As a regular gym attendee, Lesley enjoys keeping fit. She explains, "I like to vary my exercise regime by attending fitness classes such as yoga, and also doing training using free weights or body weight exercises along with cardio training as part of my personal trainer sessions. I have exercised on and off like this for most of my adult life, but over the past three years I have really become dedicated to exercise." 

At the start of 2019 Lesley started to experience shooting pains in her upper left arm, particularly when she did certain activities that involved reaching across the body. The pain wasn't constant but gradually worsened, and by mid 2019 she was unable to rotate her arms past shoulder level. Lesley suffered from limited movement which impacted her life massively, she found herself avoiding exercise, in particular yoga, as she was unable to do many of the poses or stretches pain free. The pain also affected her sleep, finding she couldn't lie or sleep comfortably on her left side.

At the initial consultation, Dr Rees listened to Lesley's account of her condition and the symptoms she was experiencing. He also took note of her previous medical history and after an examination, determined further investigation would be needed. He referred her for an ultrasound and MRI, after analysing the results along with all of the above he was able to clarify the rotator cuff issue was in fact a shoulder impingement, specifically rotator cuff tendonitis.

After diagnosis, Dr Rees identified several treatment options appropriate for Lesley's condition, including a steriod injection into the affected area which she decided to go ahead with. Dr Rees explained that this was a fairly common and effective treatment which he believed would greatly benefit Lesley and her condition.

"Within a week of my initial consultation, I was able to have the injection. It took no longer than 20 minutes! I was advised that there was a 'window' of up to around six months afterwards which would allow me to have physio treatment, and undergo strengthening and stretching of the affected area to help her to recover and regain movement. 

This was such a huge relief, after exploring so many options to no avail, finally finding out exactly what I was dealing with and that there was some relatively straightforward treatment that, given time and some work, could much improve her condition."