Shoulder Tendon Pain Treatment in Singapore

Get Shoulder Tendon Pain Treatment in Singapore Now

What is Shoulder Tendon Pain?

Shoulder pain is one of the most commonly reported conditions. The shoulder is made up of several joints combined with muscles and tendons that make it possible for your arm to have an extensive range of motion. Due to the complex structure of the shoulder, it is vulnerable to many different types of pain and problems. 

In most cases, shoulder pain arises from the rotator cuff, a group of muscles that keep the shoulder joint stable. Pain can result from the following: 

  • Tendinitis: Irritation or damage to the rotator cuff. 
  • Bursitis: Inflammation and swelling of the bursa, which is a lubricating sac between the rotator cuff and the top shoulder bone. 
  • Impingement: Irritation and pain caused by friction between the top shoulder bone and the tendon and bursa.
  • Rotator cuff tear: Pain and swelling in the front of the shoulder.

Management of shoulder pain varies from non-invasive OTC pain relief to surgical interventions, depending on the severity of the condition. An orthopaedic surgeon will be able to recommend the best treatment option possible based on your current condition and symptoms.

What Causes Shoulder Tendon Pain?

Shoulder tendon pain can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common cause is overuse or repetitive strain, such as playing sports that require throwing or lifting heavy objects. Other causes can include ageing, as tendons lose their elasticity and become more prone to injury, and sudden injury or trauma, such as a fall or a car accident. Certain medical conditions, such as rotator cuff tears, bursitis, or tendonitis, can also lead to shoulder tendon pain. Poor posture or muscle imbalances can also contribute to shoulder pain by placing undue stress on the tendons. Thankfully, there are a range of treatment options available to help deal with shoulder tendon pain.

Who Needs to Get Shoulder Tendon Pain Treatment?

Anyone who experiences shoulder tendon pain should consider seeking treatment, especially if the pain is severe, persistent, or limits their ability to perform daily activities. People who engage in activities that involve repetitive overhead motions, such as athletes, manual labourers, or musicians, are at higher risk for developing shoulder tendon pain and may benefit from early intervention to prevent further damage. Additionally, older adults are more susceptible to tendon injuries due to natural age-related changes in tendon structure and function. It is important to seek treatment promptly to prevent further damage and reduce the risk of long-term disability.

Diagnosis of Shoulder Tendon Pain

Shoulder tendon pain diagnosis typically begins with a physical examination by a healthcare provider, which may include assessing the range of motion, strength, and stability of the shoulder joint. The provider may also ask about the patient's medical history, activities, and any previous injuries or conditions that may contribute to the pain. Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI scans, may also be used to identify the underlying cause of the pain, such as a rotator cuff tear or tendinitis. Using this information, the best course of treatment can thus be prescribed.

Precautions Before Shoulder Tendon Pain Treatment

Before undergoing shoulder tendon pain treatment, it is important to inform your doctor of any medications or supplements you are taking, as well as any allergies or medical conditions. It is also important to follow any specific preoperative instructions, such as fasting or stopping certain medications.

Shoulder Tendon Pain Treatment

Once the cause of the shoulder tendon pain is identified, a treatment plan can be recommended. In general, treatment options for shoulder tendon pain include rest, physical therapy, medications, and surgery in severe cases.

Rest is often the first line of treatment and may involve avoiding activities that aggravate the pain. Patients are also advised using ice or heat therapy to reduce inflammation, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers to manage pain and swelling. Physical therapy may be recommended to help improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion in the shoulder joint. This may involve exercises, stretches, and other techniques to improve muscle balance and reduce stress on the tendons.

If conservative treatments are not effective, medications may be prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or reconstruct damaged tendons or other structures in the shoulder joint. This may involve minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery or open surgery, depending on the severity and location of the injury.

Post-Care Steps After Shoulder Tendon Pain Treatment

After shoulder tendon pain treatment, it is important to follow any post-operative instructions provided by your healthcare provider, such as avoiding certain activities or wearing a brace. Physical therapy may also be recommended to help restore range of motion and strength. Pain management and proper rest are also important for recovery.

Possible Side Effects of Shoulder Tendon Pain Treatment

Possible side effects of shoulder tendon pain treatment vary depending on the type of treatment. Common side effects may include pain, swelling, bruising, and stiffness. More serious side effects, such as infection or nerve damage, may occur with surgery or certain medications.

Why Choose OrthofootMD for Shoulder Tendon Pain Treatment in Singapore?

OrthofootMD is an excellent choice for shoulder tendon pain treatment in Singapore because of Dr Gowreeson Thevendran's expertise and experience in treating such conditions. Dr Gowreeson is a highly skilled Orthopaedic Surgeon who has specialised in the diagnosis and treatment of foot, ankle, and shoulder conditions. He has completed his fellowship in shoulder surgery and possesses a vast amount of experience in treating shoulder-related issues, including tendon pain. Dr Gowreeson uses the appropriate techniques and technologies to provide personalised treatment plans for his patients that will help reduce pain, improve function, and prevent further injury.

Dr Gowreeson- For Shoulder Tendon Pain Treatment

As a renowned orthopaedic surgeon at Island Orthopaedic, part of the Healthway Medical Group, Dr Gowreeson Thevendran is a trusted expert in treating lower limb orthopaedic conditions. He employs minimally invasive surgical techniques to provide effective treatment for foot & ankle, knee, and hip/thigh conditions, including shoulder tendon pain. With a keen interest in trauma and fracture surgery for both upper and lower limbs, he has garnered extensive experience in this field. 

Dr. Thevendran completed his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Bristol, followed by basic surgical training in London, UK. He then pursued subspecialty fellowship training in foot & ankle surgery at the University of British Columbia, sports surgery at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, and complex trauma and deformity correction surgery at Royal Liverpool University Hospital, making him a skilled and sought-after surgeon in his field.

Insurance and Medisave Coverage for Shoulder Tendon Pain Treatment

At OrthofootMD, a range of orthopaedic treatments are covered by insurance plans and Medisave. However, patients should get in touch with the clinic to confirm the eligibility of their shoulder tendon pain treatment for Medisave claims and the extent of coverage under their insurance plan.

Get Shoulder Tendon Pain Treatment in Singapore Now 

If you find that your shoulder pain is persistent and does not seem to be going away, it’s time to see a doctor. You should also see a doctor right away if the pain is interfering with your usual daily activities. Book an appointment with Dr Gowreeson Thevendran, an orthopaedic in Singapore, to discuss shoulder pain treatment options. During your first appointment, you will be evaluated for your medical history by the doctor. There can be some physical tests to find out the underlying cause of the pain in the shoulder tendon. The orthopaedic surgeon will then suggest the right treatment for you based on your age, medical condition, and the severity of pain or injury in your shoulder.

Besides shoulder tendon pain, if you have been experiencing knee pain due to any injury or ACL tear, it is recommended to see a doctor early to get the condition diagnosed and treated before it gets worse. At Orthofoot MD in Singapore, our doctor will develop a treatment plan that may include knee replacement surgery, knee injury, or ACL surgery.

Shoulder Tendon Pain Treatment in Singapore

Dr Gowreeson Thevendran

MBChB (Bristol), MRCS.Ed, Dip. Sports Med.Ed, FRCS.Ed ( Trauma & Ortho. ), FAMS (Singapore)

Specialty

  • Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery

Languages Spoken

  • English, Malay, Tamil

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, University of Bristol, England
  • Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh
  • Diplomate Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh
  • Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore

Awards

  • SICOT PIONEER Founders Award 2020
  • 2015 European Foot & Ankle Society ‘Best Podium Presentation’ Award
  • 2013 Singapore Orthopaedic Association Junior Travelling Fellowship
  • 2012 NHG Critical Talent Special Recognition Award
  • 1998 Enid Lindt Prize in Clinical Surgery
  • 1995 Public Services Department Full Medical scholarship

Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder Tendon Pain Treatment in Singapore

1What are the symptoms of shoulder tendon pain?

Shoulder tendon pain can cause swelling and tenderness on the front of the shoulder. You may also experience pain and stiffness when you lift or lower your arm. 

You may experience mild symptoms in the early stages, such as the following: 

  • Sudden pain when lifting or lowering your arm 
  • Minor pain when doing activities and at rest
  • Radiating pain from the front of the shoulder to the side of the arm 

As the condition progresses, you may experience more severe symptoms: 

  • Loss of strength 
  • Inability to move the affected arm 
  • Difficulty doing activities that require the arm to be placed behind the back, such as buttoning or zipping 
  • Pain at night 

It is recommended to seek medical attention and treatment if your shoulder tendon pain persists and worsens. 

2What are the common causes of shoulder tendon pain?
Shoulder tendon pain is a common condition among athletes who use their arms overhead, such as professional baseball players, swimmers, tennis players and golfers. The usage of improper technique in any sport can also cause the overuse of tendons, which can result in shoulder tendon pain. Apart from athletes, people who work in jobs that require repetitive lifting and overhead work are also at risk of developing shoulder tendon pain. In less common cases, shoulder pain may also arise from a minor injury or occur without apparent cause. A doctor can diagnose the cause of your shoulder tendon pain and recommend a treatment plan that may include rest, physical therapy, or surgery.
3Will shoulder tendon pain heal on its own?
Mild cases of tendinitis and bursitis may heal on their own in 6-8 weeks with adequate rest and conservative treatments. On the other hand, rotator cuff tears vary greatly in size and could lead to a secondary tear if the initial injury is left untreated. If you are experiencing shoulder tendon pain, it is recommended to visit a specialist in Singapore immediately.
4What are the complications caused by shoulder tendon pain?
Early diagnosis and treatment of shoulder tendonitis are essential in order to avoid long-term damage to the tendons. If left untreated, the pain in the shoulder tendon can get severe enough to disturb your sleep. You can also experience loss of strength or motion in the affected arm. This can make it difficult for you to move your arm to your back or overhead. You may also feel numbness or tingling in your arms and hands.
5How do you repair tendons in the shoulder?
Rest is one of the most important things you can do for a damaged tendon. Avoiding activities that aggravate your symptoms will give your body a chance to heal. This includes lifting things overhead and or making forceful reaching movements that can make the pain worse. To reduce shoulder swelling and relieve pain, an ice pack or cold compress can be applied. Additionally, try maintaining proper posture to reduce strain on the shoulders. If the shoulder tendon pain continues to persist for more than one or two weeks, your doctor may recommend treatment through strengthening and stretching exercises. For the pain that is left untreated with these treatments, you should consult our qualified doctor at Orthofoot MD in Singapore for a better assessment of the condition of your shoulder tendon. After evaluating the condition, the doctor may recommend surgery to repair the damage to the rotator cuff. This minimally invasive procedure is done to create more space for the rotator cuff by removing parts of the bursa that are damaged or inflamed.
6How long does a strained shoulder tendon take to heal?

Straining a shoulder involves tearing or stretching the tendons, ligaments, or muscles attached to the bones in the shoulder joint. This can happen as a result of injury during sports activities, accidents involving slips and falls, or overloading the shoulder with heavy objects. 

The recovery period of a strained shoulder tendon varies depending on the severity of the injury. With proper treatment and care, minor injuries can typically heal within four weeks. Moderate injuries may take about six to eight weeks while for severe injuries, healing may take up to six months to a year. If the shoulder pain is a result of an injury during sports activities, it is advised to see a sports injury doctor in Singapore.

Clinic Location

OrthofootMD@Novena

OrthofootMD@Mount Alvernia Hospital

Dr Gowreeson Thevendran is currently an orthopaedic surgeon with Island Orthopaedic, a one-stop care centre for orthopaedic health under Healthway Medical Group. He specialises in treating lower limb orthopaedic conditions, as well as trauma and fracture surgery of both the upper and lower limbs. Prior to establishing his private practice, Dr Gowreeson was Chief of Foot & Ankle Surgery at the Department of Orthopaedics at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH). Today, he continues to serve the Orthopaedic Department at TTSH as a visiting consultant.

This is the author