Mount Elizabeth Novena

Medical Centre

38 Irrawaddy Road, #06-33

Singapore 329563

Parkway East

Medical Centre

319 Joo Chiat Place, #04-08,

Singapore 427989

Mount Alvernia

Medical Centre A

820 Thomson Road, #03-08,

Singapore 574623

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Shoulder Conditions

Frozen Shoulder

Learn about its symptoms, stages and treatment options.

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Rotator Cuff Tear

Explore its causes, symptoms and available treatments.

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Shoulder Pain

Discover common causes and ways to manage shoulder pain.

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A shoulder specialist has the experience and expertise in guiding you towards the appropriate treatment.

Consult Dr Seng if conservative treatment no longer provides sufficient relief.

Consult our Specialist

Shoulder Treatments

Shoulder Surgery

Explore surgical options to restore shoulder function and relieve pain.

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A shoulder specialist has the experience and expertise in guiding you towards the appropriate treatment.

Consult Dr Seng if conservative treatment no longer provides sufficient relief.

Consult our Specialist

Dr Seng Chusheng Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orth), FRCS (Edinburgh)

Shoulder Surgery in Singapore

Q: What is a shoulder arthroscopy and when is it needed?

Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses small incisions and a camera to diagnose and treat joint problems. It is commonly recommended for conditions such as rotator cuff tears, labral injuries or persistent shoulder pain.

Q: When should I see a shoulder specialist in Singapore?

You should consult a shoulder specialist if you experience ongoing pain, limited range of motion, weakness or instability in your shoulder, especially if symptoms interfere with daily activities.

Q: Can shoulder pain be treated without surgery?

Yes, many cases of shoulder pain can be managed without surgery through treatments such as physiotherapy, medication, activity modification or injections. Surgery is typically a last resort.

Q: Does shoulder surgery guarantee pain relief?

While often effective in reducing pain and improving function, it does not guarantee complete relief in every case. Outcomes depend on the condition, damage severity, and adherence to rehabilitation.

Q: When can I return to daily activities after shoulder surgery?

Most patients can gradually resume light daily activities within a few weeks. Full return to normal or strenuous activities may take several months, guided by your doctor and physiotherapist.

Shoulder surgery is used to treat a range of conditions affecting the tendons, cartilage, bones and stabilising structures of the shoulder. Depending on the condition and severity of symptoms, procedures may be performed to repair damaged tissues, restore stability, relieve pain and improve shoulder function.

When Is Shoulder Surgery Recommended?

Types of Shoulder Surgery in Singapore

What Happens During Shoulder Surgery?

Recovery and Rehabilitation After Shoulder Surgery

Potential Risks and Considerations

Personalised Surgical Care for Shoulder Conditions

FAQs About Shoulder Surgery in Singapore

When Is Shoulder Surgery Recommended?

Shoulder surgery is typically recommended when other shoulder treatments such as rest, medication or physiotherapy no longer provide sufficient relief. It may be necessary for conditions like severe rotator cuff tears, persistent instability or advanced joint damage that affect shoulder function. If shoulder pain interferes with your ability to perform daily activities, consult a shoulder specialist in Singapore for timely evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Types of Shoulder Surgery in Singapore

Shoulder procedures in Singapore vary depending on the underlying condition, severity of injury and the patient’s overall health. Orthopaedic specialists will recommend the most suitable surgical approach to relieve pain, restore function, and improve quality of life.

Keyhole Shoulder Surgery

Also known as arthroscopic surgery, this minimally invasive technique uses small incisions and a camera to diagnose and treat shoulder conditions with reduced recovery time.

Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery

This procedure repairs torn tendons in the shoulder, helping to restore strength and movement while reducing pain.

Frozen Shoulder Surgery

Surgical intervention may be required in severe cases to release the tight shoulder capsule tissues and improve the range of motion.

Shoulder Stabilisation Surgery

Performed to correct recurrent shoulder dislocations, this procedure tightens and repairs the surrounding structures to enhance joint stability.

Labral Repair

This surgery fixes tears in the shoulder’s labrum, which helps stabilise the joint and prevent further injury.

Biceps Tendon Surgery

Used to treat inflammation or tears in the biceps tendon, this procedure relieves pain and restores shoulder function.

Total Shoulder Replacement

In cases of severe arthritis or joint damage, total shoulder replacement involves replacing the damaged joint surfaces with artificial components to improve mobility and reduce chronic pain.

A shoulder specialist has the experience and expertise in guiding you towards the appropriate treatment.

Consult Dr Seng if conservative treatment no longer provides sufficient relief.

Consult our specialist

What Happens During Shoulder Surgery?

Shoulder surgery is tailored to the specific condition affecting the joint, tendons or surrounding structures. Depending on the procedure, surgery may be performed using minimally invasive (arthroscopic) techniques or through an open approach for more complex repairs or joint replacement procedures.

During surgery:

General or regional anaesthesia is used to keep the patient comfortable
Small incisions and specialised instruments may be used in arthroscopic procedures
Damaged tendons, cartilage, ligaments or bone structures are repaired, stabilised or replaced as needed

Procedure duration varies depending on the complexity of the surgery. In suitable cases, arthroscopic surgery may offer less tissue disruption, reduced post-operative pain and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Recovery and Rehabilitation After Shoulder Surgery

Recovery after shoulder surgery varies depending on the type of procedure performed and the individual’s healing progress. Rehabilitation plays an important role in restoring shoulder mobility, strength and function.

Recovery typically involves:

A short hospital stay, depending on the procedure performed
Use of a sling for several weeks to support healing
Physiotherapy to gradually restore movement and shoulder strength
Progressive return to daily activities over several months

Following the recommended rehabilitation programme is important to support recovery and achieve the best possible outcome after surgery.

A specialist-led approach ensures you receive the appropriate treatment and rehabilitation plan.

Schedule a Consultation

Potential Risks and Considerations

Shoulder surgery is generally safe, but like all surgical procedures, it carries some risks and potential complications.

These may include:

Infection or bleeding
Nerve or blood vessel injury
Stiffness or reduced range of motion
Persistent pain or weakness
Re-tear or failure of repaired tissues
Reactions to anaesthesia

At Axis Shoulder Injury Clinic, Dr Seng Chusheng takes a careful and individualised approach to surgical planning, with attention to accurate diagnosis, appropriate surgical technique and structured post-operative rehabilitation. Patients are closely monitored throughout recovery to help minimise complications, support healing and optimise long-term shoulder function.

Personalised Surgical Care for Shoulder Conditions

Persistent shoulder pain, weakness or instability can significantly affect daily movement and quality of life when conservative treatment is no longer effective. With appropriate surgical treatment and rehabilitation, many shoulder conditions can be effectively managed to improve mobility, relieve pain and restore shoulder function.

At Axis Shoulder Injury Clinic, patients receive comprehensive surgical care for a wide range of shoulder conditions, from sports injuries and tendon tears to shoulder instability and joint degeneration. Dr Seng Chusheng tailors each treatment plan to the patient’s condition, lifestyle and recovery goals, using evidence-based surgical techniques and structured rehabilitation to support safe recovery and long-term shoulder function. Schedule a consultation for a comprehensive assessment and personalised treatment plan.

Personalised Surgical Care for Shoulder Conditions

FAQs About Shoulder Surgery in Singapore

What is a shoulder arthroscopy and when is it needed?

When should I see a shoulder specialist in Singapore?

Can shoulder pain be treated without surgery?

Does shoulder surgery guarantee pain relief?

When can I return to daily activities after shoulder surgery?

Dr Seng Chusheng

Consultation Orthopaedic Surgeon

MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orth), FRCS (Edinburgh)

Dr Seng Chusheng is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon with a clinical focus on knee conditions and orthopaedic trauma. With over 20 years of surgical experience, he has performed over 1,000 orthopaedic and sports surgeries, including ACL reconstructions. His approach integrates evidence-based care with individualised treatment planning, supporting pain relief, mobility and functional recovery. He has also presented at numerous orthopaedic conferences, including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Annual Scientific Meeting.

Meet Our Sports Injury Doctor