Shoulder Specialist in Singapore

Dr Seng Chusheng

Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orth), FRCS (Edinburgh)

Orthopaedic specialist explaining a shoulder X-ray using a shoulder joint anatomy model during a patient consultation.

Dr Seng Chusheng is a fellowship-trained senior consultant orthopaedic surgeon with experience performing more than 1,000 procedures. He has a special interest in shoulder conditions, sports injuries and reconstructive procedures, with experience in managing conditions ranging from rotator cuff injuries and shoulder instability to arthritis, tendon disorders and degenerative shoulder conditions affecting function and mobility.

Shoulder Specialist for Sports Injuries, Arthritis and Complex Conditions
Shoulder Reconstruction & Joint Preservation Procedures
Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery & Advanced Shoulder Replacement

Meet Our Shoulder Specialist in Singapore

Dr Seng Chusheng

Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon (Sports & Exercise Medicine)

MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orth), FRCS (Edinburgh)

Dr Seng Chusheng is a Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with a special interest in shoulder injuries, sports-related conditions and joint preservation procedures. He manages a wide range of shoulder problems, from rotator cuff injuries and shoulder instability to frozen shoulder, tendon disorders and degenerative joint conditions affecting mobility and function.

His clinical practice includes arthroscopic shoulder surgery, rotator cuff repair, labral repair, shoulder stabilisation procedures and shoulder replacement surgery. Having performed more than 1,000 orthopaedic procedures, Dr Seng combines extensive surgical experience with a patient-centred approach focused on restoring movement, reducing pain and helping patients return to the activities that matter to them.

How Shoulder Conditions Affect Movement

The human shoulder is highly mobile, allowing you to reach overhead, lift objects, exercise, drive, dress yourself and perform countless everyday tasks. However, this exceptional range of movement comes at the expense of stability. The shoulder is more vulnerable to injuries, tendon disorders, joint instability and degenerative conditions than many other joints in the body.

What begins as mild discomfort can eventually progress to persistent pain, weakness, stiffness or loss of movement. When this happens, many people still continue to adapt how they move their arm, without realising how much shoulder function they have lost.

When such conditions are left untreated, everyday activities can become increasingly difficult and quality of life may be affected.

What Are Common Causes of Shoulder Conditions and Injuries?

Shoulder conditions can develop as a result of acute injuries, repetitive strain, age-related degeneration or underlying medical conditions that affect the joint and surrounding soft tissues. Common causes include:

Falls and Trauma
Falls onto the shoulder, direct impacts or accidents can cause fractures, dislocations, ligament injuries and damage to the surrounding muscles and tendons.
Performing Repetitive Overhead Activities
Activities involving repeated throwing, lifting, swimming, racquet sports or overhead movements can place significant stress on the shoulder joint and increase the risk of overuse injuries.
Tendon Wear and Tear
The tendons of the rotator cuff can gradually weaken over time, making them more susceptible to inflammation, degeneration and tears.
Joint Degeneration
Cartilage within the shoulder joint may wear down with age, leading to pain, stiffness and reduced range of motion.
Shoulder Instability
Previous dislocations, ligament injuries or naturally loose joint structures may make the shoulder more prone to repeated instability and recurrent dislocations.
Inflammatory Conditions
Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis can cause chronic inflammation within the shoulder joint, resulting in pain, swelling and progressive joint damage.

Badminton player holding a painful shoulder after play, illustrating a sports-related shoulder injury.

Who Is at Greater Risk of Experiencing Shoulder Injuries?

Certain factors may increase the risk of developing shoulder problems, including:

Participation in sports involving repetitive overhead movements, such as tennis, swimming or badminton
Occupations that require frequent lifting or overhead work
Previous shoulder injuries or dislocations
Increasing age
Poor shoulder strength or flexibility
Arthritis and other inflammatory conditions

Common Signs and Symptoms of Shoulder Problems

Shoulder conditions can affect strength, mobility and everyday function. While symptoms vary depending on the underlying condition, many people first notice discomfort during activities that involve lifting, reaching or moving the arm overhead. Common symptoms include:

Shoulder Pain

Pain may be felt within the shoulder joint itself or around the front, side or back of the shoulder. Some conditions can also cause pain that radiates down the upper arm.

Difficulty Moving the Shoulder

Everyday activities such as reaching overhead, lifting objects, dressing or fastening a seatbelt may become difficult due to pain, stiffness or reduced range of motion.

Weakness in the Shoulder or Arm

Damage to the muscles, tendons or other structures around the shoulder can result in weakness, particularly during lifting, carrying or overhead activities.

Shoulder Instability

Some patients may experience a sensation that the shoulder is loose, slipping out of place or unable to support certain movements comfortably.

Visible Shoulder Deformity

A change in the normal shape or appearance of the shoulder may occur following a dislocation, fracture or other significant injury.

Pain That Disturbs Sleep

Shoulder pain may become more noticeable at night, especially when lying on the affected side, making it difficult to sleep comfortably.

Clicking, Catching or Grinding Sensations

Some shoulder conditions can cause unusual sensations or sounds during movement, particularly when the joint, cartilage or surrounding tendons are affected.

When Should You See a Shoulder Specialist?

While some shoulder injuries may improve with rest and activity modification, persistent symptoms often require further assessment to identify the underlying cause.

shoulder-physical-examination-orthopaedic-consultation

You should consider consulting a shoulder specialist if:

Symptoms have not improved after several weeks
Shoulder pain repeatedly returns
Daily activities are becoming increasingly difficult
You have reduced your activity level because of shoulder problems
Previous treatments have not provided lasting relief
Symptoms are becoming more frequent or severe
You are unable to regain normal shoulder movement
You would like a clearer understanding of your diagnosis and treatment options

Shoulder pain and restricted movement may gradually affect work, exercise and everyday activities. Identifying the underlying cause early helps guide appropriate treatment and recovery.

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Shoulder Conditions We Specialise in Treating

Our clinic manages a range of shoulder conditions and injuries that can affect mobility, strength and everyday function. These include:

Shoulder Dislocation

A shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone (humerus) is forced out of the shoulder socket. This injury commonly results from falls, sporting accidents or direct trauma and can cause severe pain, instability and loss of shoulder movement.

Shoulder Tendonitis

Shoulder tendonitis refers to inflammation of the tendons around the shoulder, most commonly affecting the rotator cuff or biceps tendon. It frequently develops as a result of repetitive overhead movements, sports participation or overuse, leading to pain and discomfort during shoulder movement.

Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, develops when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes thickened and tight. This results in progressive pain, stiffness and significant restriction of shoulder movement. It may occur following injury, prolonged immobility or certain medical conditions.

Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become compressed or irritated as they pass beneath the acromion, a part of the shoulder blade. This can cause pain during overhead activities and may gradually affect shoulder strength and mobility if left untreated.

Rotator Cuff Tears

The rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles that help stabilise and move the shoulder. Rotator cuff tears may occur gradually due to tendon degeneration or suddenly following an injury. Common symptoms include shoulder pain, weakness, difficulty lifting the arm and discomfort when sleeping on the affected side.

Shoulder Arthritis

Shoulder arthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the shoulder joint gradually wears away, leading to pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. Symptoms may worsen over time and can make everyday activities such as reaching overhead, lifting objects or dressing increasingly difficult.

If shoulder pain, stiffness or loss of movement is affecting your daily activities, a specialist assessment can help identify the underlying cause and discuss appropriate treatment options.

Speak to a Specialist

Shoulder Treatments We Offer

Axis Orthopaedic Centre provides the following treatments for shoulder conditions in Singapore:

Shoulder Replacement – Anatomic & Reverse Arthroplasty
Shoulder Arthroscopy and Capsular Release
Subacromial Decompression
Rotator Cuff Repair
Arthroscopic Superior Capsule Reconstruction
Labral Repair

What Happens During a Shoulder Specialist Consultation?

During your consultation, Dr Seng will assess how your shoulder symptoms affect your daily activities, work, sports participation and overall quality of life. You will likely be able to discuss how often your pain recurs, and Dr Seng will gauge range of movement, previous injuries, activity level and symptoms.

A physical examination may be performed to evaluate shoulder movement, joint stability, muscle strength and areas of tenderness. Where necessary, imaging studies such as X-rays, ultrasound scans or MRI scans may be recommended to assess the condition of the bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and other structures around the shoulder.

Once a diagnosis has been established, Dr Seng will explain the underlying cause of your symptoms and discuss the most appropriate treatment options. Depending on the condition, treatment may include activity modification, physiotherapy, medication, injections or surgical intervention.

Why Choose Our Shoulder Clinic?

Shoulder conditions can affect everything from basic daily tasks to sports performance and overall independence. At Axis Orthopaedic Centre, care is focused on identifying the cause of symptoms and developing personalised treatment plans that support long-term shoulder function and recovery.

Sports & Exercise Medicine Expertise

Dr Seng's subspecialty training in Sports & Exercise Medicine provides additional insight into shoulder injuries affecting active individuals, athletes and patients seeking to maintain an active lifestyle.

Experience in Shoulder Preservation and Reconstruction

Treatment recommendations are tailored to preserve shoulder function where possible, while providing surgical options when conservative measures are no longer effective.

Comprehensive Treatment Options

Patients have access to a full spectrum of care, from conservative treatment and rehabilitation to advanced arthroscopic procedures and shoulder replacement surgery.

Care for Both Acute and Chronic Conditions

Whether symptoms arise from a recent injury or gradual wear and tear, treatment plans are tailored to the individual's diagnosis, lifestyle and recovery goals.

Detailed Assessment of Shoulder Function

Every consultation includes a thorough evaluation of shoulder movement, strength, stability and factors that may be contributing to pain or loss of function.

Support Throughout Recovery

From diagnosis and treatment planning to rehabilitation and follow-up care, our team provides ongoing support throughout every stage of recovery.

Orthopaedic specialist using a shoulder anatomy model to explain shoulder structure and treatment options to a patient.

Seek Early Treatment for Shoulder Conditions with Dr Seng Chusheng

Many shoulder conditions begin by making simple movements more difficult, before progressing to persistent pain, weakness or loss of mobility. As symptoms worsen, patients often find themselves avoiding certain activities without realising how much shoulder function they have gradually lost.

Whether the cause is a rotator cuff injury, frozen shoulder, shoulder instability or another underlying condition, identifying the problem early can help prevent further deterioration and improve treatment outcomes.

At Axis Orthopaedic Centre, care is led by Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Seng Chusheng, who treats a wide range of shoulder conditions, from tendon injuries and joint stiffness to recurrent instability and degenerative disorders. Treatment recommendations are guided by the underlying diagnosis, the severity of symptoms and the functional demands placed on the shoulder, with the goal of helping patients regain comfortable movement and maintain long-term shoulder function.

FAQs About Shoulder Pain & Conditions

What happens if a dislocated shoulder is left untreated?

A shoulder that has previously dislocated may remain unstable and become more prone to future dislocations. Recurrent instability can increase the risk of damage to the cartilage, labrum and surrounding soft tissues, potentially leading to ongoing pain and functional limitations.

When should I see a specialist for shoulder pain?

Medical assessment is recommended if shoulder pain persists for several weeks, repeatedly returns, affects your sleep, limits your ability to work or exercise, or develops after a significant injury. Early diagnosis may help prevent further loss of movement and function.

Why is my shoulder pain worse at night?

Many shoulder conditions, including rotator cuff tendon disorders, shoulder impingement and frozen shoulder, can become more noticeable at night. Lying on the affected side may place additional pressure on the shoulder, while inflammation and stiffness can make it harder to find a comfortable sleeping position.

Will I always need shoulder surgery?

Not necessarily. Many shoulder conditions respond well to physiotherapy, activity modification, medication or injections. Surgery is usually considered when symptoms remain significant despite conservative treatment or when there is structural damage that is unlikely to improve without surgical intervention.

Our Orthopaedic Clinic Locations

With three conveniently located clinics across Singapore, Dr Seng provides accessible and comprehensive orthopaedic care closer to where you live and work. Each location is equipped to deliver accurate diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.

Mount Elizabeth Novena Medical Centre

38 Irrawaddy Road,
#06-33
Singapore 329563

Parkway East Medical Centre

319 Joo Chiat Place,
#04-08
Singapore 427989

Mount Alvernia Medical Centre A

820 Thomson Road,
#03-08
Singapore 574623

Teleconsult Available

For foreign patients, a tele-consult on Zoom or WhatsApp can be done if pre-arranged in advance. Please email or WhatsApp first to enquire.

Opening Hours

Mon-Fri

8:30am - 5:30pm

Sat