Frozen Shoulder Treatment Montmorency
Frozen shoulder care for Montmorency locals at Bodyline Health, a short drive away in Lower Plenty. Hands-on care and exercise to help restore shoulder movement. No referral needed.
Watch the video
Frozen Shoulder
A short video from Dr Phil about frozen shoulder.
Book an appointment More videos →Frozen shoulder is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder. It can be difficult to treat, but we’ve found the best way to do it is by combining many different treatment options.
At Bodyline Health, we use a combination of acupuncture, massage therapy, physical therapy and chiropractic manipulation for our frozen shoulder treatment in Montmorency. We know that every patient needs something different when it comes to their treatments, so we customize each session for each of our patients. We also offer payment plans for those who need them!
Your shoulder is one of the most amazing joints in the body. They allow a huge range of motion, whilst providing the base of support for all the hundreds of arm movements we complete daily. Your shoulder’s should easily lift your arm overhead, rotate your arm/hands in any direction, twist inwards to scratch your back and other multiple directions.
When frozen shoulder occurs this freedom of movement can become restricted, painful and weak. Frozen shoulder can be difficult to treat – however at Bodyline Health we have some of Melbourne’s leading professionals who have decades’ of experience in Frozen shoulder treatment in Montmorency, and surrounding communities including Bundoora, Viewbank, Greensborough, Doncaster and Eltham.
Before our Chiropractors, Myotherapists, Naturopath or Acupuncturist can determine the appropriate treatment plan for your frozen shoulder, they will thoroughly assess your history and perform standard medical, orthopaedic and special imaging testing.
A frozen shoulder refers to the slow loss of movement in the shoulder due to joint capsule adhesions within the joint. There are often several stages of progression, resulting in very prolonged shoulder pain and stiffness (for sometimes as long as 12-18 months). It can be triggered by chest/shoulder surgery, immobilization from a past smaller injury or chronic shoulder tendonitis.
First indicators present as innocuous but steadily increase in pain in all movements – followed by stiffness and muscle wasting around shoulder. It is most frequently seen in the non-dominant arm, affects middle aged females and/or sedentary people (rather than active people such as manual labourers) and is a very long slow developing condition which requires ongoing treatment. Most evidence shows that results are not as good without constant patient vigilance and proper treatment.
To further exacerbate things, a frozen shoulder injury can often be seen in both shoulders, as a result of overuse or some form of small trauma to the “good arm and shoulder” whilst recovering from the initially injured side.
For this reason, it is vital that a frozen shoulder is diagnosed and overall body treatment plan is undertaken as soon as possible. It is very important to have the musculoskeletal aspect of both shoulders joints addressed in order to best reduce any or all vulnerabilities.
Treatment including mobilisations, bio-puncture injections, dry needling, massage and even neck manipulations can all be needed at various stages of the recovery. Finally, it is very important to strengthen the surrounding muscles of the joint, to avoid any future shoulder instability. Together with your Bodyline Health professionals you can achieve recovery.
If you have any questions in regards to this condition do not hesitate to call 90174784 to arrange an obligation free chat with one of our team members. To book an appointment, contact us on 90174784 or book online.
We believe in providing high-quality care at an affordable price. So if you’re looking for a frozen shoulder treatment in Montmorency, then look no further than Bodyline Health.
Frozen Shoulder Treatment Options at Bodyline Health
Our approach to Frozen Shoulder treatment typically combines several of the four therapies mentioned above – acupuncture, massage therapy, physical therapy and chiropractic manipulation – tailored to whichever stage of the condition you are in. Because a frozen shoulder can take many months to resolve, we monitor your progress closely and adjust your plan as your range of motion improves.
For general background on the condition, the Healthdirect frozen shoulder guide is a useful independent resource. If you’re ready to get started, you can also read more about our chiropractic care in Lower Plenty before booking your first appointment.
Why us?
Bodyline Health is one of the most trusted medical and wellness centers in the whole region. We have experts available in a wide variety of professions. We believe in treating all our customers fairly. We strive to not just meet but exceed our customers’ expectations with the help of our caring, professional and friendly healthcare services. Book an appointment and speak to one of our certified experts.
Frozen Shoulder Treatment at a Glance
- Who: Physiotherapist Mary Fleming, myotherapist Keryn Arrowsmith and chiropractor Dr Phil Mifsud can each be part of frozen shoulder treatment, depending on your stage and goals.
- Where: Bodyline Health, 17 Main Road, Lower Plenty – a short drive from Montmorency, with free on-site parking and full accessibility.
- When: Open six days, Mon–Thu 8am–7pm, Fri 8am–6pm and Sat 8am–2pm, so frozen shoulder treatment can fit around work.
- Referral & claiming: No referral needed; HICAPS on-site for eligible extras cover.
- Book: Call (03) 9017 4784 or book your frozen shoulder treatment online.
What Is a Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder (often called adhesive capsulitis) is a condition where the capsule of connective tissue around the shoulder joint becomes thickened and tight. For Montmorency residents weighing up frozen shoulder treatment, the key thing to know is that it usually affects movement in every direction, not just one, and it tends to develop slowly over weeks to months.
It most commonly appears between the ages of about 40 and 60 and is more common in women. Often there is no obvious injury; sometimes it follows a period of keeping the arm still after surgery, a fracture or another shoulder problem.
The Three General Stages
Frozen shoulder is usually described in three overlapping phases. Not everyone moves through them in the same way or at the same speed, but the stages help explain why your symptoms may change over time.
- Freezing (painful) phase: pain builds gradually, often worse at night, and movement starts to become restricted.
- Frozen (stiff) phase: pain may ease somewhat, but stiffness is often at its most noticeable. Reaching overhead, behind your back or out to the side can be hard.
- Thawing phase: movement slowly returns. This can take many months.
Why Frozen Shoulder Treatment Changes with Each Stage
In the painful phase, the focus is usually on settling pain and keeping whatever movement you comfortably have. In the stiff and thawing phases, plans often shift towards gradually regaining range and strength. Pushing hard into a very irritable shoulder can make things feel worse, so pacing matters.
What People Commonly Notice
- Difficulty doing up a bra, tucking in a shirt or reaching a back pocket.
- Trouble reaching a high cupboard, washing hair or putting on a jacket.
- A deep ache around the shoulder or upper arm, especially when lying on that side.
- Sharp catches of pain with sudden or unexpected movements, such as grabbing a falling item.
These patterns overlap with other shoulder problems, such as rotator cuff irritation, which is one reason a proper assessment matters before any plan is set.
Diabetes, Thyroid Conditions and Your GP
Frozen shoulder is seen more often in people with diabetes, and has also been associated with thyroid conditions. If you have a stiff, painful shoulder and have not had a recent check-up, it can be worth talking to your GP about whether any blood tests are appropriate. Bodyline has an onsite Austin Pathology collection centre if your GP requests tests.
If you already have diabetes, your GP or diabetes team may want to know about new shoulder symptoms, and your frozen shoulder treatment at Bodyline can be coordinated around their advice.
Sleeping with a Painful Shoulder
Night pain is one of the most common complaints. A few general ideas many people find useful:
- If lying on your back, place a pillow under the affected forearm so the arm rests slightly forward and supported.
- If lying on the good side, hug a pillow in front of you so the sore arm does not drop across your body.
- Avoid lying directly on the painful shoulder while it is irritable.
- Some people find a reclined position in a chair more comfortable during the worst weeks.
Your practitioner can tailor sleeping positions as part of your frozen shoulder treatment. Ask your GP or pharmacist about pain relief options that suit you, particularly if poor sleep is wearing you down.
Gentle Range-of-Motion Work at Home
Gentle, regular movement is often part of a plan, but the right exercises depend on your stage and how irritable the shoulder is. General examples your practitioner may adapt include:
- Pendulum swings: lean forward with support and let the arm hang and sway in small circles.
- Table slides: sit beside a table and slide your hand forward on a towel.
- Assisted reaches: use the other hand or a stick to help lift the arm within a comfortable range.
Mild stretch discomfort may be expected, but sharp or lingering pain afterwards is a signal to ease back and discuss it at your next frozen shoulder treatment session.
Why Progress Is Often Gradual
Frozen shoulder can take many months, and sometimes longer, to resolve. That can be frustrating when you are used to injuries settling in a few weeks, and it is why frozen shoulder treatment is usually planned over a longer period. Progress is often measured in small wins: reaching a little higher, sleeping a little better, managing a task that was difficult last month.
Keeping a simple record, such as how far up a wall or doorframe you can reach, may help you and your practitioner see change that is easy to miss day to day.
When Imaging or a GP Referral Matters
Frozen shoulder is usually identified from your history and examination. X-ray does not show the capsule itself, but may be considered when clinically indicated to look at the joint and rule out other causes such as arthritis. Onsite digital X-ray is available at Bodyline in those cases. Ultrasound or other imaging is arranged through your GP or specialist.
Your GP may also discuss options such as medication or injections, or a specialist referral if progress is slow. We are happy to share our findings with your GP if you would like.
See a GP Promptly or Call 000 If
- Shoulder or arm pain comes with chest pain, tightness, breathlessness, sweating or nausea – call 000, as this can be a sign of a heart problem.
- The shoulder is hot, red and swollen, or you feel feverish and unwell – see a GP urgently.
- Pain or loss of movement started after a fall or injury, or the shoulder looks deformed.
- You have new weakness, numbness or pins and needles in the arm or hand, or unexplained weight loss.
Healthdirect has general information on frozen shoulder and when to seek medical help.
Your Frozen Shoulder Treatment Team at Bodyline
- Physiotherapy with Mary Fleming may focus on stage-appropriate exercise, range-of-motion work and a graded strengthening plan.
- Myotherapy with Keryn Arrowsmith aims to address tight, overworked muscles around the shoulder blade, neck and upper arm that often take extra load when the shoulder is stiff.
- Chiropractic with Dr Phil Mifsud may look at how your neck, upper back and shoulder blade are moving, as these areas often stiffen alongside the shoulder. Dr Phil is also an exercise physiologist.
What Your First Visit Involves
1. History
We ask when symptoms began, how they have changed, how you are sleeping, and about general health factors such as diabetes or thyroid conditions.
2. Examination
Your practitioner compares active and assisted movement in both shoulders, checks the neck and upper back, and may test strength and sensation in the arm.
3. X-Ray Only if Clinically Indicated
Most people do not need imaging at the first visit. It is only considered when the history or examination suggests it is warranted.
4. A Plan and Home Exercises
We explain what we found, which stage the shoulder appears to be in, and a plan that suits your goals. You will usually leave with a small number of exercises matched to how irritable your shoulder is.
Health Fund Claims and HICAPS
If your extras cover includes physiotherapy, myotherapy or chiropractic, you can usually claim on the spot through HICAPS and pay only the gap. Rebates for frozen shoulder treatment vary by fund and level of cover. See our payments and funding page for details.
Book Frozen Shoulder Treatment Near Montmorency
If a stiff, painful shoulder is affecting your sleep or everyday reaching, starting frozen shoulder treatment with a clear plan may help you understand what to expect. Call (03) 9017 4784 or book online. Bodyline is a short drive from Montmorency, with free parking right outside.