Treatments

Treatment Options

Every treatment decision begins with a thorough assessment.

Conservative Care

Non-Surgical Management

For many shoulder conditions, surgery is not the first or only answer. The following approaches are explored and often recommended before considering any surgical option.

Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation

Structured exercise programs designed to restore range of motion, strength, and function. Physiotherapy is the foundation of most shoulder treatment plans and is essential even after surgery.

Activity Modification

Adjusting daily activities, sport techniques, and workplace ergonomics to reduce strain on the shoulder during recovery and help prevent recurrence.

Anti-inflammatory Medication

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for managing pain and inflammation, prescribed under GP supervision as part of a broader treatment plan.

Corticosteroid Injections

Image-guided injections to reduce inflammation in specific conditions such as frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tendinitis, and subacromial bursitis. Provides targeted relief.

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)

For appropriate tendon conditions, PRP therapy uses concentrated platelets from your own blood to promote healing. Offered based on evidence-based patient selection criteria.

Hydrotherapy / Hydrodistension

For frozen shoulder, hydrodistension (injecting fluid to stretch the joint capsule) has proven benefit in early-to-mid stages, often combined with physiotherapy for optimal results.

Surgical Procedures

Surgical Treatments

Surgery is recommended when non-surgical treatment has not provided adequate relief, or when the structural problem requires direct intervention. All surgical procedures are performed at AIG Hospitals.

Arthroscopic (Keyhole) Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery using a small camera and specialised instruments through tiny incisions. Used for rotator cuff repair, labral repair, impingement decompression, and biceps tenodesis.

Advantage: Faster recovery, less post-operative pain, smaller scars compared to open surgery

Rotator Cuff Repair

Surgical reattachment of the torn tendon to the bone using suture anchors. Performed arthroscopically in most cases, restoring structural integrity and function to the shoulder.

Recovery: 3–6 months with supervised physiotherapy program

Shoulder Stabilisation (Bankart / Latarjet)

For recurrent shoulder dislocations. Bankart repair involves arthroscopic labral repair. The Latarjet procedure is used for significant bone loss cases, transferring a bone block to restore joint stability.

Indication: Chosen based on extent of bone loss and pattern of instability

Total Shoulder Replacement

For end-stage shoulder arthritis. Anatomic total shoulder replacement (TSA) or reverse shoulder replacement (rTSA) depending on the rotator cuff status. Provides significant improvement in pain and function.

Types: Anatomic TSA (intact rotator cuff) · Reverse rTSA (deficient rotator cuff)

AC Joint Reconstruction

For high-grade acromioclavicular joint injuries (Grade IV and above). Involves ligament reconstruction using specialised graft tissue to restore the anatomy and stability of the AC joint.

Timing: Best outcomes when performed within weeks of the injury

Biceps Tenodesis / Tenotomy

Surgical management of long head of biceps pathology. Tenodesis reattaches the biceps tendon at a new point; tenotomy releases it. The choice depends on the patient's age, activity level, and cosmetic expectations.

Often combined with: Rotator cuff repair or labral repair

Reverse Shoulder Replacement

A specialised form of shoulder arthroplasty where the ball and socket positions are reversed. Indicated for patients with rotator cuff arthropathy, massive irreparable rotator cuff tears, or failed previous shoulder replacement.

Indication: Rotator cuff arthropathy, massive irreparable cuff tears, failed prior replacement

Fracture Surgery

Surgical fixation of shoulder and clavicle fractures using plates, screws, or intramedullary devices. Indicated for displaced or unstable fractures that cannot be managed conservatively.

Includes: ORIF, plating, intramedullary nailing, minimally invasive fixation
What to Expect

Your Surgery Journey

1

Pre-operative Assessment

Detailed evaluation, imaging review, blood investigations, and anaesthetic assessment

2

Day of Surgery

Admission, procedure under anaesthesia, and post-anaesthetic monitoring

3

Post-operative Recovery

Hospital stay: typically 1 day for most procedures, with pain management and initial guidance

4

Physiotherapy Begins

Structured rehabilitation program starting 2–6 weeks post-surgery, depending on the procedure

5

Return to Activity

Progressive return to sport and work activities, timeline specific to the condition and procedure

Surgical outcomes depend on the individual patient, nature and severity of the condition, adherence to rehabilitation, and other factors. Dr. Jawalkar will discuss your specific prognosis and realistic expectations during your consultation. No results are guaranteed.

Need guidance on treatment options?

Every treatment plan starts with a thorough consultation

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