Hi, I’m Matthew Barrett, a shoulder and elbow surgeon based in Dorset. If you’re here to learn more about me, the conditions I treat, or how I can help with your shoulder or elbow pain, you’re in the right place. I hope this gives you a good idea of who I am, what I do, and why I’m so passionate about helping people get back to their best.
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A Little About Me
My journey in medicine started at Cardiff Medical School, where I first discovered my interest in orthopaedics. After completing my training in the Wessex region, I had the privilege of furthering my expertise through specialist fellowships in shoulder and elbow surgery, both in Bournemouth and in Auckland, New Zealand. These experiences gave me invaluable insights into the latest techniques and approaches to patient care.
Now, I’m proud to serve as an NHS orthopaedic consultant at Dorset County Hospital. I specialise in shoulder, elbow, and trauma surgery, while also seeing private patients in Poole and Dorchester for consultations and surgeries. I also spend time teaching and conducting research, as I believe that sharing knowledge and staying up-to-date with developments in our field are key to providing the best care!
When I’m not in the operating room or consulting room as a shoulder and elbow surgeon, I enjoy making the most of Dorset’s incredible coastline. I’m a keen runner, and you’ll often find me kitesurfing or sea swimming. I think staying active helps me connect with my patients who are looking to return to their own sports or hobbies.
Fun fact: I'm an ambassador for Reedin kitesurfing 🪁
My Approach to Patient Care
For me, providing great care is about more than just treating the problem—it’s about understanding what matters most to you. Whether it’s getting back to your favourite sport, working pain-free, or simply being able to lift your grandchild, I’m here to help.
I use the latest surgical techniques and tailor every treatment plan to meet your individual needs. My aim is always to provide the highest standard of care and to build a relationship of trust with every patient I see. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that 98% of my patients would recommend me to a friend—a statistic that reminds me why I love what I do.
Shoulder Problems I Treat
Shoulder pain can make even the simplest tasks feel impossible. The good news is that many conditions can be effectively treated, either through physiotherapy or surgery if needed. Here are some of the shoulder problems I often help with:
Arthritis
Fractures
Instability
Impingement
Frozen shoulder
Clavicle problems
Rotator cuff issues
Acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) conditions
From minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery to more advanced treatments like shoulder replacement, my goal is to help you get back to doing what you love without pain holding you back.
Elbow Problems I Treat
Elbow pain can be just as disruptive as shoulder pain. Whether it’s caused by arthritis, a repetitive strain injury, or nerve compression, I see a wide range of elbow problems, including:
Arthritis
Stiffness
Tennis elbow
Golfer’s elbow
Cubital tunnel syndrome
Every patient and journey to recovery is different, so I take the time to understand how your pain is affecting you and find the best way to treat it—whether that’s through physiotherapy, injections, or surgery.
Making Your Experience Seamless
We know that navigating healthcare can feel overwhelming, especially when you're going private, so we aim to make your experience as simple and stress-free as possible. From booking your first appointment to follow-up care and payment plans, our private clinics in Poole and Dorchester offer flexible options to fit around your schedule.
We pride ourselves on taking a personal approach to patient care. Your journey doesn’t stop at a diagnosis—it’s about supporting you every step of the way.
Getting You Back To What You Love
Living and working in Dorset, I see every day how much people value an active lifestyle. Whether you’re passionate about sports, enjoy long walks on the beach, or just want to go about your daily life without discomfort, shoulder or elbow pain shouldn’t hold you back.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward feeling better, I’d be happy to help. Book an appointment at one of my private clinics in Poole or Dorchester. We'll work together to get you back to doing what you love, pain-free and confident.
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