SHOULDER & ARM
Shoulder Impingement
Osteopathic treatment for shoulder impingement · Hawthorn East, Melbourne
● Also known as subacromial syndrome ● Very common shoulder condition ● Responds well to conservative care
Shoulder impingement — or subacromial syndrome — is characterised by pain caused by the compression or irritation of structures within the subacromial space, specifically the supraspinatus tendon and the subacromial bursa. At Body Align Osteo, we provide a thorough, hands-on approach tailored to your individual needs, targeting the underlying cause of your impingement rather than just the symptoms.
DO YOU HAVE THESE SYMPTOMS?
● Pain at the front of your shoulder that radiates down your arm
● Pain or pinching when lifting your arm overhead
● Shoulder pain when lying on it at night
● Reduced shoulder range of motion
● Clicking or catching sensation in the shoulder
● Shoulder pain with repetitive overhead tasks at work or sport
COMMON CAUSES
- Repetitive overhead movements — throwing, swimming, painting, overhead lifting
- Poor posture — particularly rounded shoulders and forward head posture
- Poor biomechanics of the shoulder and scapula
- Shoulder weakness or instability — particularly of the rotator cuff
- Age-related changes to shoulder structures
OSTEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR SHOULDER IMPINGEMENT
Our goal is to reduce your pain, improve shoulder mobility, and correct the underlying biomechanical causes of your impingement. Osteopathic treatment is tailored to your presentation and may include a combination of the following:
● Shockwave or Laser Therapy
Used by your osteopath to stimulate blood flow, reduce bursal inflammation, promote tendon healing, and break down any calcific deposits contributing to the impingement.
● Osteopathic manual therapy
Gentle osteopathic joint mobilisations and soft tissue techniques to relieve tight muscles, restore shoulder mechanics, and improve mobility through the shoulder, upper back, and neck.
● Dry Needling
Dry needling can be used to release tight or overactive muscles around the shoulder and upper back, reducing local muscle tension, improving range of motion, and decreasing pain.
● Taping Techniques
Supportive taping applied by your osteopath to unload the shoulder, improve posture, and reduce strain during daily activities — providing short-term relief and support throughout rehabilitation.
● Rehab Program
Targeted exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff, improve scapular stability, and correct movement patterns — alongside postural retraining and activity modifications for long-term recovery.
Gentle osteopathic mobilisation techniques to restore movement through the elbow, wrist, shoulder, and neck — addressing the full kinetic chain.
Recovering from shoulder impingement with your osteopath
At Body Align Osteo, we understand that shoulder impingement can be persistent and frustrating — particularly when it interferes with sport, work, or sleep. We take a thorough, individualised osteopathic approach to address not just your pain, but the postural and biomechanical factors driving it. Whether you're an athlete, a desk worker, or a tradie, our osteopathic treatment is built around getting you back to full function as quickly as possible.
Ready to move without pain?
Book a consultation and let's get your shoulder moving again.