Shoulder Specialist in Singapore

Dr Kau (许医生) is a Fellowship trained Orthopaedic Surgeon with more than 15 years of experience. He is experienced in trauma, fracture management and sports injuries. He also treats patients using minimally invasive procedures like shoulder arthroscopy. Make an appointment with Dr Kau for a consultation and a personalised shoulder treatment plan.

doctor img
Dr Kau Chung Yuan (许医生)

MBBS (S’PORE)

MRCS (Ireland)

MMed (Ortho)

FRCSEd (Ortho)

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What Is A Shoulder Specialist?

A shoulder specialist is a medical professional with extensive training in diagnosing, treating, and managing conditions and injuries affecting the shoulder.

They have advanced knowledge in orthopaedic surgery, physical therapy, and sports medicine to address various issues, from acute injuries to chronic conditions. Shoulder specialists are adept at employing surgical and non-surgical treatment modalities to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve the quality of life for patients.

The Shoulder

The shoulder joint is a remarkable and complex structure that provides a wide range of motion and functionality to the upper body. Composed of several bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles, it enables activities such as lifting, reaching, and throwing.

For specialised shoulder care, Dr Kau offers a range of services to help diagnose, treat, and restore optimal function to your shoulder joint.

Common Shoulder Conditions

  • Rotator Cuff Tears
    This condition involves tearing the muscles or tendons in the rotator cuff, leading to pain and decreased arm mobility.
  • Shoulder Instability
    This occurs when the shoulder joint is excessively loose, causing it to move excessively or dislocate within its socket.
  • Dislocations
    This injury happens when the shoulder joint is displaced from its socket, resulting in significant pain and a loss of mobility.
  • Labral Tear
    Damage to the labrum, a cartilage ring surrounding the shoulder joint socket, affects the shoulder’s stability and movement.
  • Arthritis
    A degenerative condition affecting the joint leads to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the shoulder.
  • Tendinitis
    This is the inflammation of the shoulder tendons, commonly due to repetitive use, causing pain and limiting movement.

Diagnostic Approaches

To diagnose shoulder conditions accurately, a variety of techniques are employed:

Patient History

Collecting detailed information on symptoms, injury mechanisms, and activity levels that may contribute to shoulder issues.

Physical Examination

Assessing pain, mobility, strength, and stability of the shoulder through various physical tests.

Imaging Tests
  • X-rays: Identifying bone fractures, dislocations, and signs of arthritis.
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Offer detailed images of soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, and the labrum.
  • CT (Computed Tomography) Scans: Provide a more detailed view of the bone structures in the shoulder.
Specialised Tests
  • Ultrasound: Used to visualise soft tissue structures and assess dynamic shoulder function.
  • Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows doctors to view the inside of the joint.

Treatment Options

Treatment options for shoulder conditions can be categorised into non-surgical and surgical interventions.

Non-Surgical Treatments
  • Physical Therapy: Tailored exercises to improve strength and flexibility.
  • Medications: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
  • Injections: Corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid to reduce pain and inflammation.
Surgical Treatments

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Consult our MOH-accredited orthopaedic specialist for an accurate diagnosis & personalised treatment plan today.

When To See A Shoulder Specialist

  • Persistent Shoulder Pain
    If you experience persistent shoulder pain that lasts for an extended period or does not improve with rest or over-the-counter remedies, it is advisable to consult a shoulder doctor.
  • Limited Range of Motion
    If you notice a significant decrease in your shoulder’s range of motion, such as difficulty raising your arm, reaching overhead, or performing daily activities, consult a shoulder specialist.
  • Shoulder Injuries or Instability
    If you have experienced a shoulder injury, such as a dislocation, or if you have recurrent episodes of shoulder instability, it is important to seek the expertise of an orthopaedic doctor.

Rehabilitation

After surgery, rehabilitation plays a crucial role in the recovery process, involving:

  • Initial Rest and Pain Management: Early postoperative phase focusing on reducing swelling and pain.
  • Physical Therapy: Begins with gentle motion exercises, gradually increasing in intensity to strengthen and improve shoulder function.
  • Occupational Therapy: This may be recommended to assist patients in returning to daily activities and work-related tasks.
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Dr. Kau Chung Yuan

MBBS (S’pore)

MRCS (Ireland)

MMed (Ortho)

FRCSEd (Ortho)

Dr Kau (许医生) is a Fellowship trained Orthopaedic Surgeon with a subspecialty interest in Hip and Knee surgery and has been in practice for more than 15 years.

He is experienced in trauma and fracture management, sports injuries, and joint replacement surgery.

  • Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh, Orthopaedics (FRCS, Edin) 2014
  • Master of Medicine (Orthopaedics), Singapore (MMed) 2013
  • Member of the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (MRCS, Ire) 2009
  • Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS, Singapore) 2004

Patient Journey with Dr Kau

Consultation

During the initial consultation, Dr Kau will evaluate your medical history, assess your condition and advise you on the next course of action.

Investigation

After consultation, Dr Kau will decide which tests are needed. Most conditions will benefit from an X-ray and MRI of the affected region to aid in your diagnosis.

Treatment

After diagnosis, Dr Kau will recommend a personalised non-invasive or surgical treatment plan, depending on your condition.

Partnered Programs & Insurance Plans

For Singaporeans, Singapore Permanent Residents and Foreigners.
Please speak to our friendly clinic staff about using your insurance plans.

Patient Feedback

Ethan Chan
Dr. Kau is an exemplary doctor who is experienced in his field and is very patient with his patients. He walked me through the details of my knee condition and addressed all my concerns. Thanks to Dr. Kau, I had a better understanding of my ACL and MCL injury and the various treatment options available. His advice and treatment have been very valuable to me.
Ming Lee Chua
Dr Kau was very careful and explained clearly the surgery procedures. After surgery, the care while I was in hospital was closely monitored and he even came during weekends! The hip so far has recovered and healed. His ‘predictions’ of when what can happen are so accurate. Trust him.
Teo Pek Suan Diana
I had a very successful total hip replacement done by Dr Kau 4 years ago. 4 months after the operation I was back walking, cycling and swimming. The beautiful job gave me much confidence Dr Kau is most professional and has such great doctor patient communication.

Send Us An Enquiry

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    +65‎ 8757‎ 9903

    Visit Us Today

    1
    Mount Elizabeth Novena
    Specialist Centre
    2
    Mount Alvernia
    Hospital
    3
    Farrer Park
    Hospital
    38 Irrawaddy Road,
    #06-59/60/61,
    Singapore 329563
    1, #02-01 Farrer Park Station Rd,
    Connexion, Singapore 217562

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    How do I know if my shoulder is torn or strained?

    A torn shoulder often exhibits severe pain, weakness, limited range of motion, and a popping or clicking sensation. With a shoulder strain, you may experience localised pain, muscle spasms, swelling, and difficulty with certain movements. However, a professional evaluation by an orthopaedic shoulder specialist is necessary to confirm the diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment.

    How long does a shoulder surgery take to heal?

    The healing time after shoulder surgery varies depending on the procedure and individual factors. Generally, initial recovery can take weeks to months, while complete healing and full recovery may take several months to a year.

    How can I tell if shoulder pain is serious?

    Determining the seriousness of shoulder pain depends on its intensity, persistence, and associated symptoms. Severe, worsening pain, limited range of motion, and additional symptoms like swelling or joint instability may indicate a more serious issue. It is advisable to seek medical evaluation if unsure or experiencing significant discomfort or functional limitations.

    How long is the recovery after shoulder surgery?

    Recovery varies based on the procedure and individual health but generally includes rest, pain management, and a tailored rehabilitation program.

    Can shoulder conditions return after treatment?

    While treatments aim to resolve issues effectively, some conditions can recur, especially without proper post-treatment care and lifestyle adjustments.

    How can I prevent shoulder injuries?

    Maintaining good physical condition, practising proper techniques during activities, and avoiding overuse can help prevent shoulder injuries.

    Can diet and nutrition impact recovery from shoulder surgery?

    A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins can support healing by reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair.