Recovery Roadmap

Your first appointment is a an information gathering exercise, which helps point you in the right direction for a solution. Here’s what to expect. Dr Dan will:

• Clearly communicate your treatment options
• Empower you with information and resources
• Provide quality care that instills confidence and assurance

At this first appointment, Dr Dan will spend approximately 30 minutes with you. In that time, through careful questions, analysis and listening, he will undertake a full assessment of your condition. He will want to know:

• How your condition occurred
• How long you’ve been experiencing your shoulder condition
• When it first presented
• What pain you’re experiencing
• Any difficulties you have with mobility
• How life is different for you with your condition/injury

Based on the information gathered and Dr Dan’s analysis, a treatment plan will be developed for you.

Some patients require surgery for their condition, however not all recovery options are surgical. Depending on your specific case, Dr Dan will outline the best approach for you. He will also explain this plan to you in a way you can understand.

Have questions? That’s great. Your treatment journey and recovery is a team effort.

Dr Dan expects you raise concerns, regardless of how minor it may seem to you. His vision for you is that you’re empowered with everything necessary for the best outcome and recovery possible.

Bring your referral, health care card, x-rays, scans and any other relevant information to this first consult. You’re also welcome to bring along a support person. They can also be a second set of ears!

Not all patients require surgical treatment. If that’s you, Dr Dan will guide your rehabilitation program in conjunction with his network of preferred allied health professionals.

As part of this treatment pathway, you may be required to re-visit Dr Dan periodically during the course of rehabilitative treatment. These visits are used to track progress and determine if any change in protocol is required. They are also important for you as a patient. These appointments provide an essential communication channel for any concerns you have about recovery and healing.

What if you require surgery? You can relax because we take that step together too.

The prospect of surgery can be daunting, but we do everything possible to smooth the road. Importantly, we take the time to outline each step clearly. Dr Dan will talk to you about:

• Your general medical health
• Additional tests you may need
• Expected timing of surgery
• Location of the surgery
• What to do to prepare for surgery
• What your procedure will involve
• What you can expect post surgery

On the day of of your procedure, Dr Dan will visit you in the pre-op room. He will provide personal reassurance and answer any final questions you have.

You will also be visited by the anaesthetist who will discuss your sedation and pain relief requirements post surgery. Dr Dan works with a carefully selected high calibre team of specialised anaesthetic consultants. These anaesthetists have particular experience in administering anaesthetic for shoulder surgery. As part of your pre-surgery preparation, Dr Dan will advise who your anaesthetist is prior to surgery.

Unless your procedure requires an overnight stay, Dr Dan will see you in his rooms again between 1 to 2 weeks following surgery. The purpose of this appointment is to assess the surgical site, discuss your procedure and track your recovery.

As part of your treatment plan, Dr Dan will recommend additional therapy, including rehabilitation exercises to be performed at home. These exercises will form an important part of your recovery and adhering to them will enhance your recovery outcomes.

If your recovery is proceeding well, it is likely you will require appointments at 6 and 12 weeks post surgery with Dr Dan .

Like to understand more about Dr Dan’s approach?