(03) 8415 1907
(03) 8415 1907
(03) 8415 1907
(03) 8415 1907
(03) 8415 1907

Shoulder & Elbow FAQ’S

Common questions about shoulder and elbow conditions, treatment, and recovery

This page answers some of the most common questions patients ask about shoulder and elbow pain, surgery, and recovery. The information below is general in nature. During your consultation, Dr Richard Dallalana will provide personalised advice based on your individual condition and goals.

GENERAL FAQ’S

1. When should I see a shoulder or elbow surgeon?

You may consider seeking specialist assessment if your pain is ongoing, worsening, or affecting your daily activities, sleep, or ability to work or exercise. This is particularly important if symptoms have not improved with rest, physiotherapy, or other non-surgical treatments.

Yes, a referral from your GP or another specialist is typically required to access a Medicare rebate for your consultation. A GP referral is usually valid for 12 months, while a specialist referral is valid for 3 months.
Not always. Many shoulder and elbow conditions can be managed with non-surgical treatments such as physiotherapy, activity modification, or medications. Surgery is usually considered when these options are no longer providing sufficient relief, or when the condition is very severe or has no potential to heal by itself.

SHOULDER CONDITIONS & SURGERY FAQ’S

1. What are the common causes of shoulder pain?
Common causes may include rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability, arthritis, bursitis, tendon injuries, or previous trauma. The exact cause of your pain will be assessed during your consultation.
Symptoms may include pain when lifting your arm, weakness, difficulty sleeping on the affected side, or reduced movement. Imaging such as ultrasound or MRI may be used to help confirm the diagnosis.
Arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery uses small incisions and a camera to perform procedures, while open surgery involves a larger incision. The most appropriate approach depends on your condition and the type of repair required.
Recovery time varies depending on the procedure.
  • Arthroscopic debridement (‘clean-up’) procedures may take only several weeks to a couple of months
  • Rotator cuff repair or stabilisation surgery will take 5 to 6 months
  • Shoulder replacement recovery may take up to 6–12 months in total
Your recovery timeline will depend on your procedure, overall health, and rehabilitation progress.
Driving may be possible once you are no longer using a sling, have adequate control of your arm, and are not taking strong pain medication. This varies depending on the procedure and your recovery. It will vary from 1 day to 6 weeks.
Return to activity is gradual and depends on comfort levels, adequate movement and strength. Light exercise may begin a few weeks after simple procedures, while return to sport or heavier activity may take several months. Your physiotherapist and surgeon will guide this process.

SHOULDER REPLACEMENT SURGERY FAQ’S

1. When is shoulder replacement considered?
Shoulder replacement may be considered when arthritis or joint damage such as rotator cuff tearing which can’t be repaired are causing persistent pain and reduced function, and non-surgical treatments are no longer effective.
  • Anatomic shoulder replacement replicates the normal joint structure and is typically used when the rotator cuff is intact
  • Reverse shoulder replacement reverses the positions of the ball and socket, and is often used when the rotator cuff is not functioning or there is severe bone damage
Dr Dallalana will explain which option may be appropriate for your condition.
Modern shoulder replacements are designed to be durable, but longevity can vary depending on factors such as activity level, bone quality, and implant type. Most will last 20 years+. A small percentage may wear out sooner and may need replacement.

ELBOW CONDITIONS & SURGERY FAQ’S

1. What causes elbow pain?
Elbow pain may be caused by tendon conditions (such as tennis or golfer’s elbow, or bicep tendon pain), nerve compression (cubital tunnel syndrome), instability from ligament damage or arthritis
Tennis elbow involves inflammation or tearing of the tendons on the outside of the elbow. Treatment may include rest, physiotherapy, activity modification, or injections. Surgery may be considered in persistent cases.
This condition involves compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, which may cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand. Treatment may be non-surgical or surgical depending on severity.
Recovery time varies depending on the procedure.
  • Minor procedures may recover within weeks
  • More complex reconstructions may take several months
Your recovery will be guided by your physiotherapist.

SURGERY & RECOVERY FAQ’S

1. Will I need physiotherapy after surgery?
Yes, physiotherapy is an important part of recovery for most shoulder and elbow procedures. It helps restore movement, strength, and optimal function over time. Most programs involve home-based exercises with periodic physio supervision and program adjustment.
The shoulder is a sensitive area and discomfort is expected after surgery, particularly in the early stages. Pain is usually managed with a combination of medication, ice, and limited sling use. Severe pain should only exist for a couple of days. Night pain can be persistent in some procedures such as rotator cuff repair.

All surgical procedures carry risks. These may include infection, stiffness, ongoing pain, or complications related to healing. These risks are very procedure-specific will be discussed with you before surgery.

Preparing for surgery may include optimising your general health, organising support at home, and understanding your rehabilitation plan. You will be provided with detailed pre-operative instructions.

YOUR NEXT STEP

If you have ongoing shoulder or elbow concerns, a consultation with Dr Richard Dallalana can help clarify your diagnosis and discuss appropriate treatment options.
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