Shoulder Pain 101: Understanding The Causes, Symptoms, And Relief Options
Understand the causes, symptoms, and relief options for shoulder pain in an article by Beacon Orthopaedics, reviewed by Dr Bryan.
Dr Bryan Wang
Specialty: Orthopaedics
Specialised in Upper Limbs (Hands, Arms, Elbows)
Clinic: Beacon Orthopaedics
Who Is Dr Bryan Wang?
Dr Bryan Wang is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon, with an interest in Shoulder & Elbow, Knee and Sports Injuries. He has more than 18 years of experience in the management of general orthopaedic conditions, including musculoskeletal injuries and fractures of the upper and lower limbs.
After graduating from the National University of Singapore in 2005 with a placement on the Dean’s List, Dr Bryan then embarked on his training in orthopaedic surgery and was admitted as a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 2010. After completion of his specialist training, he gained admission as a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 2015.
Under the Eastern Health Alliance scholarship, he underwent further advanced training in the field of Shoulder & Elbow, Knee and Sports injuries at the Pan Am Clinic in Canada for one year. There, he trained under the tutelage of Professor Peter MacDonald, who is the current President of the prestigious American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Society and Canadian Orthopaedic Association. During his time there, he was involved in the care of professional athletes from the National Hockey League as an assistant team physician of the Winnipeg Jets. This comprehensive medical care involved game-day rinkside coverage to pre- and post-season physicals of the players.
Dr Wang is proficient in all aspects of Shoulder and Elbow. This includes arthroscopic (minimally- invasive) as well as open procedures (such as joint replacements and fracture fixation). He is also proficient with the management of sports injuries around the knee, including ligament, meniscus and cartilage pathologies.
In the field of shoulder surgery, Dr Wang performs minimally-invasive techniques such as arthroscopic fixation of acromioclavicular joint dislocations, as well as shoulder stabilizations and rotator cuff repair.
With regards to elbow surgery, Dr Wang also advocates minimally-invasive techniques such as elbow arthroscopy for the surgical management of conditions such as recalcitrant tennis elbow, loose bodies, impingement, or osteoarthritis of the elbow. He believes that this minimizes downtime for the patient and allows a faster return to work and function.
What Is Dr Wang’s Ethos In Medicine?
Dr Wang’s ethos in medicine revolves around a commitment to minimally-invasive techniques, continuous education, and patient-centred care. He emphasises the importance of reducing patient downtime and enabling faster recovery through advanced arthroscopic procedures for shoulder, elbow, and knee injuries. His dedication to education is evident in his roles as a Clinical Lecturer and Assistant Professor, along with his involvement in training residents and sharing expertise at international conferences. Dr Wang’s holistic approach to orthopaedic surgery combines proficiency in advanced techniques with a passion for teaching and a deep understanding of the patient’s desire to return to peak performance quickly.
If You Run Into Dr Wang Outside Work, You Are Likely To…
See him enjoying long-distance running, swimming, cycling and spending time with his family.
10 Question & Answers
I have always been interested in pursuing a surgical discipline as I enjoy working in a team-based and dynamic environment. I was fortunate to meet some very generous mentors when I did my first orthopaedic rotation as a junior doctor who inspired and encouraged me to consider orthopaedics as a lifelong profession. I also saw the beauty of how we can make a difference in patients’ lives by restoring their function to allow them to lead the life that they always aspire to.
Patients should consider consulting an orthopaedic surgeon when they experience persistent pain in the bones, joints, or muscles that doesn’t improve with conservative treatment. Or if the patients have limited range of motion, or suffered from an injury or trauma, have deformities or swelling.
Patients with Infections or open wounds in the area of a joint or bone, particularly if accompanied by pain, redness, or fever, should also see an orthopaedic specialist to treat the condition.
Orthopaedic surgeons are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal issues, and consulting one can be crucial for proper management and recovery of serious or persistent conditions.
As an orthopaedic specialist, I regularly attend medical conferences, courses and events, locally and overseas to stay abreast the latest advancements, knowledge and research in the field of orthopaedics and medicine.
We adopt the following 3 approach in our patient care:
Evidence-based: At our practice, we prioritise evidence-based treatment, ensuring that we stay up-to-date with the latest guidelines and research in our field. By adhering to evidence-based practices, we can provide our patients with the most effective and successful treatments available.
Empathy: Equally important to us is empathy.
We understand that navigating health concerns can be challenging and overwhelming. Hence, we make it a priority to put ourselves in the shoes of our patients, listening to their concerns, and providing compassionate care tailored to their individual needs.
Collaborative Partnership: We believe in fostering a collaborative partnership with our patients, recognising that their journey towards recovery is a shared one. We strive to work hand in hand with our patients, empowering them to make informed decisions about their healthcare while offering guidance and support every step of the way. Together, we can achieve the best possible outcomes and help our patients get back to what they love doing most.
I have learnt many things from all the patients I have had the privilege of taking care over the years. Despite this, I continue to be surprised by my patients.
A recent patient I took care showed me that sometimes when things may seem impossible, the human mind can push the body beyond limits that I thought possible.
He was a national touch rugby player and was 4 months away from the Touch Rougby World Cup and had sustained a very bad segmental fracture of the ankle. I had warned him that it might be challenging for him to be able to recover in time as he might require up to 6 months for full functional recovery after surgery.
Yet, through his hard work, determination and perseverance with his post-surgical rehabilitation, he was able to recover in time to represent Singapore in this competition!
The main misconception is that orthopaedic health involves only surgery. In fact, many of the conditions we see and be managed very well with non-operative treatment like medications, physiotherapy and simple measures like changing certain aspects of their lifestyle.
During the consultation, I usually discuss the options available, from conservative to surgical treatment.
Apart from work, I would try to set aside time to go for a long run, and spending time with my 3 young kids.
The advancement in technologies has allowed surgeries to be performed in minimally invasive way such as arthroscopic surgeries. This way will allow much faster recovery and minimal downtime for the patients.
Exercise regularly – Engage in weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging, or strength training to improve bone density.
Wear appropriate protective equipment for sports and activities, such as helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads.
Use proper footwear to prevent slips and falls, especially in slippery conditions.
Early detection such as Be aware of signs like persistent pain, swelling, bruising, or difficulty moving a limb. These could indicate a fracture or other injury.
the vision
Restoring Function, Embracing Life
“I strongly believe that no two patients are alike and that every treatment plan must be tailored to each patient through a collaborative partnership. Nothing gives me greater satisfaction than helping my patients achieve their goals.”
-Dr Bryan Wang
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This article is informative only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.