Shoulder Physiotherapist Brisbane

At South City Physiotherapy, we have Philippa who has vast experience in the shoulder area of physio in Brisbane.

For almost thirty years, we have been working with patients suffering from shoulder pain and injury to devise treatments and exercises that support recovery and rehabilitation.

Our physio team will work with you to address your shoulder injury, and develop an exercise and treatment programme that will help to prevent further damage.

How we treat shoulder pain

Shoulder pain is commonly the result of joint damage, or inflammation of rotator cuff muscles, tendons and ligaments, and can result in a loss of control and flexibility.

We therefore begin the process by examining the shoulder joint and muscles. This will enable your physio to diagnose the underlying cause(s) of your shoulder pain, and then determine the best way to treat the issue and create a pain management plan.

We provide treatment across many types of shoulder issues, including frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), bursitis and rotator cuff tears.

Why choose physiotherapy to treat shoulder pain?

Shoulder issues can be extremely debilitating, and make everyday tasks, such as reaching overhead with your arms, for example, very painful.

This is because the shoulders have a complex structure of muscles, joints and ligaments that give us great flexibility, but also mean that there is potential for things to go wrong.

This is why you need to see a shoulder physio with experience and a special interest in the distinct physiotherapy techniques used to treat shoulder pain.

How shoulders work

Human shoulders have three main bones: the scapula or shoulder blade; the clavicle or collar bone; and the humerus, or upper arm bone. There are two main joints that facilitate movement; the acromioclavicular joint and the glenohumeral joint.

The rotator cuff is the name that is given to the four shoulder muscles and their tendons, and it is these which give the shoulders strength and stability when they are moving.

This complex structure is what enables the shoulder to achieve such a wide range of movement, but at the same time it can lead to shoulders being at increased risk of injury and shoulder pain.

For example, rotator cuff tears and damage to other muscles, ligaments and tendons are common, as are fractures of the clavicle, humerus and scapula.

Repetitive movement can also lead to shoulder pain, while in some cases weakness in the shoulder muscles or inflexibility in the shoulder joint can be genetic.

Physiotherapy can be used to treat common acute shoulder pain and discomfort, such as frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) and bursitis, as well as injuries resulting from trauma.

It is also an effective treatment for arthritis, which is inflammation of the shoulder joint, and tendinitis where the tendons in the shoulder have inflammation

Shoulder physio also treats AC joint injuries and shoulder fractures, both of which are usually the result of trauma.

How your shoulder physio Brisbane will help you manage pain

Physiotherapy is not just about treatment — it is also about creating an effective management plan, while helping you to avoid aggravating activities and develop healthy habits.

For example, as part of a rehabilitation programme after a shoulder injury, your physio may advise you to change how you sleep.

Many patients with shoulder problems find that putting a pillow under their elbow to elevate the arm while sleeping can strengthen the shoulder, reduce pain and discomfort, and enhance your quality of life.

How does physiotherapy alleviate shoulder pain?

We have been dealing with patients experiencing all types of shoulder pain at our Brisbane physiotherapy clinic for almost thirty years.

This includes shoulder issues such as frozen shoulder, damaged rotator cuff muscles, bursitis (caused by bursa, small fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction in body joints) and other common acute conditions.

Our physiotherapy experience means that we can develop a treatment, rest and management plan that is tailored to your specific needs, and which will benefit you by giving you greater control over your shoulder functions.

At your initial consultation, we will undertake a review of your medical history and determine potential causes of your pain or injury.

We will also work with you to develop a rest, exercise and rehabilitation programme, and provide education and advice about how to avoid potential aggravating activities.

Other physiotherapy treatment at our Brisbane clinic

In addition to treating shoulder pain, we provide a comprehensive range of physiotherapy treatment at our Brisbane clinic.

This includes specialist physiotherapy for neck pain, arm pain and other parts of the body, including the pelvis (helpful if you are finding it difficult to sit or stand without support).

Do I need a referral for physiotherapy treatment?

Although a referral from your doctor is helpful, it is not required to book an appointment with a shoulder physio at South City Physiotherapy.

Bulk bill physiotherapy appointments

We can provide bulk bill shoulder physio Brisbane services if you have a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) referral from your GP.

Bulk billing is also available for Workcover, Compulsory Third Party (CTP) and Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) patients.

However, a gap fee may be applied to bulk billing for the groups listed above,

Please speak with reception at our Brisbane physio clinic at the time of booking an appointment for more information about treatment costs.

Make a Brisbane shoulder physio appointment

You can call us on (07) 3010 7400, book online using the use this form, or make an appointment today via email at scp@southcityphysio.com.au.

We are open Monday to Friday 7.00am to 7.00pm, and limited free parking is available on site.