Cheshire’s Mr Nasir Shah

With racket sports like padel and pickleball surging in popularity across the UK, healthcare professionals are seeing a noticeable rise in shoulder-related injuries. In the latest episode of Spire Cheshire Hospital’s Meet the Consultant podcast, Consultant Orthopaedic and Upper Limb Surgeon Mr Nasir Shah explores why more people are presenting with these issues—and what can be done to prevent and treat them.

Mr Shah explains that many of these injuries are linked to repetitive overhead movements and a lack of proper preparation before playing. As more people take up fast-paced sports, often without prior conditioning, the shoulder joint—one of the most mobile and complex in the body—can quickly become vulnerable.

A key message from the discussion is the importance of warming up. Taking just a few minutes to stretch and activate the muscles around the shoulder can significantly reduce the risk of injury. Mr Shah also highlights the role of good technique and gradual progression, particularly for beginners or those returning to exercise after a break.

The podcast also covers a range of common upper limb conditions, including frozen shoulder and tennis elbow. While these can be painful and limiting, the reassuring news is that many patients improve without the need for surgery. Treatment options often include physiotherapy, guided exercise programmes, and in some cases, injections to reduce inflammation and support recovery.

For those choosing private care, Mr Shah notes that patients can benefit from faster access to diagnostics such as MRI scans, as well as a wider range of treatment options, including medications not routinely available on the NHS. However, regardless of the treatment pathway, physiotherapy remains a cornerstone of recovery, helping to restore movement, strength, and function.

Mr Shah brings a wealth of expertise to his role at Spire Cheshire Hospital. With over 16 years of experience in orthopaedics, he specialises exclusively in disorders of the hand and upper limb. His practice includes advanced arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery for conditions such as shoulder impingement, rotator cuff tears, instability, and frozen shoulder, as well as shoulder replacement procedures, including reverse shoulder replacement.

He also manages a wide range of hand and wrist conditions, from carpal tunnel syndrome and Dupuytren’s disease to arthritis and complex fractures. His extensive surgical experience includes more than 1,400 carpal tunnel release procedures, over 600 Dupuytren’s surgeries, and more than 1,000 shoulder arthroscopies.

Alongside his clinical work, Mr Shah is actively involved in research and education. He is a senior honorary lecturer at Edge Hill University and serves as Research, Development and Innovation Lead for the musculoskeletal clinical business unit at Warrington and Halton Hospitals. His contributions to orthopaedic research have been published in several respected medical journals.

To hear more expert advice from Mr Nasir Shah, including practical tips on preventing injury and understanding treatment options, listen to the latest Meet the Consultant podcast from Spire Cheshire Hospital.

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