Orthopaedic surgeon for shoulder pain
Shoulder pain: When to see a shoulder surgeon vs physiotherapist or GP?
- Els
Table of Contents
Shoulder pain is common but who should you see about it?
Shoulder pain can be frustrating, whether it starts suddenly or builds up over time. The big question is: who should you see about it? A GP, a physio, or a shoulder surgeon?
This article explains what each can offer, so you know who to turn to and when, depending on your symptoms and how they’re affecting your day-to-day life.
GP, Physio or Shoulder Surgeon?
Who do I see first?
- GPs are generalists. They provide a broad range of care, from managing chronic disease to investigating new symptoms. For shoulder pain, your GP can start initial treatment, request scans like X-rays or ultrasounds, and refer you to a physio or shoulder specialist.
- Physiotherapists are experts in movement and rehabilitation. Many are highly experienced in treating shoulder pain, particularly when it’s caused by muscle imbalance, postural issues or mild overuse. Good physios also recognise when a patient isn’t improving and needs specialist input.
As a shoulder surgeon, my role is not just to operate; it’s to assess the full picture. My job is to work out why the shoulder isn’t working properly, and which pathway—surgical or non-surgical—is the best fit for you.
General practitioner (GP)
Your GP is usually the first stop when pain or stiffness becomes noticeable. They can:
- Rule out non-orthopaedic causes of pain (like referred pain from the neck or chest)
- Start you on basic treatment such as pain relief and anti-inflammatories
- Order imaging such as X-rays or ultrasounds
- Refer you to a physiotherapist or shoulder surgeon
Seeing your GP first is a great option if:
- It’s your first time experiencing this pain
- You’re not sure where it’s coming from
- You need a referral for further care
Many GPs do a fantastic job at initial diagnosis and management, but sometimes the cause of your pain might need a deeper assessment.
If symptoms persist or you’re not improving, they may refer you to an orthopaedic surgeon for shoulder pain for a closer look.
Physiotherapist
Physiotherapists play a key role in managing many shoulder conditions, especially when surgery isn’t required. They can:
- Help restore movement and strength
- Guide you through rehabilitation after an injury or surgery
- Offer hands-on treatment for conditions like impingement or frozen shoulder
- Identify red flags that might suggest you need to see a specialist
Physiotherapy is often the first line of treatment for:
- Overuse injuries
- Postural issues
- Mild rotator cuff problems
- Recovery after dislocation or fracture (when guided by a doctor)
When progress stalls, it’s often time to consult an orthopaedic surgeon for shoulder pain to explore other options. It’s important to note: a good physio will know when something is outside their scope and refer you on if necessary.
Orthopaedic surgeon for shoulder pain
Many people think they only need to see a shoulder surgeon when surgery is inevitable. That’s a common misconception.
As a shoulder surgeon, I’m trained not only in surgical procedures but also in diagnosing complex conditions, reviewing imaging in detail, and recommending non-surgical treatment when appropriate. Shoulder surgery is just one part of what I do.
You might need to see an orthopaedic surgeon for shoulder pain if:
- Your pain has lasted more than 6 weeks despite treatment
- You’ve had imaging that shows a structural injury (like a tendon tear)
- Your shoulder keeps dislocating
- You’ve had a traumatic injury or accident
- You’ve tried physiotherapy but aren’t improving
- You’ve got severe stiffness, weakness or loss of movement
A shoulder surgeon can also give a second opinion if you’ve been told to “wait and see” but your pain is getting worse.
Shoulder Specialist Perth
Advanced training in shoulder-specific care
Dr Sven Goebel studied medicine and sports science in Cologne, then completed orthopaedic training across Perth’s major teaching hospitals. He went on to advanced fellowships in Europe, learning arthroscopic shoulder techniques from Professor Andreas Imhoff in Munich and later from Dr Laurent Lafosse in France, both pioneers in minimally invasive shoulder surgery.
This training gave him early experience in procedures such as arthroscopic stabilisation, rotator cuff repair, and advanced treatment for shoulder instability, well before they were widely adopted in Australia.
Combined with his ongoing role in national and international teaching, Sven offers patients access to highly specialised, evidence-based care that’s grounded in precision and innovation.
Some shoulder problems don’t show clearly on scans or behave in textbook ways. A specialist’s trained eye can spot these subtle issues, confirm the diagnosis, and recommend the most effective solution, whether that’s shoulder surgery or not. That’s where an experienced orthopaedic surgeon for shoulder pain can help confirm what’s really going on.
Want to know more about shoulder surgery in Perth?
If you’re not sure what’s causing your symptoms, or you’ve been advised that shoulder surgery may be an option, this page explains common procedures, how decisions are made, and what recovery timelines can look like.