If shoulder pain, stiffness or instability that is interfering with your daily activities including sports or a recent shoulder injury persists, please consult an orthopaedic surgeon.
It is helpful to make notes of the symptoms, past treatments and medical examinations, including medications and X-rays.
During the appointment, the doctor will conduct a comprehensive medical check-up and ask about various aspects of your shoulder, including the following:
- Initial injury, if any;
- Duration of shoulder pain;
- Impact of pain on daily activities; and
- History of shoulder pain or dislocations.
The doctor may conduct a thorough shoulder examination and may recommend additional tests, such as X-rays and, in certain cases, an MRI. Blood tests may also be necessary for some patients.
Treatment options will be discussed, typically involving a course of physiotherapy and medications. In some cases, surgery may be considered to reconstruct the shoulder joint, with keyhole surgery being a preferred option for sports injuries due to its minimal invasiveness and faster recovery.
Surgeons may also recommend an injection into the shoulder to assist in diagnoses or provide immediate relief. This clinic-administered local injection contains a local anaesthetic and a low dose of steroid to provide pain relief and reduce inflammation in the shoulder.