Shoulder Surgery in Singapore: Procedures and Physiotherapy
Understanding Common Shoulder Surgeries & How Physiotherapy Supports Recovery
SLAP Tear Repair
SLAP Tear Repair Diagram
What it is:
A procedure to repair a tear in the superior labrum (cartilage) of the shoulder, often seen in overhead sports or repetitive strain.
Common symptoms:
Deep shoulder pain, especially with overhead movement
Clicking or catching sensation
Reduced strength or control
Recovery:
Gradual physiotherapy progression
Focus on shoulder stability and control
Return to sport typically over several months
Bankart Repair
What it is:
A surgery to repair the labrum after shoulder dislocation, restoring joint stability.
Common symptoms:
Recurrent shoulder dislocations
Feeling of instability
Pain during movement
Recovery:
Protection phase followed by controlled mobility
Strengthening of stabilising muscles
Gradual return to functional activities
Rotator Cuff Repair
Rotator Cuff Repair Diagram
What it is:
Repair of torn rotator cuff tendons, often due to degeneration or injury.
Common symptoms:
Pain when lifting the arm
Weakness in the shoulder
Difficulty with daily activities
Recovery:
Initial immobilisation followed by guided physiotherapy
Progressive strengthening
Full recovery may take several months
Shoulder Impingement Surgery
What it is:
A procedure to relieve pressure on the rotator cuff tendons, often by removing bone spurs or inflamed tissue.
Common symptoms:
Pain when lifting the arm
Discomfort during repetitive movements
Reduced range of motion
Recovery:
Early mobilisation exercises
Gradual strengthening
Return to activity within weeks to months
Frozen Shoulder (Capsular Release)
What it is:
A surgical procedure to release tight joint capsule tissue when conservative treatment is insufficient.
Common symptoms:
Severe stiffness
Limited shoulder movement
Pain at end range
Recovery:
Immediate physiotherapy is critical
Focus on restoring range of motion
Consistent exercises to prevent stiffness recurrence
Shoulder Replacement
Shoulder replacement diagram
What it is:
Replacement of the shoulder joint with artificial components, typically for severe arthritis or joint damage.
Common symptoms:
Chronic pain
Significant stiffness
Difficulty with basic movements
Recovery:
Structured rehabilitation programme
Gradual return to daily activities
Full recovery may take several months
Fracture Fixation (ORIF)
What it is:
Surgical stabilisation of shoulder fractures using plates, screws, or pins.
Common symptoms:
Severe pain after trauma
Limited movement
Swelling and deformity
Recovery:
Protection phase followed by physiotherapy
Gradual restoration of movement and strength
How Physiotherapy Helps After Shoulder Surgery
Surgery addresses the structural issue, but recovery depends heavily on rehabilitation.
Physiotherapy helps to:
Restore shoulder mobility
Rebuild strength and stability
Reduce pain and stiffness
Guide safe return to daily activities and sport
At MoveMed, rehabilitation programmes are tailored to each individual, ensuring a structured and safe progression back to full function.
About MoveMed Physiotherapy Singapore
At MoveMed, we support your recovery through purposeful movement.
Our professionally trained physiotherapists at Novena and Orchard provide tailored sessions in a well-equipped facility—featuring treatment beds, shockwave therapy machines and more —to help you regain strength, mobility, and confidence.
Whether it’s pre-op rehab, pain management or post-op rehab, our team is here to guide your journey every step of the way.
📍(Orchard) Movemed Physiotherapy, 391B Orchard Road Ngee Ann City Office Tower B. #25-03 Singapore 238874
📍(Novena) MoveMed Physiotherapy, 10 Sinaran Dr, #09-04, Novena Medical Center, Singapore 307506
🌐www.movemedsg.com
📞 Call / WhatsApp: +65 9627 2000
📧 Email: hello@movemedsg.com
