Singapore Surgeon Insight Series with Dr Andy Wee – The Shoulder
Many patients come with complaints of Frozen Shoulder, and in some cases this could be a Rotator Cuff Injury. Common shoulder problems and complaints include shoulder pain , stiffness, weakness (feeling a lack of strength in elevating arms) and instability (feeling of shoulder is shifting out of the joint or dislocating out of the joint).
Subsequently, this can be diagnosed as a recurring dislocation due to a torn labrum, frozen shoulder or a rotator cuff problem
![Shoulder Joint](https://www.physioactive.id/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/tear.png)
Shoulder Joint
What is frozen shoulder ?
It is a benign and self-limiting condition that resolves over 6-9 months. This condition is common in older patients with no preceding injuries or trauma that precipitates the stiffness.
Patients are usually recommended to take a steroid injection directed specifically into shoulder joint, to bring down the inflammation of the joint capsule and physiotherapy to regain range of motion.
![Frozen Shoulder](https://www.physioactive.id/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/fshoulde.png)
Frozen Shoulder
What is rotator cuff injury?
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint. It is Important for coordinated movements of the shoulder and provides stability. Typically, when younger patients present with a rotator cuff tear or inflammation, it is usually due to a significant injury they sustain. On the other hand, older patient presents with rotator cuff problems insidiously or due to a minor trauma.
Severity of rotator cuff problem vary. Patients may present with rotator cuff strain developed because of an unaccustomed activity, rotator cuff inflammation or a small, partial thickness tear due to aging.
![Rotator Cuff Injury](https://www.physioactive.id/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/rcuff.jpg)
Rotator Cuff Injury
There are several treatment options recommended depending on the severity of the rotator cuff injury.
They include:
- Resting the shoulder
- Modifying the activities – avoiding overhead activities or repetitive usage of the arm
- Physiotherapy – improvements after 6-8 session
- Anti-inflammation medicines to relief the pain
- A steroid injection
Rotator Cuff Surgery
A surgery is warranted when injections and non-operative measures fail. This is usually when the tear is significant in size and when there is weakness of the shoulder. 90% of those patients would need an arthroscopy. An arthroscopy involves small keyhole incisions that will allow an arthroscopic instrument to get in to repair the tear. This is a minimally invasive surgery that allows quick recovery.
Post-op Rehabilitation
Physiotherapy is a key process to the post-op rehabilitation program. Gradual improvements take place throughout 4-6 months:
- Pain relief – 4-6 weeks
- Regained Range of motions 3-4 months
- Regained Strength 4-6 months
Making an appointment
To make an appointment with Dr Andy Wee, his contact details are
- web: www.p-ortho.com
- phone: +65 6737 0558
- WA: +65 9125 8585
For Physioactive Singapore, find your closest location at: www.physioactive.sg
For Physioactive Indonesia, book directly online here.