Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Bunbury

Expert Help to Restore Shoulder Movement & Comfort

Are you experiencing ongoing shoulder stiffness or pain that seems to be getting worse over time? You may be dealing with Frozen Shoulder, also known as Adhesive Capsulitis—a condition that can severely limit your shoulder movement and disrupt daily life.

At Spine & Sports Physio Bunbury, we help people of all ages restore shoulder function and reduce pain so they can return to work, exercise, and daily activities without restriction.

What is a Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and a progressive loss of movement in the shoulder joint. It occurs when inflammation and thickening of the joint capsule lead to adhesions forming around the shoulder, limiting its normal range of motion.

It most commonly affects:

• Adults aged 40–60

• People with diabetes

• Those recovering from shoulder injury, surgery, or immobilisation

Frozen shoulder is often confused with rotator cuff injuries, which is why an accurate diagnosis from an experienced physiotherapist is essential. The right treatment at the right stage can make a big difference in your recovery time.

Common Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

You may have frozen shoulder if you experience:

• Gradual onset of shoulder stiffness and pain

• Difficulty reaching above shoulder height or behind your back

• Pain while lying on the affected side

• Sharp discomfort with sudden arm movements

• Struggling with everyday tasks like reaching for a seatbelt or dressing

The 3 Stages of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three phases, each lasting 3–6 months (or longer if untreated):

1. Freezing Stage:
   Increasing pain and gradual loss of shoulder movement

2. Frozen Stage:
   Reduced pain but significant stiffness and functional limitations

3. Thawing Stage:
   Slow return of shoulder mobility with minimal discomfort

Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the total recovery time and improve long-term outcomes.

What Causes Frozen Shoulder?

While the exact cause is still debated, frozen shoulder often occurs when the joint has been immobilised for a long period due to:

• Injury or trauma

• Surgery

• Illness that limits movement

Other risk factors include diabetes, thyroid disorders, and autoimmune conditions.

How We Can Help at Spine & Sports Physio Bunbury

Our experienced physiotherapists use proven techniques to reduce pain and restore movement during all stages of frozen shoulder.

Your personalised treatment plan may include:

• Joint mobilisations to improve shoulder range and reduce stiffness

• Soft tissue massage to reduce surrounding muscle tightness

• Dry needling or acupuncture, with electrotherapy if indicated, for targeted pain relief

• Stretching and strengthening exercises to support recovery and improve function

• Kinesio-taping to support posture and reduce discomfort

• Referral for corticosteroid injection if necessary to help manage severe pain

We’ll guide you every step of the way to help you regain confidence, comfort, and control over your shoulder again.

Don’t Let Shoulder Pain Freeze Your Life

Is your shoulder getting stiffer and more painful by the week? Unsure what’s causing the issue or worried about time off work?

Our team at Spine & Sports Physiotherapy Bunbury can help you move freely again and return to the things you love.