Conditions
Knee, shoulder, hip, spine, hand, foot and ankle
What we treat, and how we start
Most joint problems begin with a plan that does not involve an operation. Here is what we see, what we try first and when surgery comes into the conversation.
By joint
Five areas, one directory
Pick the joint that hurts
Knee
Okonjo · Raman · Talataina
Common conditions
- ACL and meniscus tears
- Osteoarthritis
- Patellofemoral pain
- Ligament sprains
- Post-operative recovery
Non-surgical first
Exercise to strengthen the thigh and hip, load advice, a brace if it helps and, where appropriate, an injection. Many meniscus and mild ligament injuries settle without an operation.
When surgery is discussed
Surgery is discussed when a knee locks, gives way despite rehabilitation, or when arthritis limits daily life after the non-surgical options have been tried. Your surgeon explains the options, the usual recovery and the alternatives.
Who treats it
Dr. Amara Okonjo for sports and ligament injuries, Dr. Priya Raman for replacement, and Sina Talataina for rehabilitation.
Shoulder
Brennan · Sorensen
Common conditions
- Rotator cuff tears and tendinopathy
- Frozen shoulder
- Instability and dislocation
- Acromioclavicular sprains
- Elbow tendon pain
Non-surgical first
Graded exercise, activity changes and sometimes an injection. Most cuff and frozen-shoulder problems improve with a structured programme over weeks to months.
When surgery is discussed
Surgery is considered for a significant tear in an active person, for repeated dislocations and for problems that have not improved with a proper course of rehabilitation.
Who treats it
Dr. Lucas Brennan assesses the shoulder and elbow; Mikkel Sorensen writes the post-operative programme.
Hip
Raman · Sorensen
Common conditions
- Hip osteoarthritis
- Femoroacetabular impingement
- Bursitis and tendon pain
- Pain after a fall
- Hip replacement and recovery
Non-surgical first
Walking programmes, strength work, a stick, weight management advice and pain-relief options. Many people manage hip arthritis for years without surgery.
When surgery is discussed
A replacement is discussed when pain disturbs sleep, limits walking or independence and the non-surgical options are no longer enough. Dr. Raman explains the operation, the risks and the first six weeks.
Who treats it
Dr. Priya Raman for surgery and Mikkel Sorensen for rehabilitation.
Spine
Ferreira · Sorensen
Common conditions
- Lower back pain
- Sciatica and disc problems
- Neck pain and arm symptoms
- Spinal stenosis
- Post-operative spine rehab
Non-surgical first
Staying active, a movement programme, short-term pain relief and reassurance. Most back pain improves over weeks; scans are used only when they will change the plan.
When surgery is discussed
Surgery is discussed for nerve symptoms that are getting worse or have not settled over a suitable period, and for specific structural problems found on a scan.
Who treats it
Dr. Tomás Ferreira for assessment and surgery, Mikkel Sorensen for spine rehabilitation.
Hand, foot & ankle
Cho · Whitfield
Common conditions
- Carpal tunnel and trigger finger
- Thumb and wrist arthritis
- Heel pain and bunions
- Recurring ankle sprains
- Foot and ankle tendon pain
Non-surgical first
Splints, exercises, footwear changes, injections and a therapist-led programme. Many hand and foot problems improve without an operation.
When surgery is discussed
Surgery is considered when numbness is persistent, a joint is painful or unstable despite treatment, or a deformity limits shoes and activity. Most hand and foot operations are day cases.
Who treats it
Dr. Helen Cho for hands, wrists, feet and ankles, with Dr. Grace Whitfield for sports-related ankle problems.
Booking
Request by Wednesday 17:00
Not sure which joint to start with?
Describe where it hurts when you request a visit and our reception team will match you with the clinician who sees that joint most often. We reply within one business day, by 18:00, and you are seen the same week.
A consultation with a surgeon is $240 (40 minutes). Follow-up consultations are $140. See Fees & Insurance for every price.