Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, causes pain and a progressive loss of shoulder movement that can be frustrating and slow to settle. It moves through distinct stages, and the most effective treatment depends on the stage you are in. Physiotherapy helps manage pain, maintain and restore movement, and guide you back to normal use of the shoulder. At our Melbourne CBD clinic we build a clear plan tailored to exactly where you are in the condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frozen shoulder is a condition in which the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, thickened and tight, causing pain and a marked loss of movement, particularly rotating the arm outwards and reaching behind the back. It typically progresses through a painful freezing stage, a stiff frozen stage and a gradual thawing stage, and can take time to fully resolve. It is more common between the ages of forty and sixty, in women, and in people with diabetes or thyroid conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
We begin with a comprehensive subjective and objective physical assessment to confirm the diagnosis and the stage of your frozen shoulder, because the most effective treatment depends on it. In the painful freezing stage we focus on settling symptoms and maintaining gentle movement. As the shoulder allows, we progress hands on manual therapy and a graded mobility and loading program, supported where helpful by our Keiser, Kineo and VALD equipment, together with clear education on what to expect. Where appropriate, we liaise with your doctor regarding options such as a corticosteroid injection, which can be helpful in the early painful stage.
Your frozen shoulder rehabilitation is managed by physiotherapists with genuine expertise in shoulder injuries:
Adrianna is an APA Titled Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist experienced in shoulder and upper limb rehabilitation, grounded in current evidence and objective strength testing.
Jake is experienced in shoulder and upper limb injuries across both everyday patients and elite sport. His rehabilitation is grounded in current evidence and objective strength testing.
Our team look forward to working with you to help achieve your goals
No. Aggressive stretching, particularly in the early painful stage, can aggravate symptoms. The right amount of movement depends on the stage you are in, which is why an individualised, staged plan works far better than simply forcing the shoulder.
Yes. Stage appropriate physiotherapy is a key part of managing frozen shoulder. In the painful stage we focus on settling symptoms and gentle movement, and as the condition allows we progress mobility and strengthening to restore full use of the shoulder.
No. Aggressive stretching, particularly in the early painful stage, can aggravate symptoms. The right amount of movement depends on the stage you are in, which is why an individualised, staged plan works far better than simply forcing the shoulder.
No. You can book directly with our physiotherapists without a doctor’s referral. If imaging or a medical review is needed, we can arrange this with our on site sports and exercise medicine doctors.
