When you are suffering from shoulder pain, stiffness, injury, or weakness, visiting a shoulder surgeon is the most important step in finding lasting relief. Many people in Nagpur and across India delay visiting an expert because they feel unsure about what exactly happens during a consultation with a shoulder specialist.

This blog is written for Dr. Vishal Sahni, Director of London Orthopaedic Clinic, Dhantoli, Nagpur, who is an Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in Shoulder, Elbow, and Wrist Treatments. His qualifications include MBBS, MS Ortho, FRCS Ortho (London), and MCh Ortho (Liverpool) with 24+ years of experience in India and London.

If you are searching for an Orthopedic Doctor in Nagpur, a Shoulder Specialist, or an Orthopedic Dr near me, this detailed guide will help you understand exactly what a shoulder surgeon does when you visit him and how your journey towards recovery begins.

Why is visiting a Shoulder Surgeon important?

The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body, but this flexibility also makes it more prone to injuries and degenerative conditions. Everyday activities like lifting, throwing, working on a computer, or even sleeping in the wrong posture can cause shoulder problems.

While general physicians can provide initial treatment, a shoulder specialist surgeon has the expertise to diagnose, treat, and manage conditions with precision. When you visit a surgeon like Dr. Vishal Sahni in Nagpur, you are not just getting temporary pain relief, but a structured evaluation of your problem and a personalised treatment plan.

Step 1: Listening to Your Problem (Patient History)

The very first step when you visit a shoulder surgeon is a detailed discussion about your symptoms and history. This is often the most crucial stage because it gives the surgeon insight into what may be causing your pain.

Dr. Vishal Sahni usually asks questions such as:

When did the pain start, and what were you doing at that time?
Is the pain constant, or does it come and go?
Do you feel stiffness, clicking, or weakness in the shoulder?
Have you ever had an accident, fall, or sports injury?
Does the pain spread to your arm, elbow, or neck?

By understanding your lifestyle, work habits, and medical history, he can identify whether the pain is due to common causes like rotator cuff tear, frozen shoulder, arthritis, or shoulder dislocation.

Step 2: Clinical Examination of the Shoulder

After taking your history, the surgeon performs a physical examination. This involves checking your shoulder movement, flexibility, and strength.

The examination may include:

Range of Motion Tests – Moving your shoulder in different directions to check flexibility.
Strength Tests – Applying resistance to see if muscles and tendons are functioning well.
Palpation – Gently pressing on different areas to detect swelling, tenderness, or joint abnormalities.
Special Tests – Identifying conditions like impingement syndrome, labral tear, or instability.

This hands-on evaluation is essential to differentiate between problems originating in the shoulder joint, rotator cuff, elbow, or even the cervical spine.

Step 3: Advanced Diagnostic Imaging

In many cases, the surgeon may recommend scans and imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis. These may include:

X-ray – To check for bone damage, arthritis, or fractures.
MRI Scan – To get a detailed view of soft tissues like rotator cuff tendons or labrum.
CT Scan – Sometimes needed for complex fractures or joint damage.
Ultrasound – Useful for dynamic evaluation of tendons and muscles.

At London Orthopaedic Clinic, Nagpur, Dr. Vishal Sahni uses modern diagnostic facilities to ensure that the exact cause of pain is identified before planning any treatment.

Step 4: Explaining the Diagnosis

One of the most important roles of a shoulder surgeon is to explain the condition in simple language so that patients clearly understand their problem.

For example, if you have a rotator cuff tear, Dr. Sahni may explain how the tendons are responsible for lifting the arm and how injury affects shoulder strength. If you are suffering from frozen shoulder, he may describe why stiffness develops and how it can be treated.

This personalised explanation helps reduce anxiety and allows patients to take informed decisions.

Step 5: Designing a Personalised Treatment Plan

Not every shoulder problem needs surgery. In fact, most conditions are managed with non-surgical treatments first. A shoulder surgeon carefully designs a treatment plan based on the severity of your condition, age, activity level, and lifestyle needs.

The treatment plan may include:

Medications – Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory tablets, or injections for quick relief.
Physiotherapy – Specially designed exercises to improve mobility and strength.
Lifestyle Modifications – Correcting posture, avoiding certain activities, and ergonomic guidance.
Minimally Invasive Injections – Steroid injections or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.

If these treatments do not bring relief, or if the damage is severe, the surgeon may recommend advanced surgical options.

Step 6: Surgical Interventions (When Needed)

Shoulder surgeons like Dr. Vishal Sahni are highly skilled in performing minimally invasive and advanced surgeries for conditions that cannot be managed with medicines or physiotherapy alone.

Common shoulder surgeries include:

Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
Shoulder Stabilisation Surgery for Dislocation
Labral Tear Repair
Frozen Shoulder Release
Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery

These surgeries are designed to restore function, reduce pain, and improve quality of life. Thanks to advanced techniques, recovery is usually faster and less painful compared to traditional open surgeries.

Step 7: Post-Treatment Care and Rehabilitation

The role of a shoulder surgeon does not end with prescribing medicines or performing surgery. A major part of recovery depends on post-treatment rehabilitation.

At London Orthopaedic Clinic, Nagpur, Dr. Sahni and his team guide patients through:

Physiotherapy Sessions – To regain shoulder strength and mobility.
Rehabilitation Exercises – Custom-designed routines for daily improvement.
Follow-up Consultations – To track healing progress and prevent recurrence.

This holistic approach ensures patients not only recover but also return to normal life without fear of repeated shoulder problems.

Step 8: Preventive Guidance

A responsible shoulder surgeon also educates patients on how to prevent future shoulder injuries. This may include:

Correct posture while working at a desk or computer.
Avoiding heavy lifting without proper technique.
Warm-up and stretching exercises before sports.
Ergonomic adjustments for daily activities.

By following these preventive measures, patients can maintain long-term shoulder health.

The Role of Dr. Vishal Sahni as a Shoulder Specialist in Nagpur

Dr. Vishal Sahni is not only a surgeon but also a guide, mentor, and health partner for his patients. His approach combines global expertise with compassionate care, ensuring that each patient receives world-class treatment in Nagpur itself.

With his qualifications MBBS, MS Ortho, FRCS Ortho (London), and MCh Ortho (Liverpool), he brings international standards of care to central India. Patients at London Orthopaedic Clinic, Dhantoli, Nagpur trust him for both simple and complex shoulder, elbow, and wrist conditions.

Conclusion

When you visit a shoulder surgeon like Dr. Vishal Sahni, you are not just meeting a doctor – you are beginning a structured journey towards pain relief, mobility restoration, and long-term shoulder health.

From listening to your problem and performing clinical examinations, to diagnosing with advanced imaging, explaining the condition, designing a treatment plan, performing surgeries when necessary, and guiding you through rehabilitation – a shoulder surgeon plays a complete role in your recovery.

If you are searching for a Shoulder Specialist in Nagpur, Shoulder Doctor near me, or Shoulder Replacement Surgeon in Nagpur, remember that expert guidance is the first step towards pain-free living.

At London Orthopaedic Clinic, Dhantoli, Nagpur, under the care of Dr. Vishal Sahni, you can be assured of advanced, personalised, and compassionate treatment for all shoulder, elbow, and wrist problems.

What does a Shoulder Surgeon do when you visit him?