Shoulder surgery Perth
Considering shoulder surgery in Perth? Start here
Start with your symptoms
Explore shoulder surgery options
What’s your main shoulder problem right now?
Whether you’re dealing with shoulder pain, stiffness, weakness or an injury, the aim is to get a clear diagnosis and a plan that fits your life. Use the sections below to find the right starting point; if you need personalised advice, you can book in with Dr Sven Goebel, a shoulder surgeon in Perth at Claremont or Joondalup.
I have shoulder pain
If your shoulder pain is waking you at night, limiting your daily activities, or not settling, it’s worth getting it checked properly so you’re not guessing.
Start here:
- Learn how shoulder pain can affect day-to-day life
- Not sure if it’s time to see a shoulder specialist in Perth? Check here.
I have stiffness (frozen shoulder)
If you’re noticing that your movement is getting worse, or you’re compensating with your neck and upper back, it’s a good idea to get the shoulder assessed early. That way we can guide you on the right mix of pain relief, physiotherapy and, in some cases, more targeted treatments.
Check these pages:
- Frozen shoulder information and treatment options
- Why shoulder problems can take longer than you expect to settle
I’ve been told I have a rotator cuff tear
Hearing “rotator cuff tear” can sound alarming, but it’s not always an emergency. The rotator cuff is a group of tendons that help lift and control your arm. Tears can happen after an injury, or gradually over time.
A careful clinical assessment and the right imaging help us make a decision that fits your shoulder and your goals.
Helpful next steps:
- How MRI helps assess rotator cuff tears
- Rotator cuff treatment options (including when surgery may be considered)
- Keyhole (arthroscopic) shoulder surgery overview
I have shoulder arthritis
Shoulder arthritis is essentially wear and tear of the joint surface, and it can cause a deep ache, stiffness, grinding, and difficulty reaching overhead. Some people notice the pain more at night; others mainly struggle with function.
When arthritis is more advanced and symptoms are significantly affecting quality of life, shoulder replacement surgery can be an option. The key is matching the treatment to your symptoms, your joint, and what you need your shoulder to do.
Check these pages:
- Understanding shoulder arthritis and treatment choices
- Shoulder replacement surgery information
- If you’re older and weighing up surgery, this may help
I have calcific tendonitis
Calcific tendonitis happens when calcium deposits form in a tendon, most commonly within the rotator cuff. It can cause anything from a dull ache to a sudden, intense flare that feels like it came out of nowhere.
If you’ve been told you have calcific tendonitis and you’re stuck in a cycle of flare-ups, the goal is to help you move from short-term relief to a plan that actually settles things.
Check these pages:
- Calcific tendonitis explained and treatment options
- Keyhole (arthroscopic) shoulder surgery overview
I’m not sure; do I need shoulder surgery in Perth?
Most people I see aren’t walking in saying, “I want shoulder surgery”; they’re saying, “I just want my shoulder to stop hurting and work properly again.”
I’ve put together a short check-in you can do in a minute or two.
- Not sure if surgery is needed? Try this: Do I need shoulder surgery?
- Or, if you’d rather speak to someone first: When is it time to see a shoulder specialist?
At your appointment, my aim is to give you clarity. We’ll talk through what’s going on, what you can do now, and whether surgery should be on the table; then you can make a decision without feeling rushed.
Shoulder surgery in Perth; what the options mean
The right shoulder surgery depends on what’s actually causing your pain or loss of function; for example, a rotator cuff tear is managed differently to arthritis or instability. As a shoulder surgeon in Perth, I use your medical history, examination, and imaging to guide that decision. Start with the procedure below that sounds most relevant, or read through them to get a clearer picture.
Shoulder arthroscopy
Shoulder arthroscopy is a type of shoulder surgery using small incisions and a camera; as a shoulder surgeon in Perth, I often use this approach to diagnose and treat shoulder problems with less disruption to healthy tissues.
Check this page:
Shoulder arthroscopy Perth
Rotator cuff repair
A rotator cuff repair is shoulder surgery designed to reattach a torn tendon so you can rebuild strength and reduce pain; your shoulder surgeon in Perth will guide you on whether surgery or non-surgical care is the best next step.
Check this page:
Rotator cuff repair Perth
Shoulder replacement
Shoulder replacement is shoulder surgery most commonly considered for advanced arthritis or complex damage; as a shoulder surgeon in Perth, I’ll talk you through the options and what to expect if replacement is appropriate for your shoulder.
Read more:
Shoulder replacement Perth
Shoulder instability surgery
If your shoulder keeps slipping out, feeling loose, or dislocating, instability shoulder surgery may be considered to restore stability and confidence in the joint; a shoulder surgeon in Perth can help confirm the cause and the best treatment pathway.
Check this page:
Shoulder instability surgery Perth
Shoulder imaging and diagnosis
Getting the diagnosis right is the foundation of good care; as a shoulder surgeon in Perth, I use clinical assessment and the right imaging to match your symptoms to the true cause before discussing shoulder surgery.
Check this page:
MRI role in rotator cuff tears
Shoulder surgery recovery and timelines
Recovery after shoulder surgery varies depending on the procedure, your tissues, and your goals; your shoulder surgeon in Perth will give you a clear plan for pain control, rehab, and realistic timelines.
Read more:
Shoulder surgeon Perth
Seeing Dr Sven Goebel in Perth
Dr Sven Goebel is a shoulder surgeon in Perth who focuses on helping people get back to the activities that matter to them, whether that means sleeping comfortably, working without pain, or returning to sport. If shoulder surgery is part of the solution, I’ll explain your surgical options and talk you through what recovery is likely to look like. Just as importantly, if shoulder surgery isn’t the right next step, I’ll tell you that too; we’ll go over the non-surgical options and what you can reasonably expect over time.
Read more:
- Do I need shoulder surgery?
- When is it time to see a shoulder specialist?
- Shoulder imaging and diagnosis
- Recovery after shoulder surgery
- Preparing for shoulder surgery
- Physio, GP or shoulder specialist?
- How to choose an orthopaedic surgeon for shoulder problems?
Interesting information from our blog:
You can see me in Perth at Bethesda Hospital in Claremont or Joondalup Private Hospital; and if getting in person isn’t easy, I also offer Telehealth appointments and second opinions for patients living rurally, interstate, or overseas.
Dr Sven Goebel | Shoulder surgeon Perth
Claremont
Perth Shoulder Clinic
Bethesda Health Care
25 Queenslea Dr, Claremont WA 6010
Joondalup
Joondalup Private Hospital
Cnr Lakeside Drive &, Shenton Ave,
Joondalup WA 6027
On our Contact page, you’ll find a form called “Request an appointment”. Fill in all the fields and our team will get back to you to confirm the next steps.
Yes; you’ll need a referral to see a shoulder surgeon, especially if you’d like to claim a Medicare rebate for your specialist consultation.
Here’s how it works:
- GP referral (most common):
If your GP writes a referral to a shoulder surgeon, you can usually access a Medicare rebate for the appointment (and it helps keep your medical record coordinated). - Physio or other referrer:
A physiotherapist can’t provide a Medicare referral, but they can recommend you see a shoulder specialist. You’d still usually need a GP referral if you want the Medicare rebate. - Private health insurance and hospitals:
If shoulder surgery is being considered, having a GP referral is still helpful for continuity of care and paperwork, even if you’re using private health cover.
If you’re not sure what you need, the easiest option is to book your appointment request online and our team can tell you exactly what to organise.