Breaking Down the Costs of Shoulder Pain Diagnosis, Treatment, and Therapy

Shoulder pain is a common complaint. Most people at some point in their lives need treatment for a sore shoulder. Treatment to ease the pain is necessary because a sore shoulder can inhibit many daily activities.

Many people are concerned about the cost of a consultation and treatment, so they hesitate to seek medical assistance.

This article covers diagnostic costs, conservative treatments, surgical options, and rehabilitation expenses so you know what the cost implications would be should you need treatment by a doctor for shoulder pain at some point.  

Diagnosis Costs 

Consultations 

The consultation cost for shoulder pain in Singapore depends on the clinic or specialist. The first consultation often costs the most, and subsequent visits cost less. During the consultation, the doctor inquires after your symptoms and medical history and then moves on to a physical examination of the shoulder. The doctor’s experience and reputation will influence the cost of the consultation.

A consultation at an orthopaedic clinic may cost $200 for the first visit; a general practitioner charges $20 – 30, and a private clinic charges $75 – $150.

Diagnostic Tests 

Doctors employ various diagnostic imaging tests to confirm the underlying cause of shoulder pain. The diagnostic imaging tests involved include:

X-rays

X-rays show changes to bone structures due to injuries, arthritis, fractures, dislocations, and such. X-rays are the cheapest scans and are usually done first to eliminate other possible causes of shoulder pain, such as arthritis. The cost varies between $45 and $56.68.  

MRI scans

If the doctor needs information about soft tissues like shoulder muscles and ligaments an MRI is ordered. An MRI gives doctors detailed images of all structures within the shoulder joint from any angle. An MRI scan will cost you around $1035, with some health facilities charging $950.

CT scans

CT scans are quicker and less expensive than MRIs and can provide detailed images of damage caused to bones and soft tissues due to an injury. A CT scan is also preferred for patients who can’t have an MRI. The cost ranges roughly between $250 and $500. 

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is advantageous for detecting the cause of pain and restrictions in the shoulder joint, providing clear pictures of soft tissue structures, inflammation and fluid accumulation, and abnormal tissue. The cost can be between $100 and $300 for a basic scan, with more complex scans costing up to $500.

Hidden costs

The hidden costs when seeking help with shoulder pain include travel costs, time off work, and obtaining second opinions in complex cases. These costs will vary from case to case.

Treatment costs

Conservative treatments

Physical Therapy 

The cheapest option, which will cost you nothing, is to do physical exercises at home if the exercises are simple. Your physical therapist will guide you about doctor-advised exercises to relieve shoulder pain. If you need to attend physical exercise classes, the cost can be range from S$100 to S$300 per session. Public healthcare rates are often more affordable than private clinics.

The total cost will depend on the number of sessions.

Medications for Shoulder Pain  

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as Panadol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can be effective for mild to moderate shoulder pain and are not expensive. They cost around S$5 to S$20 per pack, depending on the brand and quantity. 

Where OTC medications are not strong enough to ease the pain, prescription NSAIDs are more effective. Muscle relaxants or opioids may be necessary for severe pain. Prescription medications typically cost S$50 to S$150 per course, depending on factors like type, dosage and duration of the course.

Another factor that impacts the cost of painkillers is chronic conditions like arthritis, which may require long-term use, adding to the cost of treatment over time. In addition, long-term use of NSAIDs lead to gastrointestinal side effects, which may necessitate additional medications to manage the side effects.

Corticosteroid Injections for Shoulder Pain

Corticosteroid injections relieve pain and reduce inflammation. In Singapore, each injection costs between $200 and $500, depending on where it’s done and the formulation used.

These injections provide immediate and effective but only temporary relief. Due to potential side effects like tendon and cartilage damage, a patient can’t have more than 3 -4 a year. 

If multiple injections are needed, cumulative expenses can become significant. Corticosteroid injections relieve pain, but they don’t treat the underlying condition.

Surgical and Invasive Treatment Costs 

Day Surgery (hospital stay less than 24 hours)

• Common procedures in public hospitals cost $4,450 if subsidised.
• Common procedures in public hospitals cost $16,958 if not subsidised. 

Inpatient (hospital stay more than 24 hours)

• Public hospital charges are $5,503 – $17,716. 
• Private Hospitals charge $30,353 on average.   
• The fee for an implant is $1581 if the procedure is subsidised, if not, it’s $2,979.

These are median prices, which include ward charges, doctor’s daily attendance and consultation fees, consumables, medication, tests, etc.

Post-surgical care may add additional costs for physical therapy, follow-up consultation, and imaging. Should there be complications, addressing them will also have financial implications.

Rehabilitation and Therapy Costs

Rehabilitation Programs

Post-treatment rehabilitation is a critical part of recovery after a shoulder operation. Rehabilitation programs vary, but on average involve 2–3 sessions per week for 6–12 weeks, depending on the severity of the condition. During this period, patients need to pay for the following services and devices if they are required.

Therapy

A physical therapy session can cost between $100 and $300. For a typical 12-week program spanning 12 weeks with two sessions per week, the total cost will be between $2,400 and $7,200.

Specialized therapies

• Hydrotherapy or advanced strength training for athletes may be more expensive, ranging from S$150 to S$400.
• Occupational therapy sessions with sports therapists could cost $500 to $1,500 to the total cost.

Assistive Devices and Aids

Slings and braces are often used during the rehabilitation process. Slings cost $20 to $100, and braces can be specialised, costing between $150 and 500. Custom-made braces will be more expensive, costing $500 to $1,000.

 Insurance 

Insurance coverage can significantly reduce the cost of shoulder pain diagnosis and treatment. Most private health insurance plans cover expenses like diagnostic imaging, surgery, rehabilitation, and medications. 

However, there may still be out-of-pocket expenses depending on a policy’s deductibles, co-payments, and coverage caps. Some insurance policies may limit coverage for assistive devices, such as shoulder braces, or limit the number of physiotherapy sessions covered annually.

Citizens and permanent residents are subsidised for treatments through government schemes like MediShield Life and MediSave. For instance, public hospitals and polyclinics offer treatments at subsidised rates, making them a more affordable option than private facilities.

Alternative Therapies

Alternative therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic can be useful for treating shoulder pain, but health insurance seldom covers these treatments.

Acupuncture is known for relieving pain and improving mobility. An acupuncture session costs about $80 to $150. While acupuncture may be effective, the treatments must be repeated, increasing expenses.

Chiropractors specialise in addressing misalignment of the spine, which can contribute to shoulder pain. Private clinics charge $100 to $200 per treatment. Patients usually require several treatments, which can increase total expenses. 

Weighing the Risks

When choosing between conservative treatments and surgery it behoves one to remember that no surgery is risk-free. There is always the need to consider the balance of risks between adverse events like wound infection, nerve damage, or problems with the hardware. While severe complications are rare, they are nonetheless important to keep in mind.

In contrast, the risk more commonly associated with conservative treatment is persistent discomfort.

Weighing Cost against Long-term Value

Ultimately, you must weigh the potential for an improved quality of life and positive long-term outcomes against the financial outlay.  The money you spend on shoulder pain treatment must be balanced against the. 

For example, surgery may cost you more upfront costs but can restore full functionality, allowing you to return to normal activities, while conservative treatments like physiotherapy may cost less initially but may require many sessions over a long time, accumulating in a considerable amount. 

The key is weigh the potential of regaining full mobility against possible ongoing pain and discomfort.  

Conclusion

When deciding on how to manage your shoulder pain, carefully consider the cost implications of diagnosis and treatment. Consider public healthcare facilities, supported by government subsidies; they provide cost-efficient diagnostic and treatment options.

Also take into account that early diagnosis and preventive care, such as a healthy lifestyle can reduce long-term expenses. Research has found that conservative treatments are often very successful in treating shoulder pain. Give it a proper chance before you consider surgery.

If you are unsure of the best treatment option for you, consult your healthcare provider to explore the best option for your needs.