If hip, knee or shoulder pain is stopping you from doing the things you love, you are not alone. Around one in three Australians live with a musculoskeletal condition such as arthritis or chronic back pain, and many eventually need to see an orthopaedic surgeon for specialist care.
What does an orthopaedic surgeon do?
Orthopaedic surgeons are doctors who specialise in the bones, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. They diagnose and treat problems like:
- Arthritis and joint damage, including hip and knee osteoarthritis
- Traumatic injuries and fractures
- Sports injuries, such as ligament and cartilage tears in the knee or shoulder
- Back pain and spinal conditions
- Shoulder, hand, foot and ankle problems
Treatment may be non-surgical (injections, physiotherapy, bracing) or surgical (arthroscopy, joint replacement, ligament repair). The goal is always the same: reduce pain, improve function and help you get back to your normal activities.
Why wait times matter for Australians
In the Australian public system, demand for elective surgery remains high, and waiting lists for joint replacement can be lengthy. Public patients can wait many months for hip and knee replacement, with a significant proportion waiting longer than a year — meaning prolonged pain and limited mobility.
Long waits can affect more than just your joints. People often reduce activity, gain weight, sleep poorly and struggle with work or caring responsibilities while they wait. Seeing a private orthopaedic surgeon can give you faster access to consultation, imaging, and if needed, surgery — helping to break this cycle sooner.
How Principle Orthopaedics can help
Principle Orthopaedics is a group of orthopaedic surgeons based at Peninsula Private Hospital in Frankston, providing opinion, advice and treatment for a wide range of bone and joint conditions. The team offers:
- Hip, knee and shoulder joint replacement
- Robotic and conventional knee replacement
- Arthroscopic surgery for sports and soft-tissue injuries
- Surgical treatment of arthritis
- Assessment and treatment of work, sport and everyday injuries
Being located within Peninsula Private Hospital also means patients have convenient access to on-site imaging such as X-rays, helping streamline the diagnostic process.
Signs it may be time to see an orthopaedic surgeon
You don’t need to “wait until it’s unbearable” before asking your GP for a referral. It may be time to see an orthopaedic surgeon if you:
- Have persistent hip, knee or shoulder pain that has lasted more than a few months
- Struggle with everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs or getting out of a chair
- Have tried pain relief, physiotherapy or injections without lasting improvement
- Notice your joint feels unstable, locks, gives way or is badly stiff in the morning
- Have been told you have advanced arthritis or joint damage on X-ray
Early specialist advice can help you understand all your options — from lifestyle changes and non-surgical treatments through to planning surgery at the right time for you.
Public vs private: what’s the difference?
In the public hospital system, patients join an elective surgery waiting list and are prioritised by urgency, with categories that range from needing treatment within 30 days to within 12 months. High demand means some people wait significantly longer, especially for joint replacement.
By choosing to see an orthopaedic surgeon privately, many patients:
- Are seen in consultation sooner
- Can schedule surgery at a time that works for them (if clinically appropriate)
- Spend less time living with severe pain and restricted mobility
Your GP can help you decide whether private care is appropriate in your circumstances, including discussing private health insurance and referral options.
Why local care in Frankston matters
For people living on the Mornington Peninsula, South-East Melbourne and surrounding areas, accessing care close to home makes a big difference. Principle Orthopaedics consults at Peninsula Private Hospital, with easy parking and access to other local health services, making it simpler to attend appointments and post-operative reviews.
The practice focuses on giving patients enough time to discuss their condition, understand recommended procedures and go through any costs involved before making decisions.
Next steps: how to book
If you’re worried about ongoing joint pain or have been told you may need surgery, the first step is to speak with your GP about a referral to an orthopaedic surgeon.
To make an appointment with Principle Orthopaedics:
- Address: Suite 3, Peninsula Private Hospital Consulting Suites, 525 McClelland Rd, Frankston VIC 3199
- Phone: 03 9789 7584
- Website: Book an appointment
Getting the right advice early can help you understand your options, plan ahead and, most importantly, get back to living an active, independent life sooner.
