Shoulder Pain Treatment in Richmond & South Yarra, Melbourne

Are you struggling with ongoing shoulder pain that’s limiting your movement, disrupting your sleep, or affecting your work or active lifestyle? Our experienced team of physiotherapists in Richmond and South Yarra specialise in shoulder pain treatment, with a strong focus on long-term recovery and preventing recurrence.

Whether you’re dealing with shoulder bursitis, rotator cuff injuries, or frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), we tailor each treatment to suit your condition, lifestyle, and goals. Using the latest evidence-based techniques including Shockwave Therapy and Dry Needling, we help relieve pain, restore mobility, and support full recovery—without relying on medication or unnecessary surgery.

Common Shoulder Injuries We Treat

At our physiotherapy clinics in Richmond and South Yarra, shoulder injuries are one of the most common musculoskeletal issues we see—especially among office workers, recreational athletes, and those recovering from repetitive strain or trauma.

We commonly treat:

• Shoulder Bursitis
  Caused by inflammation of the bursa (fluid-filled sacs), shoulder bursitis leads to pain and stiffness, particularly when reaching or lifting. Our treatment reduces inflammation and restores healthy shoulder movement.

• Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy & Tears
  The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilise the shoulder joint. Overuse or injury can cause tendon inflammation or partial tears, resulting in weakness and restricted motion.

• Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
  This painful condition causes progressive stiffness and can severely limit function over time. We offer a structured rehabilitation program to restore range and minimise long-term disability.

• Impingement Syndrome
  When tendons are compressed during shoulder movements, it leads to pain during lifting, reaching overhead or lying on the affected side. We use a combination of manual therapy, postural correction and mobility work to relieve this compression.

Our Specialist Approach: Find the Root Cause, Not Just the Symptoms

What sets our shoulder pain treatment apart in Richmond and South Yarra is our commitment to uncovering the root cause of your condition. Many shoulder injuries are not isolated problems—they often stem from poor posture, spinal dysfunction, muscle imbalance, or faulty movement patterns.

At your initial consultation, your physiotherapist will conduct a detailed assessment to identify:

• What structures are involved (tendons, bursae, capsule)

• Which movements aggravate the pain

• Underlying issues in posture, thoracic spine, neck, or scapular control

By getting to the bottom of what’s causing your shoulder pain—not just treating the symptoms—we’re able to provide lasting results and reduce your risk of re-injury.

Advanced Treatment Options Available

In addition to traditional physiotherapy techniques such as manual therapy, joint mobilisation, and exercise rehabilitation, we also offer specialist services for shoulder pain that accelerate healing:

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic pressure waves to stimulate blood flow, break down scar tissue, and promote tendon healing. It’s especially effective for chronic shoulder conditions such as rotator cuff tendinopathy, calcific tendinitis, and bursitis.

Unlike many other clinics, we offer Shockwave Therapy with no added fees—it’s part of our commitment to providing the best care without hidden costs.

Dry Needling

Dry needling targets trigger points within tight or overactive muscles to reduce pain and improve function. It’s particularly effective for releasing muscle tension around the shoulder blade, upper trapezius, and rotator cuff muscles, which often contribute to pain and poor movement.

Exercise-Based Rehabilitation

We build an individualised program that evolves as your shoulder improves—starting with pain reduction and range of motion, then progressing to strength, posture correction, and functional retraining.

Preventing Re-Injury: The Long-Term View

Our job isn’t just to get your shoulder moving again—it’s to make sure the pain doesn’t come back. Shoulder conditions often recur if the root cause isn’t addressed or if strength and movement patterns aren’t restored correctly.

We work with you to:

• Improve shoulder blade stability

• Correct muscle imbalances

• Address workplace ergonomics (especially for office workers)

• Build a long-term home exercise plan monitored by your physio

Our goal is always to keep you moving, pain-free—and back to the activities you love.

Convenient Locations in Richmond & South Yarra

Whether you live nearby or commute to work, our physiotherapy clinics in Richmond and South Yarra are ideally located to make your recovery as easy as possible. We offer:

• Flexible appointment times before and after work

• On-site access to advanced physiotherapy technology

FAQ: Shoulder Pain Physiotherapy – What You Need to Know

Can physiotherapy fix shoulder pain?

Yes, physiotherapy can be highly effective in treating shoulder pain—especially when the cause is muscular, postural, or due to tendon or joint dysfunction. With targeted treatment, most people experience a significant reduction in pain and return to normal function.

What is the fastest way to relieve shoulder pain?

While rest can help in the short term, the fastest and most effective relief comes from manual therapy, shockwave therapy, and targeted exercises prescribed by a physiotherapist. These methods not only reduce pain but also promote healing and mobility.

Do I need a referral to see a physio for shoulder pain?

No, you do not need a referral to see a physiotherapist in Australia. You can book directly with our Richmond or South Yarra clinics. However, if you’re planning to claim Medicare rebates under an EPC (Chronic Disease Management) plan, you will need a GP referral.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions depends on the severity of your condition and how long the pain has been present. Acute injuries may resolve within a few sessions, while chronic issues like frozen shoulder or rotator cuff tendinopathy may require a longer, progressive treatment plan.

Does Medicare cover physio for shoulder injuries?

Yes, if you have a GP-approved Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, Medicare may cover up to 5 subsidised physiotherapy sessions per calendar year. We also treat patients covered under WorkCover, TAC, and private health insurance.

Don’t let shoulder pain become a long-term problem. The earlier you seek treatment, the faster you can get back to a pain-free life. Our experienced team of physiotherapists in Richmond and South Yarra are ready to help you recover, move better, and stay injury-free.