Written by Dr James Tan
Shoulder pain is a common condition that affects a large number of people from time to time. Shoulder pain is any pain you feel in or around the shoulder joint. Depending on various situations and factors, the causes of shoulder pain differ for each individual. Determining the cause of shoulder pain can help a orthopaedic specialist Singapore to recommend effective shoulder pain treatment options.
Read along further to find out about the causes and symptoms of shoulder pain. Discover how shoulder pain can be treated in Singapore, along with its rehabilitation process.
Common Causes and Symptoms of Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain is typically caused by:
-
Rotator cuff tears and strains
-
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
-
Tendonitis and bursitis
-
Osteoarthritis and degenerative changes
-
Shoulder impingement and instability
-
Labral tears or dislocation injuries
Shoulder pain commonly manifests in the following signs and symptoms:
-
Persistent or intermittent pain in the shoulder joint
-
Pain that worsens with movement or during the night
-
Reduced range of motion and stiffness
-
Weakness when lifting or rotating the arm
-
Clicking or popping sounds during movement
-
Swelling or tenderness around the joint
Read more about the symptoms and causes of shoulder pain for more in-depth information.
Diagnosis of Shoulder Pain
An orthopaedic specialist can diagnose the cause of shoulder pain through the following means:
- Review of medical history and symptom patterns
- Physical examination: range of motion, strength, and stability tests
- Imaging tools like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound for accurate diagnosis
- Identifying underlying causes and severity
Shoulder Pain Treatment Singapore
The way forward towards treating shoulder pain is to get an accurate diagnosis from a qualified shoulder specialist, who can then recommend the most suitable treatment regimen according to the patient’s unique case.
Shoulder pain treatment in Singapore comprises a wide range of modalities, including self-care practices, physical therapy, medication, and sometimes surgery. Here is a detailed look at all these options.
Non-Surgical/Conservative Treatments
-
Rest and lifestyle modification
-
Physiotherapy and guided exercises
-
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
-
Heat or cold therapy for pain and inflammation
- PRP injections
-
Taping or bracing for temporary support
Learn more about the non-surgical shoulder pain treatment options.
Surgical Shoulder Pain Treatment
If the doctor feels that conservative measures will not be effective or if the patient has been following conservative measures for a considerable amount of time and still there is no improvement in the pain, he may suggest surgical treatments.
Different types of shoulder conditions call for different types of surgical techniques:
-
Arthroscopic surgery for rotator cuff or labral repairs
- Open repair surgery
-
Subacromial decompression and bursectomy
-
Shoulder replacement for severe arthritis
-
Surgery for shoulder instability or dislocations
- Shoulder joint replacement
-
Arthroscopic SLAP repair
- Ligament Repair or Bankart Repair
-
AC joint repair
- Biceps tendon surgery
Learn more about surgical shoulder pain treatment options available in Singapore.
Rehabilitation
Whether a patient goes through non-surgical or surgical treatment options, post-treatment rehabilitation is crucial to ensure recovery and prevent future problems. Rehabilitation involves the following steps:
-
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy and exercises help improve strength, restore function, and prevent future injuries associated with the shoulder.
-
- Gradual Increase in Activity: This is an important step where the patient must increase activity gradually, giving enough time for the injury to heal.
-
- Pain Management: During the recovery process, it is also important to manage pain either through medications or other alternative methods to help the patient recover properly.
Alternative Treatments
In addition to conservative and surgical treatment options, certain alternative methods are helpful. These include:
-
- Acupuncture — can help in reducing pain and improving shoulder movement.
-
- Chiropractic Care — can help release tension in the shoulder muscles
-
- Massage Therapy — helpful in relaxing the muscles and reducing shoulder pain
-
- Yoga and Pilates — can help in improving posture, flexibility, and strength of the shoulder over time to manage pain.
Read more about alternative treatment options for shoulder pain in Singapore.
Related Articles
Find Shoulder Pain Treatment in Singapore
If you or your loved ones are suffering from shoulder pain, either from degenerative joint diseases, accidents, trauma, or overuse of the shoulder joint, consider choosing our specialised shoulder pain treatment in Singapore! Our shoulder specialists at Ray of Health will carry out an evaluation and diagnose your condition followed by creating a customised treatment plan to help you recover. We also specialise in wrist injury treatment and sports injury treatment for your injuries.
Reach out to our shoulder specialist in Singapore by calling +65 6235 8781 or chat with us on WhatsApp at +65 8028 4572. You can also talk to us by clicking the button below.
Locations
Camden Medical
1 Orchard Boulevard, #09-06
Singapore 248649
Mount Alvernia Hospital
820 Thomson Road
Medical Centre D #05-60
Singapore 574623
Book an Appointment
Treatment Process With Our Shoulder Orthopaedic Surgeon
Dr James Tan, our orthopaedic specialist at Ray of Health, deals with various orthopaedic conditions of the body. He advises his patients to consult him in case of any pain or injury at the earliest so that the condition can be assessed and diagnosed properly.
- Registration: Firstly, register with Dr James' team and book an appointment here.
- First appointment: At the first appointment, Dr James Tan will carry out a thorough physical exam for your orthopaedic treatment, and evaluate your medical history.
- Diagnosis: Typically, additional diagnostic tests are required to assess the causes of the problems accurately. This usually comes in the form of MRI or X-ray scans.
- Personalised Treatment Plan: Dr James will then create a personalised treatment plan based on your specific condition and needs, which could include undergoing surgery, and recommend the necessary treatment modalities to you.
- Follow-up sessions: Dr James will schedule additional follow-up sessions to monitor the recovery process until you fully recover.
Disclaimer: Treatment plans may differ for different patients. Please contact Dr James for more information.
Accreditations
Mount Elizabeth Orchard
Mount Elizabeth Novena
Farrer Park Hospital
Mount Alvernia Hospital
Aptus Surgery Centre
Novaptus Surgery Centre
Medisave & Insurance Shield Plan Approved
If you are a Singaporean or a Permanent Resident of Singapore, some of our orthopaedic procedures can be claimed under Medisave. The claimable amount will vary based on the procedure's complexity.
For other situations, please consult our friendly clinic staff regarding the use of your Integrated Shield Plan insurance.
Personal Insurance
Great Eastern
Prudential
HSBC Life
Corporate Insurance
MHC
Fullerton
Adept
Alliance
Aptus Surgery Centre
Novaptus Surgery Centre
Parkway Shenton
Bupa
Cigna
Frequently-Asked Questions
If a person suffers from a casualty with dislocation of the shoulder, how do you provide treatment?
If a person suffers an injury and the shoulder gets dislocated, the following measures should be taken:
- The patient should remain still so as not to aggravate the shoulder injury.
- Try to immobilise the shoulder joint through some techniques.
- Immediately, take the injured to a nearby healthcare facility for effective treatment.
How long does recovery from shoulder pain treatment take?
What can I expect during physical therapy for shoulder pain?
Are shoulder pain treatments covered by insurance or Medisave in Singapore?
Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider or specialist doctor regarding any medical condition that you might be facing and act on the doctor’s recommendations.
References:
-
- "Shoulder pain: Learn More – Shoulder pain: What helps?", National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554692/
About The Author
Dr James Tan Chung Hui's Background
Dr James Tan is a skilled orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore who has more than 10 years of experience in sports surgery and exercise medicine. Apart from partnering with the industry to introduce various treatment techniques, Dr Tan has treated athletes from the Singapore National Teams and professional footballers from the Singapore Premier League and the Young Lions.
Dr Tan specialises in treating sports injuries of the knee, shoulder and elbow joints, as well as cartilage and meniscus surgery. He is a member of the elite Asian Shoulder and Elbow Group and a founding member of the Singapore Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Society.
Medical Education and Affiliations
MBBS | NUS
Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (MRCS)
MMed (Orthopaedics) | NUS
Fellow of Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh)
Adjunct Assistant Professor | NUS, LKC
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgery, Sports and Exercise Medicine
Head of Department | Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Centre
Awards
Principal Investigator of Tissue Engineering
National Medical Research Council grants
Collaboration with Scientists at NTU, TUM, A*Star, Osteopore & Trendlines Medical Singapore


