SHOULDER & ARM
Frozen shoulder
Also known as adhesive capsulitis. Osteopathic treatment · Hawthorn East, Melbourne
● Affects 2–3% of the population ● More common in women over 40 ● Recovery up to 2 years
Frozen shoulder is a painful restriction of the shoulder joint. While the onset is generally unknown, contributing factors include physical trauma or injury to the shoulder, surgery, and underlying medical conditions such as diabetes.
DO YOU HAVE THESE SYMPTOMS?
● Shoulder pain when lifting your arm up
● Pain reaching behind your back
● Shoulder pain upon movement
● Shoulder pain at night or when lying on it
● Stiff shoulder that is gradually getting worse
● Deep, constant pain
OSTEOPATHIC TREATMENT - PHASE BY PHASE
FREEZING
Increasing pain & stiffness
Duration: up to 6 months
The freezing phase is often the most painful stage of frozen shoulder. Your osteopath will focus on reducing your pain and keeping your shoulder moving as much as possible during this time.
OSTEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR THIS PHASE
● Shockwave Therapy
Used by your osteopath to stimulate tissue repair and begin reducing pain within the joint capsule.
● Infrared Laser Therapy
To assist with pain management and support comfort throughout your treatment program.
● Osteopathic manual therapy
Your osteopath will use soft tissue therapy and joint mobilisation techniques to maintain range of motion and reduce stiffness without aggravating pain.
● Home advice & education
Your osteopath will guide you on daily activity management and practical strategies for managing your symptoms at home.
FROZEN
Very stiff, less painful
Duration: up to 1 year
As pain begins to settle, the shoulder remains very stiff due to adhesive fibrous tissue within the joint. Osteopathic treatment shifts focus toward restoring range of motion and addressing compensatory tension.
OSTEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR THIS PHASE
● Continued Shockwave Therapy
Your osteopath will continue shockwave therapy to target fibrous adhesions within the joint capsule and promote tissue healing.
● Osteopathic soft tissue therapy
Deep osteopathic soft tissue therapy to address compensatory muscle tension in the shoulder, neck, and upper back.
● Progressive osteopathic joint mobilisation
More targeted osteopathic techniques to work through stiffness and progressively restore shoulder range of motion as pain allows.
● Rehab program
Your osteopath will prescribe gentle, progressive stretching and strengthening exercises tailored to your stage of recovery.
FROZEN
Very stiff, less painful
Duration: up to 1 year
As pain begins to settle, the shoulder remains very stiff due to adhesive fibrous tissue within the joint. Osteopathic treatment shifts focus toward restoring range of motion and addressing compensatory tension.
OSTEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR THIS PHASE
● Continued Shockwave Therapy
Your osteopath will continue shockwave therapy to target fibrous adhesions within the joint capsule and promote tissue healing.
● Osteopathic soft tissue therapy
Deep osteopathic soft tissue therapy to address compensatory muscle tension in the shoulder, neck, and upper back.
● Progressive osteopathic joint mobilisation
More targeted osteopathic techniques to work through stiffness and progressively restore shoulder range of motion as pain allows.
● Rehab program
Your osteopath will prescribe gentle, progressive stretching and strengthening exercises tailored to your stage of recovery.
THAWING
Range of motion returns
Total recovery: up to 2 years
Shoulder mobility progressively improves in the thawing phase. Osteopathic treatment now focuses on accelerating recovery, restoring full function, and preventing recurrence.
OSTEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR THIS PHASE
● Progressive rehab program
A progressive osteopathic strength and mobility program to restore full shoulder function and support return to daily activity.
● Continued manual therapy
Providing treatment as required throughout the rehabilitation process to manage any returning pain, joint restrictions, or movement compensations.
● Postural & ergonomic osteopathic advice
Your osteopath will assess posture, workplace setup, and daily habits to support long-term shoulder health.
Recovering from frozen shoulder with us
At Body Align Osteo, we understand how limiting and painful frozen shoulder can be. We are committed to supporting you through every stage of recovery with hands-on treatment, tailored exercise programs, and a holistic approach focused on restoring mobility, easing pain, and improving function over time.
We also work collaboratively with other healthcare providers and can refer you to trusted specialists if your condition requires further intervention. Whether you're just beginning your recovery or seeking alternative management, we're here to guide and support you on the path to healing.
Ready to start your recovery?
Book a consultation and let's get you moving again.
THAWING
Range of motion returns
Total recovery: up to 2 years
Shoulder mobility progressively improves in the thawing phase. Osteopathic treatment now focuses on accelerating recovery, restoring full function, and preventing recurrence.
OSTEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR THIS PHASE
● Progressive rehab program
A progressive osteopathic strength and mobility program to restore full shoulder function and support return to daily activity.
● Continued manual therapy
Providing treatment as required throughout the rehabilitation process to manage any returning pain, joint restrictions, or movement compensations.
● Postural & ergonomic osteopathic advice
Your osteopath will assess posture, workplace setup, and daily habits to support long-term shoulder health.