The ‘avoidable’ surgery Aussies could skip

It’s a simple online program – but this expert thinks it could replace an “avoidable” surgery Aussies continue to undergo.

Physiotherapist and Monash University Associate Professor Peter Malliaras said surgery was ‘not very effective’ for shoulder pain.

Australians are undergoing “avoidable” surgery for shoulder pain, a top researcher says, as he sets out to test a simple online program he believes will be more effective.

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said the government was targeting health research funding “where it was needed most”, with the trial – hoped to cut waitlists if successful – one of nine primary care studies to share in $19.6 million.

A Monash University team has received more than $1 million to teach patients new techniques — delivered via telehealth in earlier experiments — in a 12-week, self-directed, online program.

Physiotherapist and Monash University Associate Professor Peter Malliaras said studies show surgery was “not very effective” for shoulder pain.

He said their “comprehensive” program helped patients avoid traps – such as not moving the injury – that could worsen pain and taught coping techniques, from cognitive strategies to gentle exercise.

“We think if we can get people on the right track sooner, there will ultimately be less costs, both from primary health care that is ineffective and unnecessary secondary healthcare, like surgery,” Prof Malliaras said.

The program will be compared to the telehealth version and if successful, could significantly boost healthcare access and savings, replacing more costly treatments.

Victorian telehealth trial volunteer Grace Anderson learnt the same techniques taught in the online program, and said her “excruciating” pain “completely went away” while traditional treatments failed.

Minister Butler said they were funding projects that would “improve the lives of everyday Australians and tackle the chronic issues that impact so many of us”.

“Finding better ways to care for patients like Grace relies on our research sector testing new interventions, devices and clinical approaches,” he said.