What Is Frozen Shoulder? Mitcham & Aspendale Gardens, Victoria
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes intense pain, stiffness, and severely restricted shoulder movement. It occurs when the connective tissue in the shoulder capsule thickens, leading to inflammation and the development of scar tissue.
The condition progresses through three stages—freezing stage, frozen phase, and thawing phase—and can take up to two years to resolve naturally.
While frozen shoulder can affect anyone, it is more common in women over 40, especially those with diabetes, thyroid disorders, or after an injury, surgery, or immobilisation, such as following a broken arm.
Our evidence-based therapies are designed to accelerate recovery, minimise discomfort, and restore your shoulder joint's range of motion.
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Comprehensive Frozen Shoulder Treatment Tailored to You
We take a personalised approach to frozen shoulder treatment, tailoring each program to your specific needs for optimal recovery.
Physiotherapy Excellence: Early on, we use gentle stretches to ease pain and preserve mobility, strengthening, and hands-on techniques to reduce stiffness and restore function.
Innovative Interventions: Hydrodilatation reduces inflammation and improves mobility, with rehab and advanced testing guiding your progress.
Holistic Recovery: Our multidisciplinary care includes strength and conditioning, nutritional advice to support healing, and education to help you understand and manage your recovery.
Relieve Pain and Restore Movement
At Full Speed Performance, we offer proven techniques to relieve pain and improve mobility:
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation during the early stages.
- Motion exercises like passive external rotation and passive supine forward elevation to maintain a pain-free range.
- Anti-inflammatory medication to decrease pain and stiffness.
Managing frozen shoulder requires a comprehensive approach, including pain relief, physical therapy, and strengthening exercises. We employ a multi-faceted strategy to ensure optimal recovery and long-term shoulder health.
Injuries We Treat
Knee Injuries
Shoulder Injury
Spine & Neck
Hip & Groin
Hamstring
Lower Leg
Ankle & Foot
Functional
Special Conditions
Veteran Team That Listens
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Symptom Management
We carefully assess and address your specific pain points and discomfort
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Pathology Understanding
We analyse your injury through detailed assessment and imaging when necessary
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Objective Progress Tracking
We measure your improvement week-by-week using advanced testing technology
Start Your Frozen Shoulder Recovery
With Full Speed Performance, you’re not just receiving treatment—you’re partnering with a team committed to your long-term health and performance. Let us guide you through a science-backed, results-driven recovery journey.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and start living pain-free, regaining control of your affected shoulder.
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Our physiotherapy team has been trusted by
Our team at Full Speed Performance has supported everyone from elite athletes to everyday individuals, earning the trust of professional sports teams, orthopaedic specialists, and performance coaches. We deliver the same high-quality care to every client, whether you're aiming for peak performance or simply want to move pain-free.
FAQ
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, occurs when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and stiff. It can be triggered by prolonged immobility after an injury, shoulder surgery, or underlying medical conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, or Parkinson’s disease. Risk factors include being over 40, being female, and having a recent history of shoulder trauma or immobilisation.
Recovery from frozen shoulder varies depending on the stage of the condition and the treatment approach. Without intervention, it can take up to two years to resolve. However, with tailored physiotherapy, hydrodilatation, and other treatments, recovery can be significantly accelerated, with noticeable improvements in mobility and pain relief in a few months.
Physiotherapy is highly effective in treating frozen shoulder by:
- Reducing pain through manual therapy and targeted exercises.
- Restoring mobility with stage-appropriate stretches and strengthening routines.
- Preventing long-term stiffness and ensuring a full range of motion.
At Full Speed Performance, we also incorporate advanced techniques like post-hydrodilatation stretching and data-driven performance tracking to enhance recovery.
Hydrodilatation is a safe and effective procedure involving the injection of saline, sometimes with corticosteroids, into the shoulder joint to stretch the capsule. It can reduce inflammation and pain, particularly in the early phases of frozen shoulder. Combined with physiotherapy, it often leads to quicker improvements in shoulder mobility.
While it’s not always preventable, you can reduce the risk of frozen shoulder by maintaining regular movement and avoiding prolonged immobilisation after shoulder injuries or surgery. Engaging in physiotherapy early after an injury or surgery can help maintain shoulder mobility and prevent stiffness.

