Frozen Shoulder Treatment Specialist Singapore

Dr. Bryan Tan

MBBS (Singapore)

MMed (Ortho)

FRCS Ed (Orth)

Dr Bryan Tan is a double fellowship-trained senior consultant orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in shoulder conditions and surgeries. Prior to private practice, Dr Bryan was a consultant in the Division of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery in National University Hospital (NUH), Singapore.

Dr. Bryan Tan

Orthopaedic Surgeon
Sports have always played a big part in Dr Bryan’s life. His interest in sports and varied sporting activities give him a deep understanding of sports injuries and the mindset of an athlete.
The condition often develops gradually over time and is difficult to detect. This painful condition affects 2-5% of the general population.

Dr Bryan Tan is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon, based in Singapore. He completed 2 fellowships in Orthopaedic Sports, Shoulder and Elbow Surgery in Sydney, Australia and Nice, France. Prior to private practice, Dr Bryan was a consultant in the Division of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery in National University Hospital (NUH), Singapore. He is currently still a visiting consultant at NUH where he actively teaches medical students and young orthopaedic surgical trainees. In addition, he travels to regional countries to teach advanced arthroscopic surgical techniques.

    • MBBS(Singapore)

    • MMed (Ortho)

    • FRCS Ed(Orth)

Dr. Bryan has a special interest in keyhole surgery and performs most of his surgeries using advanced, modern keyhole surgical techniques. He regularly visits fellow surgeons from other countries to ensure his skills and knowledge are cutting edge.

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What is a frozen shoulder?

A frozen shoulder is a chronic inflammatory condition. The shoulder’s ball and socket joint slowly lose mobility, until it becomes “frozen” as a result of inflammation and scarring of the surrounding shoulder capsule. Having a frozen shoulder limits your range of motion greatly, compromising simple daily activities such as getting dressed or reaching for something, as any movement may cause a great deal of pain.

The condition often develops gradually over time and is difficult to detect. This painful condition affects 2-5% of the general population.

Symptoms of Shoulder Pain

A frozen shoulder is a chronic inflammatory condition. The shoulder’s ball and socket joint slowly lose mobility, until it becomes “frozen” as a result of inflammation and scarring of the surrounding shoulder capsule. Having a frozen shoulder limits your range of motion greatly, compromising simple daily activities such as getting dressed or reaching for something, as any movement may cause a great deal of pain.

  • A dull ache
  • A sharp or severe pain
  • Gradual or sudden discomfort
  • An inability to move your shoulder with limited range of motion
Billing & Payment

Medisave & Insurance Claims

The following are accredited For Singaporeans, Singapore Permanent Residents and Foreigners. If your insurance is not listed, you will still be able to make claims for eligible procedures! We have experience processing claims from many other various insurance providers. Please contact us if you have any queries.

 

Common Causes Of Shoulder Issues

There are many potential causes of shoulder issues for a person, but some are far more common than others. Some of these causes include:

Dislocation

This can occur when the shoulder is popped out of its socket due to a blow to the arm. It will be painful and there will be a struggle to move the arm.

Fracture

Like dislocations, this occurs due to a hard hit, but the difference is that with fractures, the bone takes damage, whether it be a crack or a much more serious break.

Rotator Cuff Tear

This injury is more common in those who partake in athletic activities and are above 60. The tear occurs due to injury to the shoulder or the weakening of the tendons. It’s not always clear that a tear has occurred, but some signs include sounds being made when the affected arm is moved and carrying things that were once easy becomes a struggle.

When Should You See A Shoulder Specialist?

If you have had any of the following symptoms, it is highly advisable that you consider seeking medical advice from a shoulder specialist:

  • If you have had any of the following symptoms, it is highly advisable that you consider seeking medical advice from a shoulder specialist:
  • Difficulty sleeping due to pain or discomfort of the affected shoulder
  • Difficulty or pain when attempting to reach backwards, raise your arm over your head, or reach across your body
  • A snapping, clicking or popping sound in the shoulder, particularly when lifting or throwing
  • A previous dislocation of the shoulder (which can make the shoulder unstable and prone to reinjury)
  • An apparent abnormality or deformity of the shoulder or upper arm
Contact clinic

​​Is your shoulder pain affecting your quality of life, and your ability to perform everyday activities such as working, playing sports and wearing your clothes?

Dr. Tan will assess your symptoms in detail before recommending the right surgical option for your specific injury.

Book An Appointment

How are shoulder
conditions diagnosed?

Dr Bryan Tan will thoroughly evaluate each patient to determine the most effective treatment. Dr Tan may conduct a physical examination to verify the type of shoulder problem you have. After this, imaging such as X-rays, CT scans and MRIs, may be used to determine the extent of your injury and how best to treat it.

Imaging Tests.

An x-ray examination can eliminate other issues that may be causing pain. Furthermore, MRI and ultrasound scans can also produce a clearer image of your shoulder, hip or elbow joints to confirm the diagnosis.

Lab Tests.

Your doctor may use a thin needle to extract fluid (aspiration) from your bursa to test for infection. Alternatively, blood tests may be conducted to confirm or eliminate other conditions.

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

Overuse or injury of nearby tendons, such as the bicep muscles of the arms. Nerve injury that leads to abnormal shoulder movement. Tears of the rotator cuff tendons. Poor shoulder posture and mechanics.

  • Overuse of the shoulder
  • Injury
  • Wear and tear due to age
What’s the first step?

Embark on Your Road to Recovery With Dr Bryan Tan

step 1

Book An Appointment
With Dr. Bryan

Our friendly clinic staff will assist you with your registration, ensuring an efficient and hassle-free process for you. Fill up this form to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bryan.

step 2

Initial Consultation & Diagnosis of your Condition

During your consultation, Dr. Bryan will evaluate your medical history and the pain you are experiencing. You may also ask Dr. Bryan any questions you may have about your condition.

step 3

Treatment & Follow Up Visits With Dr. Bryan

After your consultation with Dr. Bryan, our friendly clinic staff will assist you with your follow-up appointment, and provide you with instructions/information for any prescribed treatment plans from Dr. Bryan.

Frequently Asked
Questions

Is My Condition Serious Enough For A Visit To A Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon?

When specific conditions become more chronic and persistent, the treatment options may be beyond your GP’s expertise.If you experience severe pain, or if your pain is affecting your quality of life such that you cannot perform everyday activities normally (e.g. walking, standing or wearing clothes), visiting an Orthopaedic Surgeon for a detailed assessment and diagnosis is the best course of action.

What Can I Expect At My First Visit With An Orthopaedic Surgeon?

At your first appointment with Dr. Tan, he will evaluate your medical history and the pain you are experiencing.

Depending on the symptoms you have,he will likely perform some form of diagnostic imaging (e.g. X-Rays or MRI scans)to assess your condition accurately. X-rays and CT scans are useful to rule out bony problems, whilst an MRI scan is excellent at looking at soft tissue (e.g. tendons, ligaments, cartilage) problems.

After assessing your condition, Dr. Tan will recommend a personalised treatment plan, according to your specific needs. This may include surgical or non-surgical treatment options.

Can I Continue My Sporting Activities If I Am Experiencing Pain (e.g. Shoulder, Knee or Hip Pain)?

Dr. Tan always advises patients to listen to their bodies and not push through the pain barrier, especially if your pain is a direct result of sports injuries.

If your pain does not subside with RICE (rest, ice,compression and elevation) and over-the-counter painkillers, it is highly advisable that you seek professional medical advice.Continuing with sporting activities will place additional strain on your body and worsen the condition.

What Modes Of Payments Do You Accept?

Consultation fees are charged based on length of consultation, and start from SGD$150 (within 30 minutes).We accept the following modes of payment:

  • Cash
  • PAYNOW & PAYLAH
  • All major Credit CardCards

If you are insured and would like to use E-Filing or A Letter of Guarantee (LOG) from the major insurers in Singapore, please contact us, our friendly clinic staff will assist you and provide more information if required.

Take the First Step

Book An Appointment

Leave us a few details and Dr. Bryan will get back to you shortly.

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    For faster response, WhatsApp Us!
    +65 8044 5516

    Visit our Clinic

    Feel free to visit our clinic and get to meet our specialist.

    Orthosports@Novena

    38 Irrawaddy Road, #10-41
    Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre
    Singapore 329563

    Orthosports@Connexion

    1 Farrer Park Station Road,
    #15-17 Connexion
    Singapore 217562