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
Introduction
Not every shoulder, elbow or knee problem requires surgery.
Many musculoskeletal conditions improve with appropriate non-surgical treatment, allowing patients to return to work, sport and daily activities without an operation.
At 360 Orthopaedics, treatment recommendations are based on an accurate diagnosis, current medical evidence and your individual goals. When appropriate, non-operative treatment is often the first step.
Our aim is to help you recover using the least invasive approach that is likely to achieve the best outcome.
What is non-surgical treatment?
Non-surgical treatment (also known as conservative management) refers to treatments that do not involve an operation.
Depending on your diagnosis, this may include:
- Education about your condition
- Activity modification
- Bracing or taping
- Physiotherapy
- Home exercise programmes
- Pain-relieving medication where appropriate
- Ultrasound-guided injections
- Structured rehabilitation
- Monitoring and follow-up
The most appropriate treatment depends on the underlying diagnosis rather than simply the severity of pain.
Which conditions often improve without surgery?
Many common orthopaedic conditions respond well to conservative treatment.
Examples include:
Shoulder
- Frozen shoulder
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy
- Partial rotator cuff tears
- Calcific tendinitis
- Shoulder bursitis
- Mild shoulder arthritis
Elbow
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer’s elbow
- Mild elbow arthritis
- Tendinopathy
- Selected ligament injuries
Knee
- Degenerative meniscus tears
- Mild knee arthritis
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome
- Some ligament sprains
- Tendinopathy
Not every patient with these conditions requires surgery. Treatment is individualised based on symptoms, examination findings and lifestyle goals.
Components of non-surgical treatment
Education
Understanding your diagnosis is often the first step towards recovery.
During your consultation, we explain:
- What is causing your symptoms
- The expected natural history of the condition
- Which activities are safe
- What to avoid
- When further treatment may be needed
Patients who understand their condition are often better able to participate in their recovery.
Activity modification
Temporary changes to your activities may reduce irritation while healing takes place.
This does not necessarily mean complete rest.
Instead, activities may be modified to reduce excessive stress on the injured structure while maintaining overall fitness where appropriate.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is an important component of treatment for many shoulder, elbow and knee conditions.
A rehabilitation programme may focus on:
- Restoring movement
- Improving strength
- Correcting movement patterns
- Improving flexibility
- Restoring balance and coordination
- Preparing for return to sport
The rehabilitation programme should be tailored to your diagnosis and goals.
Home exercise programme
Many patients benefit from a structured home exercise programme between physiotherapy sessions.
Consistency is often more important than intensity.
Exercises should be performed according to the advice provided by your healthcare team.
Medication
Pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medication may be recommended for selected patients.
Medication helps manage symptoms but does not replace rehabilitation or correct structural problems.
Your doctor will discuss the potential benefits and risks where appropriate.
Ultrasound-guided injections
For selected shoulder, elbow and knee conditions, ultrasound-guided injections may form part of treatment.
Potential indications include:
- Frozen shoulder
- Bursitis
- Calcific tendinitis
- Shoulder arthritis
- Selected tendon disorders
Ultrasound guidance allows medication to be delivered accurately to the intended target.
An injection is not appropriate for every patient and should always be considered within the context of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Related page → Ultrasound-Guided Shoulder Injections
Monitoring progress
Recovery varies between individuals.
Follow-up appointments allow us to assess:
- Pain
- Movement
- Strength
- Functional improvement
- Response to treatment
If symptoms are not improving as expected, the treatment plan may be adjusted.
When might surgery become necessary?
Although many conditions improve without surgery, an operation may be recommended if:
- Symptoms persist despite appropriate conservative treatment
- Significant structural damage is present
- Joint instability affects daily activities
- Function remains substantially limited
- Surgery is likely to improve long-term outcomes
The decision is made after discussing the potential benefits, risks and alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is surgery always the fastest way to recover?
Not necessarily.
For many conditions, appropriate rehabilitation provides excellent results without the risks associated with surgery.
The most suitable treatment depends on your diagnosis rather than a desire for the quickest solution.
How long should I try conservative treatment?
This varies depending on the condition.
Some problems improve within weeks, while others require several months of rehabilitation.
Your progress is reviewed regularly to determine whether your treatment plan should be adjusted.
Can physiotherapy repair a torn tendon?
Physiotherapy cannot repair a complete tendon tear, but it can strengthen surrounding muscles, improve movement and reduce symptoms.
Whether surgery is appropriate depends on the type of tear, your symptoms and your functional goals.
If I choose not to have surgery, will my condition worsen?
Not always.
Some conditions remain stable for many years with appropriate non-operative management, while others may gradually progress.
The expected natural history depends on the underlying diagnosis.
Why choose 360 Orthopaedics?
At 360 Orthopaedics, our philosophy is to recommend the right treatment—not necessarily the most invasive treatment.
Our approach combines:
- Accurate diagnosis through detailed clinical assessment
- Evidence-based treatment recommendations
- Point-of-care musculoskeletal ultrasound where appropriate
- Individualised rehabilitation planning
- Shared decision-making based on your goals and lifestyle
Many patients recover successfully without surgery, while those who require an operation can proceed with confidence that conservative options have been carefully considered.
Related pages
Patient Guides
Treatments
- Ultrasound-Guided Shoulder Injections
- Shoulder Surgery
- Knee Surgery
- Elbow Arthroscopy
- Shoulder Arthroscopy
Conditions
- Frozen Shoulder
- Rotator Cuff Tear
- Calcific Tendinitis
- Shoulder Arthritis
- Tennis Elbow
- ACL Injury
- Meniscus Tear
Considering your treatment options?
Many shoulder, elbow and knee conditions improve without surgery. The key is making an accurate diagnosis and choosing the treatment approach that best matches your condition, lifestyle and goals.
At 360 Orthopaedics, we will explain your diagnosis, discuss both non-surgical and surgical options where appropriate, and work with you to develop an individualised treatment plan.
Contact 360 Orthopaedics to arrange a consultation.
Dr Puah is regularly invited to teach surgery internationally
Specialist Care for Shoulder, Elbow and Sports Injuries in Singapore
Dr Puah is an orthopaedic surgeon specialising in shoulder, elbow and sports injuries. He provides personalised care tailored to each patient’s condition and activity level.
Consultations are available at Mount Elizabeth Novena.
If you are experiencing shoulder, elbow or knee pain that is affecting your daily life or sports, early assessment can help guide appropriate treatment.
Book a consultation or contact the clinic to discuss your condition.
Why Choose Dr Puah Ken Lee
- Specialist in shoulder, elbow and sports injuries
- Fellowship-trained in advanced arthroscopic techniques
- Focus on evidence-based, patient-specific treatment
- Practising at Mount Elizabeth Novena
Book a Consultation
Book a consultation or contact the clinic via WhatsApp to get started
Book a consultation at 360 Orthopaedics, Mount Elizabeth Novena
Shoulder, elbow and sports injuries are common but treatable. Early diagnosis and appropriate management can improve outcomes and prevent long-term problems.
Dr Puah Ken Lee is an orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore specialising in shoulder, elbow and sports injuries at 360 Orthopaedics, Mount Elizabeth Novena. Patients with persistent shoulder and elbow symptoms and pain and instability after sports injuries are encouraged to seek specialist evaluation.