Dr Puah Ken Lee 潘健理
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Shoulder, Elbow & Sports Injuries
Practising at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, Singapore
Appointments by prior arrangement
Dr Puah Ken Lee 潘健理
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Shoulder, Elbow & Sports Injuries
Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, Singapore
✔ Subspecialty Focus in Shoulder & Elbow, Sports Injuries
✔ Practising at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital
✔ Evidence-based treatment, Individualised Care
Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Singapore (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a condition characterised by progressive stiffness and pain in the shoulder, leading to significant limitation in movement.
Dr Puah Ken Lee is a Singapore-based orthopaedic surgeon specialising in shoulder, elbow and sports injuries at 360 Orthopaedics, located at Mount Elizabeth Novena. He treats patients with frozen shoulder using a combination of non-surgical and minimally invasive techniques tailored to each stage of the condition.
WHAT IS FROZEN SHOULDER?
Frozen shoulder occurs when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and thickened, leading to stiffness and restricted movement.
It typically progresses through three stages:
1. Freezing stage
- Increasing pain
- Gradual loss of motion
2. Frozen stage
- Less pain
- Marked stiffness
3. Thawing stage
- Gradual improvement in movement
The entire process can take months to years if left untreated.
SYMPTOMS OF FROZEN SHOULDER
- Gradual onset of shoulder pain
- Progressive stiffness
- Difficulty reaching overhead or behind the back
- Pain worse at night
- Restricted range of motion in all directions
Frozen shoulder often affects daily activities such as dressing and grooming.
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A SPECIALIST?
You should seek specialist evaluation if:
- Shoulder stiffness persists beyond several weeks
- Movement is progressively worsening
- Pain interferes with sleep
- You have underlying conditions such as diabetes
At 360 Orthopaedics in Singapore, Dr Puah Ken Lee assesses shoulder motion and may recommend imaging to confirm the diagnosis and exclude other causes.
NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT
Most cases of frozen shoulder are initially managed without surgery.
Options include:
- Physiotherapy to improve mobility
- Pain management (medication)
- Image-guided injections (e.g. corticosteroid)
Can frozen shoulder recover without surgery?
Yes, many patients improve with non-surgical treatment, although recovery may take several months.
Early treatment may help shorten the duration of symptoms.
WHEN IS PROCEDURE OR SURGERY NEEDED?
Procedures may be considered when:
- Symptoms are severe and persistent
- There is significant functional limitation
- Progress is slow despite adequate therapy
Options include:
- Hydrodilatation (capsular distension)
- Manipulation under anaesthesia
- Arthroscopic capsular release
Do I need surgery for frozen shoulder?
Most patients do not require surgery. However, in resistant cases, minimally invasive procedures can significantly improve range of motion and reduce recovery time.
Dr Puah Ken Lee performs minimally invasive shoulder procedures in Singapore, tailored to the stage and severity of frozen shoulder.
RECOVERY AND TIMELINE
Recovery depends on the stage of the condition and treatment approach.
General expectations:
- Early stage: pain control and mobility exercises
- Mid stage: focus on regaining movement
- Late stage: gradual return to normal function
With appropriate treatment, many patients experience significant improvement within months rather than years.
RETURN TO DAILY ACTIVITIES AND SPORTS
Return to activity depends on:
- Restoration of range of motion
- Pain control
- Completion of rehabilitation
Most patients can return to normal daily activities progressively.
Athletes may require structured rehabilitation before returning to sports.
As a sports injury specialist in Singapore, Dr Puah Ken Lee focuses on restoring functional movement and minimising long-term stiffness.
COST OF FROZEN SHOULDER TREATMENT IN SINGAPORE
Costs vary depending on:
- Type of treatment (physiotherapy, injections, procedures)
- Duration of care
- Insurance coverage
Patients are typically provided with detailed financial counselling when procedures are required.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What causes frozen shoulder?
The exact cause is not always clear, but it may be associated with:
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disorders
- Prolonged shoulder immobilisation
How long does frozen shoulder last?
It can last from several months to up to 2–3 years if untreated, but appropriate treatment may shorten recovery.
Is physiotherapy painful?
Some discomfort is expected, especially in early stages, but therapy is tailored to minimise pain while improving mobility.
Can frozen shoulder come back?
Recurrence in the same shoulder is uncommon, but it may occur in the opposite shoulder.
Do I need an MRI?
MRI may be used to confirm the diagnosis and exclude other shoulder conditions if necessary.
Frozen shoulder can significantly impact quality of life, but early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can improve outcomes.
Dr Puah Ken Lee is an orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore specialising in shoulder and sports injuries at 360 Orthopaedics, Mount Elizabeth Novena. Patients with persistent shoulder stiffness are encouraged to seek specialist evaluation.