Specialist Shoulder Doctor in Davao City | Advanced Shoulder Care
Are you suffering from severe shoulder pain, weakness, or limited arm mobility? Dr. Paolo Tabar, MD, FPOA is a premier shoulder doctor in Davao providing comprehensive diagnostic evaluations, non-surgical joint preservation, and advanced arthroscopic shoulder surgery across Davao City, the Davao Region, and Mindanao.
Davao Shoulder Specialist
Dr. Paolo Tabar, MD, FPOA
Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Expert Treatment for Shoulder Pain, Rotator Cuff Tears, and Sports Injuries
The shoulder joint is the most mobile joint in the human body, relying on a complex network of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage to lift, rotate, and stabilize your arm. When an injury or degenerative condition strikes, everyday movements—such as reaching into a cabinet, combing your hair, lifting groceries, or sleeping comfortably on your side—become agonizing.
As a dedicated shoulder doctor in Davao City, Dr. Paolo Tabar provides specialized clinical evaluations for patients suffering from acute shoulder trauma, chronic tendon wear, joint dislocations, and painful stiffness. Whether you are an athlete coping with a labral tear or an adult suffering from night-time rotator cuff pain, our practice utilizes evidence-based non-surgical protocols and state-of-the-art arthroscopic surgical techniques to rebuild your joint stability and restore your active lifestyle.
Precision Diagnostics and Comprehensive Shoulder Solutions in Davao
Accurate treatment begins with exact clinical diagnosis. During your consultation at our Davao clinic, Dr. Tabar conducts physical biomechanical assessments, range-of-motion testing, and dynamic shoulder stress tests. Combined with high-resolution digital X-rays and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), we identify the precise anatomical cause of your shoulder distress—ensuring targeted non-surgical or surgical care.
Common Shoulder Conditions We Treat
Dr. Paolo Tabar diagnoses and treats the full spectrum of acute and chronic shoulder conditions using modern orthopedic protocols in Davao City.
Rotator Cuff Tears & Tendonitis
The rotator cuff comprises four crucial muscles and tendons (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis) that stabilize the shoulder ball in its socket. Repetitive overhead activity, age-related tendon degeneration, or sudden heavy lifting can lead to partial or full-thickness rotator cuff tears.
Key Symptoms: Deep dull ache in the shoulder, radiating arm weakness, pain when lifting or lowering the arm, and sharp pain while lying on the affected shoulder at night.
Treatment Options: Targeted physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, subacromial corticosteroid injections, and minimally invasive arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.
Shoulder Dislocation & Instability
A shoulder dislocation occurs when trauma or severe force pops the head of the humerus completely out of the glenoid socket. Traumatic anterior dislocations frequently tear the cartilage ring surrounding the socket (Bankart lesion), leaving the shoulder vulnerable to recurrent popping, catching, and persistent joint instability.
Key Symptoms: Visible joint deformity, acute intense pain, apprehension when raising the arm overhead, and frequent sensation of the shoulder slipping out of place.
Treatment Options: Immediate closed reduction, closed joint immobilization, rotator cuff strengthening, and arthroscopic Bankart labral repair / capsular shift.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Frozen shoulder is characterized by progressive inflammation, thickening, and tightening of the connective tissue capsule surrounding the shoulder joint. It often develops after minor injuries, prolonged arm immobilization, or alongside conditions such as diabetes or thyroid dysfunction.
Three Clinical Stages: Freezing (severe pain and worsening stiffness), Frozen (stiffness dominates, pain stabilizes), and Thawing (gradual return of motion over months).
Treatment Options: Intra-articular joint injections, hydrodilatation, specialized gentle stretching physical therapy, and arthroscopic capsular release for refractory cases.
Shoulder Osteoarthritis & Joint Degeneration
Shoulder osteoarthritis involves the gradual breakdown of smooth articular cartilage lining the glenohumeral joint. As bone rubs against bone, patients suffer from persistent grinding, stiffness, loss of movement, and deep aching joint pain during weather changes or daily arm usage.
Key Symptoms: Crepitus (grinding sound or sensation), restricted shoulder rotation, morning stiffness, and aching pain deep within the joint.
Treatment Options: Viscosupplementation, targeted joint lubrication, activity modification, and Total or Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery.
Shoulder Fractures & Trauma
High-energy falls, vehicular accidents, or direct sports impacts can fracture the key bones of the shoulder girdle, including the clavicle (collarbone), proximal humerus (upper arm bone), and scapula/glenoid (shoulder blade). Prompt evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon in Davao is essential to prevent bone malunion, nerve injury, or severe loss of arm function.
Suitable for non-displaced clavicle or humerus fractures using customized slings, figure-of-8 braces, and progressive serial X-ray monitoring.
Surgical realignment using anatomical anatomical plates and locking screws to restore bone alignment for displaced or complex multi-fragment fractures.
Surgical and Non-Surgical Shoulder Procedures
Dr. Paolo Tabar offers modern, patient-focused interventions ranging from conservative joint preservation to advanced arthroscopic and reconstructive joint surgeries in Davao.
Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery (Minimally Invasive)
Utilizing tiny keyhole incisions, a high-definition camera, and specialized micro-instruments, Dr. Tabar repairs torn tendons and labral tissue without large surgical cuts. This technique minimizes post-operative muscle trauma, reduces surgical pain, and accelerates overall recovery.
- ✓ Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Tendon Repair
- ✓ Bankart Labral Repair for Instability
- ✓ Subacromial Decompression & Bone Spur Removal
- ✓ Biceps Tenodesis & SLAP Repair
Total & Reverse Shoulder Replacement
For patients with severe end-stage shoulder arthritis or irreparable rotator cuff tears accompanied by joint degeneration (cuff tear arthropathy), shoulder joint replacement replaces worn cartilage with durable precision prosthetic components.
- ✓ Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
- ✓ Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
- ✓ Hemiarthroplasty for Severe Proximal Humerus Fractures
- ✓ Restoration of Overhead Arm Function
Shoulder Joint Injections & Physical Rehabilitation
Surgery is never the first option unless strictly necessary. We offer advanced non-surgical treatment pathways to eliminate shoulder pain, calm acute tendon inflammation, and rebuild surrounding muscle strength through tailored physical therapy.
- ✓ Targeted Intra-Articular & Subacromial Injections
- ✓ Hyaluronic Acid Joint Lubrication Therapy
- ✓ Customized Physical Rehabilitation Protocols
- ✓ Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Management
What to Expect During Your Shoulder Consultation in Davao
From your initial diagnostic visit in Ecoland to full post-operative recovery, our team ensures clear guidance at every step.
Detailed Clinical & History Assessment
Dr. Tabar reviews your full medical history, past sports injuries, occupation demands, and the exact onset of shoulder pain or stiffness.
Comprehensive Physical & Biomechanical Exam
We perform specialized shoulder physical tests (Empty Can test, Neer's test, Hawkins-Kennedy, Apprehension test) to pinpoint affected tendons or labral structures.
Diagnostic Imaging Review (X-Ray / MRI)
If required, digital X-rays or MRI scans are ordered and reviewed to evaluate soft tissue tearing, bone spurs, or cartilage loss.
Personalized Treatment Plan & Recovery Mapping
You receive a clear, personalized treatment roadmap—whether that involves conservative therapy, targeted injections, or scheduled arthroscopic surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions for Our Davao Shoulder Specialist
Get clear, physician-backed answers regarding shoulder injuries, diagnostic tests, recovery timelines, and clinic consultations in Davao City.
When should I see a shoulder doctor in Davao for shoulder pain?
You should consult a shoulder doctor in Davao if you experience persistent shoulder pain lasting over 2 weeks, inability to raise your arm above shoulder level, sharp night pain interfering with sleep, feelings of joint weakness or slipping, or severe shoulder trauma following a fall or sports injury.
What is the recovery time for arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery in Davao?
Recovery typically involves wearing an immobilizing sling for 4 to 6 weeks, followed by structured physical therapy. Most patients regain functional daily mobility within 3 to 6 months, while full recovery for heavy physical labor or overhead sports takes 6 to 9 months.
How is frozen shoulder treated without surgery?
Non-surgical frozen shoulder treatment includes targeted physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, intra-articular corticosteroid joint injections, and hydrodilatation protocols to relieve capsule stiffness and restore range of motion.
What causes shoulder dislocation and how is it repaired?
Shoulder dislocation occurs when the humeral head slips out of the glenoid socket, frequently tearing the anterior labrum (Bankart lesion). Dr. Paolo Tabar performs minimally invasive arthroscopic Bankart repair to secure the labrum, re-establish joint stability, and prevent recurrent dislocations.
How do I schedule a consultation with Davao's leading shoulder doctor?
You can schedule a consultation by filling out the online appointment request form on this page or by calling our Davao City clinic hotline directly at +63 994 851 0978.
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