Shoulder Pain Treatment in Singapore

Shoulder pain can make everyday activities, like reaching overhead, carrying groceries, or even sleeping difficult. For many in Singapore, shoulder pain is not just an inconvenience; it affects work, exercise, and overall well-being.

The encouraging news is that many shoulder conditions can now be accurately diagnosed and managed with minimally invasive techniques that relieve pain and restore function without major surgery.

At Singapore Paincare, our specialists focus on finding the root cause of your pain using our proprietary Painostic® diagnostic system, then tailoring safe, targeted treatments to help you recover and move comfortably again.

Understanding Shoulder Pain

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can stem from injuries, overuse, or natural degeneration over time. Common conditions include:

• Rotator cuff tendinitis or tears – inflammation or damage to shoulder tendons.

• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) – stiffness and pain that limit movement.

• Shoulder impingement syndrome – pinching of tendons during overhead motion.

• Bursitis – swelling of the small fluid sacs cushioning the joint.

• Arthritis – gradual wear and tear causing stiffness and discomfort.

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Pain lasting more than a few days despite rest or medication.

• Weakness, swelling, redness, or deformity.

• Pain following a fall or trauma.

• Inability to lift or rotate your arm.

If pain follows a major fall, or your shoulder appears deformed, seek emergency medical care immediately.

How Shoulder Pain is Diagnosed

Clinical Assessment

At Singapore Paincare, doctors use Painostic®, a structured diagnostic framework developed through years of local clinical experience. It combines medical history, posture analysis, pain mapping, and movement testing to pinpoint whether pain arises from muscles, tendons, joints, or nerves.

Imaging Tests in Singapore

Depending on your condition, the doctor may recommend:

• Ultrasound – quick, cost-efficient, and accurate for soft-tissue and tendon assessment.

• MRI – used for deeper or more complex shoulder injuries.

Minimally Invasive Shoulder Pain Treatments

Modern treatments focus on accurate, image-guided procedures that aim to relieve pain at its source while minimising downtime.

Cortisone Injection

Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication that can be injected directly into the affected area. It is often used as an early treatment option to quickly reduce pain and swelling caused by inflammation of tendons or ligaments.

PRP Injection (Platelet-Rich Plasma)

PRP therapy uses your own blood to isolate platelets that may encourage natural healing. It is typically recommended when inflammation is ongoing or when cortisone injections have not provided sufficient relief. PRP can help repair damaged tissue by stimulating healing at the cellular level, making it a useful option for chronic or stubborn shoulder conditions.

Hydrodilatation for Frozen Shoulder

Hydrodilatation involves gently stretching the shoulder capsule by injecting sterile saline and medication under ultrasound guidance. This can help release stiffness and support gradual improvement in mobility. Results vary by individual and severity of the condition.

These in-clinic procedures are typically completed within 30 minutes and involve minimal recovery time.

Why Choose Singapore Paincare

Minimally Invasive Pain Relief

Our shoulder pain specialist, Dr. Bernard Lee, brings extensive experience in precision-guided, non-surgical techniques designed to target shoulder pain at its source safely and effectively — helping you recover with minimal discomfort and downtime.

The Painostic® system

Developed by our medical team led by Our Consultant Pain Specialist, Dr Bernard Lee, the Painostic® system integrates detailed assessment and imaging to provide a personalised treatment roadmap for each patient.

Comprehensive Care Under One Roof

We provide:

• In-house imaging (ultrasound, fluoroscopy)

• Minimally invasive day procedures

• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation partnerships

Our aim is to help patients manage shoulder pain safely, regain mobility, and improve overall comfort with less downtime.

FAQs About Shoulder Pain Treatment in Singapore

Q1: Do I need an MRI for shoulder pain?
Not always. Many cases can be diagnosed using ultrasound combined with physical assessment.

Q2: Is the treatment Medisave-claimable?
Certain procedures may be Medisave-claimable depending on MOH regulations and individual assessment. Our staff can advise on eligibility.

Q3: How many injections will I need?
This varies by condition. Some patients experience improvement after one session, while others may benefit from a short treatment course.

Q4: When should I go to the emergency department?
If shoulder pain follows an accident, the shoulder looks deformed, or you cannot move your arm, seek medical care immediately.

 

Take Control of Your Shoulder Pain

Don’t let shoulder pain interfere with your life. Whether caused by frozen shoulder, tendon irritation, or overuse, proper diagnosis and a minimally invasive plan can help you regain comfort and mobility.

👉 Book your consultation today to discuss your symptoms and learn about personalised, minimally invasive options that suit your needs.