Specialist Upper-Limb Expertise

Mike Gillingham is a Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist & Hand Specialist Physiotherapist with over 15 years of NHS musculoskeletal experience. He qualified with a First-Class BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy from Oxford Brookes University in 2008 and has spent the past eight years working in a clinical specialist role dedicated to upper-limb conditions. Mike is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and is a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

Alongside his private practice, Mike works within the NHS as a Lead First Contact Practitioner, overseeing musculoskeletal physiotherapy services across three GP practices. His role involves advanced assessment, diagnosis and clinical decision-making, ensuring patients are directed towards the most appropriate treatment, investigation or specialist pathway.

Mike has extensive experience in specialist diagnostic clinics and in rehabilitation following orthopaedic, hand and plastic surgery. He works closely with surgical teams and uses his detailed understanding of upper-limb anatomy and function to guide rehabilitation from the early stages of recovery through to work, sport and demanding everyday activities.

Specialist Areas of Clinical Practice

Mike assesses and treats the full range of shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand conditions, from recent injuries to persistent symptoms that have not improved with rest, general exercises or previous treatment.

His work includes rotator cuff–related shoulder pain, frozen shoulder, instability, osteoarthritis and rehabilitation following shoulder surgery. He also manages tennis and golfer’s elbow, nerve-related elbow symptoms, joint pain and postoperative elbow rehabilitation.

Mike’s specialist work extends to wrist and hand tendon injuries, nerve compression such as carpal tunnel syndrome, thumb and finger osteoarthritis, fractures, ligament injuries, ganglion cysts and rehabilitation following orthopaedic, hand or plastic surgery.

Assessment considers the symptomatic area alongside movement, strength, tendon capacity, nerve sensitivity and the way force is transferred through the wider upper limb. This helps distinguish between conditions that may produce similar symptoms and allows treatment and rehabilitation to address the factors most relevant to each patient.

Where appropriate, Mike can advise whether imaging may provide useful additional information, provide injection therapy for selected upper-limb conditions and guide onward referral to orthopaedic, hand or plastic surgery services.

If your particular condition is not listed, Mike can still help. A specialist assessment can clarify the likely source of your symptoms and guide the most appropriate treatment, rehabilitation or onward referral.

Injection Therapy and Advanced Hand Rehabilitation

Mike holds postgraduate MSc-level qualifications in injection therapy, providing an additional treatment option for selected shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand conditions where clinically appropriate.

An injection is not considered in isolation. Mike first completes a detailed assessment to establish the likely diagnosis and determine whether injection therapy is appropriate, whether further investigation is required and how treatment should be integrated with rehabilitation.

Mike has also completed advanced training with the British Association of Hand Therapy, strengthening his expertise in the assessment and rehabilitation of wrist and hand conditions. This is particularly valuable when several small joints, tendons, ligaments or nerves may be contributing to symptoms, or when structured rehabilitation is required following injury or surgery.

Where appropriate, Mike can also assess ganglion cysts and discuss aspiration, including the potential benefits, limitations and risk of recurrence.

What Mike Enjoys Treating

“I have a particular interest in elbow conditions, including tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, nerve-related pain and rehabilitation following surgery.

I also enjoy treating shoulder conditions such as rotator cuff–related pain, frozen shoulder and instability, as well as supporting patients through rehabilitation following shoulder surgery.

My specialist work extends to wrist and hand conditions, including tendon injuries, nerve compression and arthritis. I work closely with hand and plastic surgeons and provide progressive rehabilitation following both orthopaedic and plastic surgery.

I enjoy helping people understand the cause of their symptoms and regain the strength, confidence and movement they need for everyday life, work and sport.”

A Little About Mike

Outside the clinic, Mike spends much of his time cycling, whether riding with his family or competing in races.

Staying active plays an important role in his own wellbeing and gives him a personal understanding of how frustrating pain can feel when it interferes with daily life, work or sport.

Mike brings that understanding into his clinical work and enjoys helping people return to the activities that matter to them through a calm, structured and supportive approach.

Arrange Your Specialist Appointment With Mike

Specialist shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand appointments with Mike are available at our Fareham clinic. Appointments include detailed assessment, a clear explanation of the likely diagnosis and an individually tailored treatment and rehabilitation plan.

Appointments with Mike are currently arranged directly through Solent Specialist Physiotherapy rather than through online booking.

Mike’s specialist upper-limb clinic runs on Fridays and appointments may book several weeks in advance.

View the Fareham Upper-Limb Clinic →

Contact Us to Arrange an Appointment

To arrange an appointment with Mike, please contact us and we will help organise the most appropriate consultation.

Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0330 133 9090

Or complete the enquiry form below and we will get back to you.

Ready to book with Mike?

If you’re struggling with shoulder, elbow, wrist or hand pain and would like a clear diagnosis and specialist rehabilitation plan, Mike can help.

Appointments with Mike are arranged directly through the clinic.

Mike’s Upper Limb specialist clinic runs on Fridays at our Fareham clinic and appointments may book several weeks in advance.

To arrange an appointment with Mike:
Please call 0330 133 9090, email [email protected], or complete the enquiry form below. We’ll be happy to help arrange the most appropriate appointment.