Shoulder Specialist Singapore | Shoulder Pain Clinic Singapore
Shoulder pain can arise from injuries, inflammation, or repetitive strain, limiting mobility and affecting daily life. Dr Foo offers comprehensive evaluations and targeted treatments to relieve pain, restore function, and support long-term shoulder health.
MBBS (University of London) | MMed (Ortho) | FRCSEd (Ortho) | FAMS (Ortho)
Common Shoulder Conditions We Treat
Shoulder issues can affect the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues, depending on the underlying cause. They may result from injuries, degenerative changes, inflammation, or structural abnormalities. Common shoulder conditions we treat include:
1. Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder injuries often result from trauma, repetitive motion, or excessive strain on the joint.
- Rotator Cuff Tears – Partial or complete tearing of the rotator cuff tendons due to injury or overuse, leading to pain and weakness.
- Shoulder Dislocations & Instability – Occurs when the upper arm bone (humerus) moves out of the socket, causing pain and recurrent instability.
- SLAP Tears (Labral Injuries) – Tears in the cartilage lining of the shoulder socket, commonly seen in athletes or individuals who perform repetitive overhead movements.
- Shoulder Fractures – Breaks in the clavicle (collarbone), humerus (upper arm bone), or scapula (shoulder blade), often caused by falls, sports injuries, or accidents.
2. Degenerative Shoulder Conditions
Degenerative shoulder conditions develop gradually due to wear and tear on joint structures over time.
- Shoulder Arthritis – Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis cause the gradual breakdown of joint cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
- Rotator Cuff Degeneration – Chronic wear and weakening of the rotator cuff tendons, resulting in shoulder weakness and restricted movement.
3. Inflammatory Shoulder Conditions
Inflammation of the shoulder’s soft tissues can cause pain, swelling, and restricted movement.
- Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) – Progressive stiffness and pain caused by inflammation and thickening of the shoulder capsule, limiting mobility.
- Shoulder Bursitis – Inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the shoulder joint, often triggered by repetitive overhead movements or prolonged pressure.
- Shoulder Impingement Syndrome – Compression of the rotator cuff tendons between the bones of the shoulder, leading to inflammation, discomfort, and reduced range of motion.
4. Structural Shoulder Issues
Structural shoulder conditions involve abnormalities in alignment, function, or biomechanics, which can affect joint stability and movement.
- Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Separation – A partial or complete tear of the ligaments stabilising the AC joint, usually caused by direct impact or falls.
- Labrum Tears (Non-SLAP) – Tears in other parts of the labrum (aside from SLAP tears), affecting shoulder stability and leading to pain, weakness, and restricted movement.
- Bone Spurs – Bony growths that form within the shoulder joint, often due to wear and tear, causing joint irritation, stiffness, and restricted movement.
Early diagnosis and treatment are key to restoring function and preventing long-term shoulder complications. If you’re experiencing persistent shoulder pain, stiffness, or instability, consult a shoulder specialist for a comprehensive evaluation and personalised treatment plan. Diagnosis of Shoulder Conditions
Diagnosis of shoulder injuries and conditions at Apex Sports Clinic involves a structured assessment process, including:
- Medical History Review – Reviewing your symptoms, lifestyle, occupation, and any previous shoulder injuries or conditions to identify potential contributing factors.
- Physical Examination – Evaluating pain levels, mobility, strength, and stability, as well as identifying tender areas or structural abnormalities.
- Diagnostic Imaging – X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound may be ordered to assess bone alignment, soft tissue damage, or inflammation to provide clearer diagnostic information.
Based on the findings, your specialist will recommend non-surgical and surgical treatment options, recovery timelines, and rehabilitation plans tailored to your condition.
Treatment for Shoulder Conditions
At Apex Sports Clinic, we take a patient-centred and progressive approach to
treating shoulder conditions, focusing on joint stability, functional recovery, and
long-term injury prevention.
We prioritise conservative treatments, such as pain management and physiotherapy, before considering
surgical options when necessary. Some of the specialised treatments we provide include:
| Treatment | Common Conditions Treated |
|---|---|
| Injection-Based Treatments | Including corticosteroid injections, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and hyaluronic acid injections for pain management and tissue healing. |
| Shoulder Arthroscopy | A minimally invasive surgical technique used alongside other procedures to diagnose and treat shoulder conditions, including rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, and joint damage. |
| Subacromial Decompression | Shoulder impingement syndrome, where bone overgrowth or inflamed tissue compresses the rotator cuff, causing pain and restricted movement. |
| Biceps Tenodesis | Biceps tendon instability, partial tears, or chronic tendon pain affecting shoulder mechanics. |
| Capsular Release Surgery | Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), where the shoulder capsule tightens, leading to stiffness and pain. |
| Labrum Repair (SLAP Tear Surgery) | Labral tears leading to recurrent shoulder instability. |
| Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery | Partial or complete rotator cuff tears that cause pain, weakness, and limited shoulder movement. |
| Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Reconstruction | AC joint separation, chronic ligament damage, or instability affecting shoulder alignment and function. |
| Latarjet Procedure and Bankart Repair | Recurrent shoulder dislocations due to significant bone loss or deficiency in the shoulder socket (glenoid) |
| Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) | Fractures of the collarbone (clavicle), upper arm bone (proximal humerus), or shoulder blade (scapula) requiring surgical realignment and internal fixation for proper healing. |
| Total or Reverse Shoulder Replacement | Advanced osteoarthritis, irreparable rotator cuff tears, or severe joint degeneration impairing movement. |
When Should You See a Shoulder Specialist?
You should seek medical attention if you experience chronic or worsening pain,
restricted movement, or instability that interferes with daily activities, or if symptoms persist
despite rest or pain relief.
Symptoms that may require medical evaluation include:
- Pain that worsens with movement or persists at rest
- Stiffness or difficulty lifting the arm
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sensations in the shoulder
- Weakness or numbness in the arm or hand
- Shoulder dislocation or recurrent instability
- Swelling, redness, or warmth around the joint
Choosing the Best Shoulder Specialist in Singapore
Selecting the right shoulder specialist is a personal decision that should take into account the
nature of your condition, your treatment preferences, and your recovery goals.
There is no single approach that works for everyone, as everyone’s needs, lifestyle, and health
priorities are different.
To help guide your decision, consider the following factors:
- Clinical Expertise Some specialists have extensive experience in managing specific shoulder conditions, such as rotator cuff injuries, labral tears, instability, or arthritis.
- Access to Diagnostics Imaging tools such as MRI, ultrasound, or X-rays play a key role in confirming a diagnosis and planning appropriate treatment.
- Treatment Approach While some clinics prioritise conservative care like physiotherapy and activity modification, others may incorporate minimally invasive or surgical options earlier in the care process.
- Rehabilitation Support Post-treatment care is often just as important as the treatment itself. Providers who offer or coordinate physiotherapy, progressive exercise plans, and close follow-up can support long-term recovery outcomes.
Ultimately, it is important to choose a specialist you feel comfortable with. Look for someone who
aligns with your recovery goals, whether that means returning to sport, maintaining mobility, or
managing pain effectively.
If you're unsure where to begin, speak with our
friendly and experienced team to find the support that fits your recovery needs.
Every patient deserves a treatment plan tailored to their needs. We start with non-surgical approaches before considering more invasive interventions.
Dr Foo Gen Lin
Find a Shoulder Specialist Near Me
Apex Novena
admin@apexsportsclinic.sg
101 Irrawaddy Rd, #18-12 Royal Square Medical Centre, Singapore 329565
Nearest MRT: NS20 Novena
Apex East Coast
admin@apexsportsclinic.sg
112 E Coast Rd, #03-03/04 i12 Katong, Singapore 428802
Nearest MRT: TE26 Marine Parade
Why Do Patients Choose Apex Sports Clinic?
Sports Doctor in Singapore: Personalised & Affordable Care
Progressive Treatment Philosophy
We prioritise personalised, non-invasive solutions, progressing to specialised treatments, including surgery, only when needed for more effective and targeted care.
Holistic Patient-Centred Care
From diagnosis to rehabilitation, we provide comprehensive and seamless care for a wide range of orthopaedic conditions.
Specialist in Sports Orthopaedics & Injury Management
We combine expert injury management with a proactive approach to maintaining your body’s strength and function, so you can recover fully and perform at your peak.
Patient Journey
1 . Schedule Your Appointment
2 . Expert Diagnosis & Consultation
3 . Customised Treatment Plan
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