FAQs
How do I make an appointment?
You will need a valid referral. Please email your referral to admin@drbalakrishnan.com.au or if your GP has sent the referral to us we will be in contact to arrange an suitable appointment date and time.
What are the office hours?
8:30 am - 4:30 pm, MOnday - Friday
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please bring any previous X-rays, MRI or CT scans, a list of your current medications, and details about your symptoms or injury history.
What does an orthopaedic surgeon treat?
An orthopaedic surgeon specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing conditions related to the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. This includes both acute injuries (such as fractures) and chronic conditions (such as arthritis or tendon disorders).
Do I need surgery for every orthopaedic condition?
Not always. Many orthopaedic issues can be effectively managed with non-surgical treatments like physiotherapy, medications, injections, or lifestyle modifications. Surgery is recommended only when conservative treatments do not provide sufficient relief.
How are fractures typically managed?
Fracture management depends on the type and severity of the injury. Some fractures can be treated with casting or bracing, while others may require surgical fixation with plates, screws, or rods to ensure proper healing and alignment.
What are common shoulder conditions you treat?
We manage a wide range of shoulder problems including:
- Rotator cuff disease and tears
- Shoulder instability (acute or chronic dislocations)
- Shoulder arthritis
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Sports-related shoulder injuries
- Fractures and trauma around the shoulder joint
What elbow problems do you commonly treat?
Common elbow conditions include:
- Tendinitis (such as tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow)
- Elbow arthritis
- Elbow instability
- Trauma and fractures around the elbow joint
What are common hand and wrist issues you treat?
We manage various hand and wrist conditions such as:
- Hand trauma and injuries
- Carpal bone fractures
- Carpal instability
- Carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel syndromes
- Tendinitis and repetitive strain injuries
Do you treat both upper and lower limb fractures?
Yes. We provide comprehensive fracture care for both upper and lower limbs, including complex trauma cases. Treatment focuses on restoring alignment, stability, and function using the latest surgical and non-surgical techniques.
How long does it take to recover from a fracture?
Recovery time varies depending on the location and severity of the fracture, as well as the patient’s age and overall health. On average, most fractures heal within 6–12 weeks, though full strength and mobility may take longer to return.
What insurance plans or payment methods do you accept?
We accept all private health insurance.
We accept card payment, correct cash at time of appointment and bank transfer for surgery payments. We also accept Workcover Queensland patients.
