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
Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints affecting adults of all ages. It may develop gradually through overuse or degeneration, or occur suddenly following a sporting injury or fall.
Although many episodes of shoulder pain improve with appropriate rest and rehabilitation, persistent pain, weakness or loss of movement may indicate an underlying shoulder condition that requires specialist assessment.
At 360 Orthopaedics, we provide evidence-based assessment and treatment for shoulder disorders, with an emphasis on accurate diagnosis and individualised care.
For a full overview of shoulder conditions, visit Shoulder Specialist Singapore
Common symptoms
Patients describe shoulder pain in many different ways.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain when lifting the arm
- Night pain that disrupts sleep
- Difficulty reaching overhead
- Pain while dressing
- Weakness when lifting objects
- Clicking or catching sensations
- Shoulder stiffness
- Pain after a sporting injury
- Pain following a fall
What causes shoulder pain?
Shoulder pain is a symptom rather than a diagnosis.
Several different conditions may produce similar symptoms.
Rotator cuff disorders
The rotator cuff is a group of tendons that stabilise and move the shoulder.
Problems include:
- Tendinitis
- Partial tears
- Full-thickness tears
Typical symptoms include pain when lifting the arm, weakness and night pain.
👉 Learn more about rotator cuff tears
Frozen shoulder
Frozen shoulder causes progressive pain followed by increasing stiffness.
Patients often struggle with:
- Reaching overhead
- Fastening a bra
- Putting on a jacket
- Washing hair
Recovery may take many months without appropriate treatment.
👉 Learn more about frozen shoulder
Shoulder instability
The shoulder may partially or completely dislocate following injury.
Symptoms include:
- Shoulder “giving way”
- Apprehension during overhead activities
- Recurrent dislocations
- Clicking after previous injury
Young athletes are particularly at risk.
👉 Learn more about shoulder dislocations
Shoulder arthritis
Wear of the shoulder joint cartilage can result in:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Reduced movement
- Difficulty sleeping
👉 Learn more about shoulder arthritis
Calcific tendinitis
Calcium deposits within the rotator cuff can produce sudden severe pain.
This condition often develops without obvious injury.
👉 Learn more about calcific tendinitis
AC joint injuries
Falls onto the shoulder may injure the acromioclavicular joint.
Pain is typically located over the top of the shoulder.
👉 Learn more about AC joint injuries
When should I see a shoulder specialist?
You should consider specialist assessment if you experience:
✓ Pain lasting longer than 2–4 weeks
✓ Night pain affecting sleep
✓ Weakness
✓ Loss of shoulder movement
✓ Shoulder pain following a fall
✓ Recurrent dislocations
✓ Persistent pain despite physiotherapy
✓ Difficulty participating in work or sport
How is shoulder pain diagnosed?
Accurate diagnosis begins with a detailed clinical assessment.
This usually includes:
Medical history
Understanding:
- how symptoms began
- location of pain
- activities that worsen symptoms
- previous injuries
- sporting activities
Physical examination
Assessment of:
- shoulder movement
- strength
- instability
- impingement signs
- specific tendon function
Imaging
Depending on your symptoms, imaging may include:
X-rays
Useful for:
- arthritis
- fractures
- calcific tendinitis
Ultrasound
Useful for:
- rotator cuff tears
- bursitis
- tendon inflammation
MRI
MRI provides detailed assessment of:
- tendons
- cartilage
- labrum
- ligaments
MRI is not required for every patient.
Persistent shoulder pain, significant weakness, stiffness or symptoms following an injury may warrant assessment by a shoulder specialist.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the underlying diagnosis.
Many shoulder conditions improve without surgery.
Management may include:
- Education
- Activity modification
- Physiotherapy
- Pain management
- Ultrasound-guided injections
- Surgery when appropriate
Treatment is individualised according to:
- diagnosis
- age
- activity level
- occupation
- sporting goals
Do all patients need surgery?
No.
Many shoulder conditions respond well to non-operative treatment.
Surgery is considered when:
- structural damage is significant
- symptoms persist despite appropriate treatment
- instability recurs
- function remains limited
The decision is made through shared discussion after reviewing your diagnosis, treatment options and personal goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shoulder pain always caused by a rotator cuff tear?
No.
Several different conditions may produce similar symptoms.
Should I have an MRI before seeing a specialist?
Not necessarily.
The need for MRI depends on the clinical assessment. An examination and a review of any existing imaging done can help determine whether an MRI is likely to add useful information.
Can shoulder pain improve without surgery?
Yes.
Many patients recover with education, rehabilitation and appropriate non-operative treatment.
Should I continue exercising?
This depends on the diagnosis.
Maintaining general fitness is often encouraged, but certain activities may need to be modified temporarily until the cause of the pain has been identified.
Why choose 360 Orthopaedics?
At 360 Orthopaedics, our approach combines:
- Fellowship-trained expertise in shoulder surgery
- Evidence-based treatment recommendations
- Individualised care
- Modern diagnostic techniques
- A focus on helping patients return safely to work, sport and everyday activities
Experiencing shoulder pain?
Persistent shoulder pain should not be ignored.
An accurate diagnosis is the first step towards effective treatment.
Contact 360 Orthopaedics to arrange a consultation and discuss the most appropriate treatment options for your shoulder condition.
Pain associated with stiffness and reduced range of motion.
Dr Puah is regularly invited to teach shoulder surgery internationally
Specialist Care for Shoulder Pain 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 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 conditions 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 symptoms are encouraged to seek specialist evaluation.