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What we’ll cover
  1. Symptoms of frozen shoulder
  2. Physiotherapy for frozen shoulder

Frozen Shoulder

Have you noticed difficulty putting a shirt on?  Unable to reach behind your back?  Maybe you are experiencing frozen shoulder.

Frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a condition that can cause pain, stiffness and loss of flexibility at the shoulder.  Whilst the reasons are not fully understood, it is caused by excessive inflammation of the shoulder joint and capsule.

It is thought to occur in people between 35 – 50 years of age with females more commonly affected.  A number of risk factors can increase the likelihood of frozen shoulder including trauma, surgery, diabetes, inflammatory conditions or autoimmune conditions.

Symptoms of frozen shoulder

There are three stages of frozen shoulder, each with different symptoms. If left untreated, each phase may take six to eight months to resolve.

Stage 1 – Freezing

Freezing is the initial phase.  It is commonly characterised by local pain around the shoulder followed by progressive loss of movement.  Movements that may cause pain and reduce in mobility include reaching overhead or reaching behind your back to do a bra up or tuck your shirt in.

Stage 2 – Frozen

During the frozen phase, there is minimal pain around the shoulder.  It is commonly associated with reduced movement and significant stiffness of the shoulder.

Stage 3 – Thawing

Thawing results in a gradual increase in shoulder flexibility and movement.  If strength has deteriorated due to disuse, weakness with movements may become evident.

Physiotherapy for frozen shoulder

Your physiotherapist can diagnose frozen shoulder following a clinical examination.  Frozen shoulder can be misdiagnosed as rotator cuff injury but your physiotherapist is able to provide an accurate diagnosis.  X-rays are unable to provide a definitive diagnosis but can rule out other causes if necessary.

As treatment is dependent and tailored to the phase of frozen shoulder, it is important to diagnose the stage depending on signs and symptoms.

During the freezing phase, treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and limiting pain.  It is important not to aggravate the shoulder during the freezing phase

When the shoulder is frozen your physiotherapist will focus on maintaining strength and gradually improving range of motion.  Exercises will be provided to maintain strength and safely improve mobility.

Shoulder mobilisations and stretches are utilised during the thawing phase.  Functional exercises will also be provided to mimic daily tasks.

Whilst the spontaneous causes of frozen shoulder are unknown, it is possible to prevent frozen shoulder associated with disuse of the shoulder following trauma or surgery around the region.  Timely and accurate diagnosis of your shoulder or arm injury can reduce the likelihood of secondary frozen shoulder developing.

If you are experiencing shoulder pain or may be experiencing any of the symptoms of frozen shoulder, call us on 9571 6888 or book online today.


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Last week our team celebrated another great year. 

Whilst Melbourne’s weather had its own plans, we were still determined to keep with the theme of ‘Italian Summer’. We let our hair down to master the art of mixology 🍸🍹followed by an Italian feast. Friday morning Run Club with the team. Practicing what we preach!

Staying stronger, healthier and happier. This time last week, our team was nervously completing their final preparations for @melbmara . 

Congratulations to our physiotherapists and ME community who ran on the day.

Dilen and Michael completed their first marathons. Abbey and Lizzie smashed out their first half. Last Sunday, our team headed down to see our own Matt Warren win a premiership in the VAFA Premier Men’s Competition. Last week our team dedicated a full day to professional development and team building. At ME Physio we pride ourselves on collaboration to put you at the centre of everything we do. 

Our team covered the latest treatments for back pain, financial well-being and finished off the day with salsa dancing. 

Many thanks to our guests including James Schomburgk from @the2ndvisitphysio , Financial Planners Tony Vikram & Cameron Bishop and the @salsafoundation At ME Physio, our focus is on helping you get stronger so that you can keep doing the things you love.

For Tony and Joan, healthier and stronger is being able to navigate the iconic Coast to Coast Walk in the UK! We recently had the pleasure of hosting Elise Bujor from Women’s & Men’s Health Physiotherapy to discuss women’s health issues across the lifespan. 

Our team pride themselves on staying up to date to ensure you’re able to stay healthier, happier and stronger. Huge milestones over the past few weeks with both Tom and Jude from @delasallefc doing their first bit of running in their rehab. 

Tom is on the return from an ankle dislocation whilst Jude is putting in the hard work following a knee reconstruction. Last week our team enjoyed some friendly rivalry at the footy. 

With finals around the corner, some of our team can now safely make holidays plans for September. We recently had the pleasure of hosting the podiatry team from @sespodiatry. 

Our physiotherapists Michael and Abbey presented on rehabilitation following Achilles surgical repair and ankle surgery. Last weekend some of our team got together to complete the 10 km run @runmelbourne. There was no finish line picture as some were keen to run another 15 km!

Whilst running wasn’t for some - brunch was well received by everyone. Shoulder impingement can be incredibly frustrating and painful. 

Tony has been working closely with our physiotherapists Vernon and Dilen to get on top of his shoulder pain. His treatment plan has included hands-on physiotherapy and individualised exercises in our hydrotherapy and strength programs.

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