FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

To ensure a productive and efficient initial consultation with Dr. Travis Falconer, please bring the following items with you:

• Referral: If referred by another healthcare provider (GP, Sports Physician or Physiotherapist), please bring the referral letter.

• Medical Records: Any previous imaging (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans) and reports related to your shoulder condition. If you know the radiology provider and location that you used for these investigations Dr. Falconer can often gain access to these online.

• Medication List: A list of all current medications, including prescription, over-the-counter, and supplements.

• Allergies: Information about any known allergies, especially to medications or anesthesia.

• Previous Treatment Information: Records of any previous treatments you've had for your shoulder, such as physical therapy or injections.

• Insurance Information: Your Medicare Card, DVA card and/or insurance card and any necessary pre-authorization details.

• Questions or Concerns: A list of questions or specific concerns you may have regarding your shoulder issue or treatment options.

Having all these items ready will help Dr Falconer assess your condition thoroughly and provide the best possible treatment plan tailored to your needs.

As part of your consultation, Dr Falconer will perform a physical examination. It is important to dress in a way that allows for examination appropriately. We recommend you wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment.

Recovery times vary depending on the type of surgery. Most patients begin to feel significantly better within 6–8 weeks, but full recovery can take 3–6 months depending on your procedure. It is very common to have bruising and swelling that increases over the first 2 weeks, and starts to subside after you have seen Dr. Falconer at the 2 week mark, and once you start physiotherapy. Most people continue to have improvements with their shoulder, especially in terms of pain and strength, for up to 12 months after surgery.

Returning to work or sports depends on the nature of your activity and the type of surgery performed. Desk jobs may resume as early as a few days but it is advisable to take 2–4 weeks away from work to maximise your recovery period. Physically demanding jobs or high-impact sports may require 3–6 months of recovery, which is again very dependent on the type of surgery that you have had. Dr. Falconer will give you a very specific timeline tailored to your condition at your first post operative appointment. If you play competitive sport at a high level, Dr. Falconer will directly lease with your team doctors and physiotherapists to guide you back to sport as quickly and safely as possible.

Most patients can return to driving 2–4 weeks after surgery, provided they are no longer taking strong pain medications and have regained adequate mobility and strength. This usually occurs within the first week of your sling being weaned off or removed, upon Dr. Falconer’s instructions. As a general rule, you should be able to get your injured hand / shoulder to the top of the steering wheel, and be confident to drive before attempting to drive too far. It is not advisable to drive while you are wearing your sling.

Sling use typically lasts 2–6 weeks post-surgery, depending on the procedure and the type of tissue that is required to heal. Dr. Falconer usually will give you this information prior to surgery, and then confirm the details on the ward round immediately post surgery. Sometimes the sling may removed as early as 2-3 days post operatively, however as general rule if you are unsure please contact the rooms or leave your sling on until the first post operative appointment.

Some discomfort is normal after surgery and can be managed with prescribed pain medications. Most patients will have some sort of anaesthetic block during the operation which often makes your arm numb for up to 12 hours after the procedure. The hospital team will do their best to make sure your pain is well managed before you go home. Routinely you will go home with simple pain killers like paracetamol, as well some stronger ones that are long lasting and others for very strong pain. You will be given details about theses when you are discharged from the hospital. Pain levels typically decrease significantly within the first 10-14 days and as your sling comes off and you start physiotherapy exercises.

Yes, bruising and swelling are common and can appear immediately or within the first week or two following surgery. It is common for the bruising and swelling to migrate down the arm, towards the elbow and hand over the first 2 weeks. It is also common for the colours of the bruising to change over time as the bruising is absorbed by the body. Applying ice packs and keeping the surgical area elevated, if possible, as well as taking anti-inflammatories (if prescribed by Dr. Falconer) can help minimise these symptoms. Swelling may remain in your arm or hand for up to a few months after surgery and often rapidly improves as you get moving with physiotherapy exercises.

It is uncommon to have an infection on the first 2 weeks especially if you keep your wounds clean, dry and covered with the dressings as advised. Signs of infection include redness, warmth, increasing pain, swelling, or pus around the incision, or fever above 38°C (100.4°F). If you notice any of these signs please contact the rooms during working hours, your general practitioner or the hospital emergency department if it is out of hours, who will contact Dr. Falconer immediately for further instructions.

Wait times can vary based on availability and the severity of your shoulder problem. Initial consultations are typically scheduled within 2–4 weeks, and surgery dates depend on urgency and scheduling, usually within 2-4 weeks after consultation. When you contact the rooms, please have all your referral details ready and Dr. Falconers team will prioritise your referral based upon the problem and organise an urgent appointment if necessary.

Costs vary depending on the type / complexity of surgery, hospital fees, and insurance coverage. We provide detailed cost estimates / quotes during your consultation. There is routinely an out of pocket cost for Dr. Falconers surgery and this is in accordance with fees recommended by the Australian Medical Association.

Your first follow-up visit is typically scheduled 10-14 days after surgery, when you will have your wounds checked by Dr. Falconers nurse and discuss your recovery with Dr Falconer. Most patients will receive all of their physiotherapy protocols and work certificates at this appointment. Further follow-up appointments may be scheduled at either 6 weeks, 12 weeks and up to 12 months depending on the type of surgery that you have had.

Referrals are not always necessary, but they are required if you're using insurance and proceeding to surgery, as this is a Medicare requirement. General practitioners (GPs) or other specialists can provide referrals. Dr. Falconer will also accept physiotherapy referrals, however your appointment fee will need to be paid in full and you won’t be eligible to claim anything back from Medicare for that visit. If surgery is required a valid referral (preferably from your regular GP) is required.

Please keep your dressings dry and intact for the first week. They are usually waterproof and allow you to shower with them on, however please do not submerge your wound in water, and do not go swimming until your wound has healed and been checked by Dr. Falconer’s team. The hospital will usually give you some spare dressings in case you need to change them. Please do not remove your dressings unless they become soaked through or wet underneath. If you have concerns, please either contact the rooms and discuss or see your GP.

Please discuss your travel plans / needs with Dr. Falconer before your surgery, so that he can assess your risk. Short-haul flights may be safe within 2–3 weeks, while long-haul flights should be delayed for at least 6 weeks to minimise the risk of complications like blood clots.