Shoulder Rapid Access Clinic

You will be seen by an Advanced Practice Provider. This is a physiotherapist with advanced education and experience. These professionals have undergone specialized training and work closely with the orthopaedic surgeons in a team approach to your care.

During the assessment the Advanced Practice Provider will ask you questions about your shoulder problem. They will examine your joints and review the results of tests you have had. You will be asked to complete a short questionnaire.

Once the Advanced Practice Provider has a detailed picture of your shoulder problem, they will explain the results, provide you with information and education, and answer your questions. This clinic visit is an opportunity for you to ask questions and get clarity about your shoulder problem. You will receive personalized treatment recommendations.

Personalized recommendations include:

• How to treat your symptoms
• How to improve your function
• Therapeutic exercises
• Recommended physical activities
• Community programs or services that may help you
• When to see a surgeon about your joint problem and how to prepare for surgery

• While receiving care at the Holland Centre, you may be asked about a research study. Research informs the care we provide.
• If you agree, a research assistant may speak with you during your appointment(s).
• Your participation is voluntary.
• If you have any questions regarding research, please speak with your healthcare team.

Approximately 1 hour, but may be longer if you need additional X-rays or other tests.

• Your OHIP card
• A list of medications you are taking
• CD with recent X-ray images, if available
• CD of the Ultrasound is not necessary
• Reports of other tests you have had for your shoulder problem (Ultrasound, MRI)
• Female patients: Please bring or wear clothing that allows the healthcare provider to easily examine the shoulder joint such as an exercise top, tank top, or bathing suit top.

Yes, you will complete forms with questions about your pain and function. It might help you feel more prepared for your appointment if you read them or even complete them ahead of time.

Download the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Patient Assessment Form »

If you need additional X-rays or other tests, your Advanced Practice Provider will make arrangements for these to be done onsite during your assessment. The results will be shared with you during the visit.

If you need to reschedule or are running late for your appointment, call the booking desk at 416-967-8617

• What is wrong with my joint?
• What treatments help pain and stiffness?
• Which exercises are best for me and why?
• Is it safe to exercise or be active when my joints hurt?
• When is the right time to see a surgeon?
• What should I do if my pain and stiffness get worse?

• How did you hurt your shoulder?
• Do you have stiffness or weakness in your arm?
• Do you have any pain that radiates to your arm?
• What treatments have you received so far (physiotherapy, cortisone injection)?

If you and your Advanced Practice Provider decide it is the right time to see an orthopaedic surgeon, an appointment will be arranged.

You can choose to see the next available surgeon or the surgeon of your choice. The Advanced Practice Provider will explain your options.

Many of our patients don’t want or need surgery. If that’s your situation, we will provide you with education and treatment recommendations to help you carry on. You may be given a follow up visit depending on the results of the assessment.

Patients have been very satisfied with the skills and knowledge of the advanced practice providers, their personal manner, and answers to questions.

Satisfaction with the visit overall: over 90%*.

*Based on a standardized 9-item patient satisfaction survey of over 100 patients.

If you want to know more about our team approach to care and how it was developed, please see our Model of Care page.

More information:

• Evaluation of an Advanced Practice Physical Therapist in a Specialty Shoulder Clinic: Diagnostic Agreement and effect on Wait Times
• Using a team-based approach to improve care for people with degenerative disorders of the shoulder (Quorum - Ontario Health)

If you want to know more about Advanced Practice Providers (APPs), please see our About APPs page.

Want to know how to talk to your doctor about joint pain?
View helpful information from the Arthritis Alliance of Canada »

View our shoulder exercise videos »

Research of interest:

• Pattern of recovery following total shoulder arthroplasty and humeral head replacement
• Relationship between clinical and surgical findings and reparability of large and massive rotator cuff tears: a longitudinal study