Patient Journey

You can be referred to Mr Sforza by your GP, your Physiotherapist or Chiropractor. Alternatively you can self refer as a self paying patient.

Once the referral has been received, you will be sent confirmation of your appointment together with the documents listed. Please note that these need to be completed and brought to your initial consultation, following which, any future appointments will be arranged. Please see the locations page for contact details for the relevant clinic.

At your first consultation please bring the completed forms, which would have been sent to you with your confirmation letter.

If an x-ray is required prior to your consultation, you will be advised accordingly, and this will be carried out in Mansion House Outpatients building. Please arrive 20 minutes earlier for this.

Following your x-ray, you will be seen by the Consultant in the main Hospital building.

The Reading Shoulder Unit offers a ‘one-stop clinic’ service, whereby the Consultant may perform an ultrasound scan during your first consultation and, if required, will proceed with administering immediate treatment (injection), following his clinical examination and diagnosis.

The timing of follow-up appointments will be arranged depending on individual needs.

For more information on treatments and procedures of common shoulder and elbow problems please see the common conditions and treaments page.

Please be aware that general anesthesia or sedation will temporarily affect your co-ordination and reasoning skills, so you must not drive, drink alcohol, operate machinery or sign legal documents for 24 hours afterwards. If you’re in any doubt about driving, contact your motor insurer so that you’re aware of their recommendations, and always follow your surgeon’s advice.

You will need to rest until the effects of the anesthetic have passed. After a local anesthetic it may take several hours before the feeling comes back into your arm. At this time please take special care to not to bump or knock the area.

It is also recommended that a friend or relative stays with you for the first 24 hours after you have been discharged from the Hospital.

Advice will be given prior to your discharge regarding pain relief and caring for any dressing. You will be reviewed by a Physiotherapist, one week after your procedure. Please see our Physiotherapy page for more information and exercise videos.