A woman receiving physical therapy on a man's shoulder while lying on a treatment table in a gym or clinic setting.

Chiro & Physio for Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder holding you back? Our physios help restore movement and ease pain with targeted treatment. Book today to start your recovery!

Bald man with tattoo on his shoulder holding his neck outdoors.

Let’s beat frozen shoulder.

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) can make even simple tasks frustrating, whether it's reaching overhead, getting dressed, or sleeping comfortably.

The good news? You don’t have to put up with it. At Elite HP, we’ve helped clients recover from all stages of frozen shoulder, whether it developed after an injury, surgery, or came on gradually over time.

Our physios offer tailored treatment to reduce stiffness, ease pain, and restore your shoulder’s natural range of motion.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward freedom of movement, book an appointment today. We’re here to help.

female brisbane physio adjusting a patient with shoulder and neck pain

What causes frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder typically develops over time and can be triggered by injury, surgery, or even periods of immobilisation. In some cases, the cause isn’t always clear, but inflammation, scar tissue, and thickening of the shoulder capsule all play a role.

To help you understand it better, we’ve broken it down into key phases:

    • Persistent stiffness in the shoulder joint

    • Dull or aching pain, especially at night

    • Limited range of motion in all directions

    • Difficulty with everyday movements like reaching or lifting

  • Frozen shoulder most commonly affects people between the ages of 40 and 60, especially women. You're at higher risk if you’ve had:

    • Recent shoulder surgery or injury requiring immobilisation

    • Chronic health conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders

    • Poor posture or limited shoulder movement over time

    • A history of inflammation or autoimmune issues

    Early treatment can help prevent stiffness from worsening and restore movement more quickly.

  • Frozen shoulder progresses through three main stages, each with its own challenges. Understanding these phases can help you know what to expect during recovery:

    • Freezing stage – Pain gradually increases, and shoulder movement becomes more restricted over time. This stage can last weeks to months.

    • Frozen stage – Pain may lessen, but stiffness and limited mobility remain. Daily tasks often become more difficult.

    • Thawing stage – Movement slowly returns as the shoulder capsule loosens. Recovery can take several months.

    At Elite HP, we understand how frustrating and limiting frozen shoulder can be. Our physios tailor your treatment to match your current stage and help restore strength, mobility, and function as efficiently as possible.

A man performing a neck stretch on a woman in a gym, with both smiling and appearing to be enjoying the session.

Your Recovery is Our Priority

At Elite Health, we’ve helped thousands of locals—from active professionals to busy parents, recover from frozen shoulder and reclaim their mobility.

Our physios have worked with pro sports teams and major employers across Queensland, giving us the skills to treat frozen shoulder effectively, whether it developed from injury, surgery, or a gradual onset.

We stand by the quality of our care. If you’re not completely satisfied with your first physio session, we’ll refund the full appointment fee—no questions asked.

If frozen shoulder is limiting your life, don’t wait. Book your appointment today and take the first step toward long-term relief.

We don’t just treat symptoms, we work to fix the root cause. Our tailored approach combines hands-on therapy, targeted exercises, and education to help you understand your condition, speed up recovery, and prevent future flare-ups.

How do we treat frozen shoulder?

Physiotherapy for frozen shoulder starts with a detailed assessment to determine which stage you're in and what’s limiting your movement. From there, we create a personalised plan to reduce stiffness, ease pain, and gradually restore your shoulder’s full range. Common treatments include:

  • A person receives physical therapy, stretching arm; mirrored reflection.

    Active Release Technique

    Active Release Technique (ART) is a hands-on physio approach used to treat frozen shoulder by targeting tight or adhered muscles and connective tissue. It combines tension and guided movement to break down scar tissue and improve flexibility, especially useful during the frozen and thawing stages.

  • Close-up of acupuncture needles in a person's shoulder during treatment

    Dry Needling

    Dry needling is highly effective for releasing stubborn trigger points and deep muscle tension around the shoulder joint. It stimulates a local twitch response to relax tight muscles, reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and support healing—ideal when mobility is limited due to pain or stiffness.

  • A woman doing a kneeling exercise with assistance from a trainer in a gym setting.

    Exercise Therapy

    As stiffness eases, we’ll introduce specific exercises to gradually improve range of motion, restore function, and strengthen surrounding muscles. These targeted, progressive movements are key to long-term recovery, building resilience, improving joint health, and preventing recurrence of frozen shoulder.

  • Man with kinesiology tape on shoulder and tattoo

    Kinesio Tape, Cupping & More

    Complementary techniques like kinesio taping, cupping, or Graston scraping can help relieve tension, increase circulation, and support shoulder function between sessions. These methods assist in reducing discomfort and enhancing recovery throughout the different stages of frozen shoulder.

Ready to break free from frozen shoulder?

What makes Elite HP different?

  • Real results, not endless appointments.

    We focus on long-term recovery, not just short-term relief. Our goal is to uncover the root cause of your frozen shoulder and create a plan that helps you regain full function without needing ongoing weekly visits.

  • Hands-on treatment starts from day one.

    No waiting around. While others waste time on long consults, we get straight to work. After a quick, thorough assessment, hands-on treatment begins in your first session, so you feel the difference fast.

  • Physio, chiro, needling and more under one roof.

    From physio and dry needling to rehab and manual therapy, we offer complete care under one roof. No need to bounce between clinics—just focused, effective treatment for your frozen shoulder in one convenient location.

Physio For frozen shoulder FAQ

  • Yes, physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for frozen shoulder. At Elite HP, we use targeted techniques to reduce stiffness, ease pain, and gradually restore your shoulder’s full range of motion, no unnecessary treatments, just what works.

  • Recovery time can vary depending on the stage of your frozen shoulder. On average, most clients see noticeable improvements within a few weeks, with full recovery taking several months. At Elite HP, we tailor your treatment to accelerate progress safely and effectively.

  • We guide you through progressive exercises that focus on mobility, stretching, and strengthening. These include pendulum swings, wall climbs, and resistance work, customised for your stage of recovery. All exercises are carefully selected by our Elite HP physios to avoid aggravation and support healing.

  • No referral is needed. You can book directly with Elite HP and get started right away. We’ll assess your shoulder and begin treatment in your very first session.

  • Some discomfort is normal, especially in the early stages, but our Elite HP physios adjust each session to your tolerance. We focus on gentle but effective methods to minimise pain while improving mobility—no pushing through unnecessary pain.

  • Frozen shoulder often follows injury, surgery, or long periods of immobility. Underlying health conditions like diabetes can also be a factor. Physiotherapy not only treats current symptoms but also helps correct posture, improve strength, and prevent recurrence. At Elite HP, prevention is part of every plan we build.