Shoulder Surgeon Melbourne

Shoulder Conditions & Treatments

Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints and can affect people of all ages. Symptoms may develop after an injury, repetitive use, sporting activity or age-related wear and tear. While some shoulder conditions improve with conservative treatment, others may require specialist assessment to determine the most appropriate management approach.

Mr Soong Chua is an orthopaedic shoulder surgeon in Melbourne who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder conditions, shoulder injuries and shoulder pain. He provides both surgical and non-surgical treatment options tailored to each patient’s symptoms, lifestyle and goals.

This page provides an overview of common shoulder conditions, available treatment options and shoulder procedures performed by Mr Soong Chua.

Shoulder Surgeon Melbourne

Shoulder Conditions & Treatments

Understanding The Shoulder

The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body, allowing you to lift, reach and rotate your arm in multiple directions. This movement relies on a complex combination of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and cartilage working together to provide both mobility and stability.

The shoulder consists of several joints, including the ball-and-socket glenohumeral joint and the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. Supporting structures such as the rotator cuff tendons, labrum and biceps tendon play an important role in maintaining normal shoulder function.

Because of its wide range of movement, the shoulder is vulnerable to injury, instability, tendon problems and degenerative conditions. When any of these structures become damaged or worn, patients may experience pain, weakness, stiffness, clicking, instability or reduced movement.

Shoulder Conditions We Treat

Below are some of the most common shoulder conditions treated by Mr Soong Chua. Each condition affects the shoulder differently and requires an individualised approach to diagnosis and management.

Shoulder Arthritis

Shoulder arthritis develops when the cartilage within the shoulder joint wears down over time. This can cause pain, stiffness and difficulty performing everyday activities.

Rotator Cuff Tear

A rotator cuff tear involves damage to one or more of the tendons that help stabilise and move the shoulder. Tears may develop gradually with age or occur suddenly following injury.

Shoulder Dislocation

A shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone moves out of the shoulder socket. It can result in instability, recurrent dislocations and damage to surrounding structures.

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Shoulder impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendons or bursa become compressed beneath the acromion during shoulder movement. This can cause pain when lifting the arm and may progressively affect shoulder function.

Biceps Tendinopathy

Biceps tendinopathy affects the long head of the biceps tendon within the shoulder. It commonly causes pain at the front of the shoulder, particularly during lifting, reaching or overhead activities.

Labral (SLAP) Tear

A SLAP tear is an injury to the cartilage ring that surrounds the shoulder socket. It commonly affects athletes and individuals who perform repetitive overhead activities and may lead to pain, clicking or instability.

Acromioclavicular Joint Injury (ACJ Injury)

An AC joint injury occurs when the ligaments connecting the collarbone to the shoulder blade are damaged. These injuries often occur after falls, sporting accidents or direct impact to the shoulder.

Pec Tear

A pectoralis major tendon tear occurs when the tendon connecting the chest muscle to the upper arm ruptures. This injury most commonly occurs during heavy lifting or sporting activities and can result in pain, weakness and a visible change in the appearance of the chest and upper arm.

Proximal Biceps Tendon Tear or Rupture (at Shoulder)

A proximal biceps tendon tear occurs when the tendon connecting the biceps muscle to the shoulder becomes partially or completely torn. Symptoms may include shoulder pain, weakness and changes in arm appearance.

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, causes progressive pain and stiffness within the shoulder joint. The condition can significantly restrict movement and often develops gradually over time.

Shoulder Surgery We Perform

While many shoulder conditions can be managed without surgery, some patients may benefit from operative treatment when symptoms persist or function remains limited. Mr Soong Chua performs a range of shoulder procedures designed to reduce pain, restore movement and improve shoulder function.

Shoulder Arthroscopy

Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small camera and specialised instruments to diagnose and treat a variety of shoulder conditions through small incisions.

Shoulder Replacement

Shoulder replacement surgery involves replacing damaged joint surfaces with prosthetic components. It is commonly performed for advanced arthritis and certain complex shoulder conditions.

Robotic Shoulder Replacement

Robotic shoulder replacement combines advanced pre-operative planning with robotic-assisted technology to help guide implant placement during shoulder replacement surgery. This technology may assist with surgical precision and help achieve the planned outcome in suitable patients.

Shoulder Stabilisation

Shoulder stabilisation procedures are designed to restore stability following recurrent shoulder dislocations or instability and help reduce the risk of future episodes.

Rotator Cuff Surgery

Rotator cuff surgery is performed to repair damaged or torn rotator cuff tendons and improve shoulder strength, function and pain levels.

Rotator Cuff Patch Augmentation

Patch augmentation may be used alongside rotator cuff repair surgery to provide additional support and reinforcement in selected patients with larger tears.

Superior Capsule Reconstruction

Superior capsule reconstruction is an advanced shoulder procedure used to manage certain irreparable rotator cuff tears when conventional repair is not possible.

Latarjet Procedure

The Latarjet procedure is a stabilisation surgery used to treat recurrent shoulder instability, particularly when bone loss contributes to repeated dislocations.

Pectoralis Major Repair

Pectoralis major repair surgery is performed to restore the tendon attachment following a complete pec tendon rupture and help recover strength and function.

Proximal (Long Head) Biceps Repair

This procedure addresses significant injuries involving the long head of the biceps tendon and may be recommended for selected patients with ongoing symptoms or functional limitations.

Shoulder Pain and Injury Resources

Understanding your shoulder condition is an important part of making informed treatment decisions. Explore our shoulder resources for information about common injuries, treatment options, recovery timelines and what to expect during treatment.

Mr Soong Chua Introduces Robotic Shoulder Replacement at Epworth Richmond

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Shoulder Arthritis vs Frozen Shoulder vs Rotator Cuff Tear – How to Tell Them Apart

Shoulder pain can be surprisingly confusing. One day it’s a dull ache, the next it’s...

Why Shoulder Pain at Night Might Mean Something More Than Tension

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Shoulder Surgeon in Melbourne

Mr Soong Chua is an orthopaedic shoulder surgeon in Melbourne with advanced fellowship training in shoulder surgery. He treats a broad range of shoulder conditions, from common tendon injuries and shoulder instability through to complex reconstructive procedures and shoulder replacement surgery.

His approach focuses on accurate diagnosis, clear communication and personalised treatment plans tailored to each patient’s symptoms, lifestyle and goals. Where appropriate, non-surgical treatment options are considered before surgery, ensuring patients understand all available treatment pathways.

If you are experiencing ongoing shoulder pain, weakness, stiffness or instability, a consultation can help determine the cause of your symptoms and the most appropriate treatment options.

Shoulder Surgeon Melbourne

Shoulder Conditions & Treatments

Shoulder Surgeon Melbourne

Shoulder Conditions & Treatments

Understanding The Shoulder

Understanding The Shoulder

Shoulder Conditions We Treat

Shoulder Arthritis

Rotator Cuff Tear

Shoulder Dislocation

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Biceps Tendinopathy

Labral (SLAP) Tear

Acromioclavicular Joint Injury (ACJ Injury)

Pec Tear

Proximal Biceps Tendon Tear or Rupture (at Shoulder)

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Shoulder Surgery We Perform

Shoulder Arthroscopy

Shoulder Replacement

Robotic Shoulder Replacement

Shoulder Stabilisation

Rotator Cuff Surgery

Rotator Cuff Patch Augmentation

Superior Capsule Reconstruction

Latarjet Procedure

Pectoralis Major Repair

Proximal (Long Head) Biceps Repair

Shoulder Pain and Injury Resources

Mr Soong Chua Introduces Robotic Shoulder Replacement at Epworth Richmond

Shoulder Arthritis vs Frozen Shoulder vs Rotator Cuff Tear – How to Tell Them Apart

Why Shoulder Pain at Night Might Mean Something More Than Tension

Shoulder Surgeon in Melbourne

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