Shoulder specialist Perth

When is it time to see a shoulder specialist?

Sven Goebel
September 19, 2024

So, you’ve been dealing with shoulder pain, and now you’re wondering if it’s time to see a specialist. It’s a common problem, especially if you’re active, and can range from a bit of soreness to outright agony. But how do you know when it’s serious enough to see a shoulder specialist here in Perth? Let’s walk through the signs together, so you know when it’s time to stop putting up with the pain and seek professional help.

Persistent shoulder pain

When the pain just won’t go away

We all get aches and pains from time to time, especially if you’ve overdone it at the gym or had a long day at work. But if your shoulder pain has been lingering for more than a few weeks and isn’t improving with rest or home remedies, it’s a good idea to see someone about it.

“Pain that sticks around for weeks, despite home treatment – like rest, over the counter pain relief, having applied an icepack – could be a sign of something more serious.”

Dr Sven Goebel | Shoulder Specialist Perth

It’s particularly important if the pain starts interfering with your daily life or getting worse instead of better. Don’t wait until it becomes unbearable. Getting it checked early can help prevent further damage.

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Limited mobility

When you can’t move your shoulder properly

Shoulder pain that limits how you move is a big red flag. If you’re struggling to lift your arm or notice a significant drop in your shoulder’s range of motion, that’s a sign something’s not right. Maybe it feels stiff or locked up, or you hear a clicking or grinding sound when you move it. This could point to issues like a rotator cuff injury, which often requires professional diagnosis and treatment. You can read more about diagnosing rotator cuff injuries in Perth here.

“Loss of motion or stiffness is something you shouldn’t ignore. It can point to a more serious issue that might need surgical intervention.”

Dr Sven Goebel | Shoulder Specialist Perth

Signs of serious shoulder injury

Sudden, severe pain after an injury

If you’ve had an accident, fallen, or experienced a sudden injury, and now you’re dealing with sharp shoulder pain, you definitely need to see a shoulder specialist. Sudden pain like this could indicate a fracture, dislocation, or rotator cuff tear, all of which need immediate medical attention. Don’t try to push through it or wait it out; serious injuries require professional care to avoid long-term damage.

Swollen shoulder

If there’s swelling or deformity

Another sign you need to get things checked is if you notice any swelling or deformity around your shoulder. This could be anything from a bump to something that just doesn’t look or feel right. Swelling can indicate inflammation or damage to the tissue, and visible deformity may mean something is out of place, like a dislocated joint.

Impact on daily life

When it’s affecting your everyday life

One of the biggest reasons to see a shoulder surgeon in Perth is if your pain is affecting your day-to-day life. Struggling to do simple tasks like reaching for something on a shelf or even brushing your hair is a sign that it’s time to see a professional. Pain that disrupts your sleep is another clue that something more serious might be going on. If you’re losing sleep or can’t find a comfortable position at night, it’s a good idea to get it checked out.

Chronic shoulder conditions

Existing shoulder problems

For anyone who’s had shoulder issues in the past – whether that’s surgery, arthritis, or a previous injury – new or worsening pain shouldn’t be ignored. It could be a sign that something’s changed, or it might be a flare-up of an existing condition. If you’re dealing with recurring pain, even if it goes away on its own sometimes, it’s best to get ahead of it by seeing a specialist before it becomes a bigger problem.