Shoulder Pain Treatment Geelong
When Your Shoulder Just Won't Cooperate
Shoulder pain has a way of affecting everything, doesn't it?
You can't reach into the back seat of your car. You can't lift your arm to put on a shirt. You can't sleep on that side anymore. Simple things like washing your hair or reaching for something on a shelf become a pain-filled challenge.
If you're dealing with shoulder pain in Geelong, you're probably frustrated. You've tried rest. You've tried heat or ice. Maybe you've tried some stretches you found online. But it's still there, limiting what you can do.
Here's the thing: shoulder pain rarely fixes itself without addressing the underlying cause. And that's where proper assessment and treatment comes in.
I'm Dr. Nic, and I've been helping Geelong locals with shoulder pain at Latrobe Terrace Chiropractic since 2009. Whether it's a recent injury or something that's been nagging you for months, let's figure out what's going on and get you moving properly again.
What's Causing Your Shoulder Pain?
Your shoulder is the most mobile joint in your body. That mobility comes at a cost—it's also one of the most unstable joints, which makes it vulnerable to injury and dysfunction.
The most common causes of shoulder pain I see in Geelong patients:
Rotator cuff strain or tendinitis. The muscles and tendons that stabilize your shoulder get irritated or torn. Feels painful when lifting your arm, especially overhead or out to the side. Common in tradies, gym-goers, and people who do repetitive overhead work.
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis). Your shoulder joint gets stiff and painful, restricting movement in all directions. Usually develops gradually over months. More common in people with diabetes or after a period of immobility.
Impingement syndrome. Tendons in your shoulder get pinched between bones when you lift your arm. Feels sharp when raising your arm, especially between 60-120 degrees. Often worse at night.
AC joint problems. The joint at the top of your shoulder (where your collarbone meets your shoulder blade) gets irritated or separated. Pain right at the top of your shoulder, worse with overhead activities or when reaching across your body.
Referred pain from your neck. Nerve irritation in your neck can cause shoulder pain. If your shoulder pain is accompanied by neck stiffness or arm tingling, this might be the culprit.
Bursitis. The fluid-filled sacs that cushion your shoulder get inflamed. Feels achy and tender, worse with movement and at night.
Labral tear. The cartilage ring around your shoulder socket tears. Feels like a catching or clicking sensation, unstable, sometimes painful. Usually from injury or repetitive stress.
Poor posture and muscle imbalances. Rounded shoulders and forward head posture put stress on your shoulder joint and muscles. Develops gradually, often accompanies desk work or phone use.
The first visit at our Geelong clinic is about figuring out exactly what's causing your shoulder pain, because treating a rotator cuff strain is very different from treating frozen shoulder or neck-related pain.
How Do You Know If You Need Treatment?
Most people wait too long before getting help with shoulder pain. They think it'll just go away on its own. Sometimes it does. Often, it doesn't.
You should book in if you're experiencing:
Shoulder pain that's lasted more than a week or two
Difficulty lifting your arm overhead or out to the side
Pain that's worse at night or disrupting your sleep
Weakness in your shoulder or arm
Shoulder pain that's affecting your work, sport, or daily activities
You've tried rest, ice, heat, or anti-inflammatories and they're not helping
Clicking, catching, or grinding sensations in your shoulder
Here's what needs immediate attention:
Shoulder pain after a significant fall or impact
Sudden, severe shoulder pain with no obvious cause
Complete inability to move your shoulder
Shoulder pain with chest pain or shortness of breath (could be heart-related)
Shoulder pain with fever or redness/swelling
If you've got any of those red flags, call us at 5224 1838 or seek immediate medical attention.
How I Treat Shoulder Pain at Our Geelong Clinic
Shoulders are complex, so I don't use a cookie-cutter approach.
Here's what happens when you come in:
First Visit: Assessment & Treatment
We'll talk about your shoulder. When did it start? What movements hurt? What activities are you struggling with?
Then I'll do a comprehensive examination:
Orthopedic tests to identify which structure is causing the problem (rotator cuff, AC joint, labrum, etc.)
Range of motion testing in all directions
Strength testing to check for weakness or muscle imbalances
Posture assessment because shoulder position and neck posture affect shoulder function
Cervical spine evaluation because sometimes shoulder pain is actually coming from your neck
If I think we can help, we'll start treatment that day. If you need imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, MRI) or a referral to another specialist, I'll let you know.
Treatment Approach
For most shoulder pain cases in Geelong, my treatment includes:
Chiropractic adjustments. Adjustments to your neck, upper back, and shoulder complex to restore proper movement and reduce pain. Your shoulder doesn't work in isolation—we treat the whole system.
Soft tissue therapy. Hands-on work to release tight muscles in your shoulder, neck, and upper back. Rotator cuff muscles, pecs, upper traps, and lats often need attention.
Shoulder mobilization. Gentle joint mobilization to improve range of motion and reduce stiffness, especially important for frozen shoulder or impingement.
Rehabilitation exercises. Specific stretches and strengthening exercises to address muscle imbalances and stabilize your shoulder. This is crucial for long-term recovery.
Postural correction. If rounded shoulders or forward head posture are contributing to your pain, we'll work on retraining your posture.
Activity modification advice. Guidance on what activities to avoid or modify while you're healing, and how to gradually return to normal function.
What About Recovery Time?
Honest answer: shoulders can be stubborn.
Acute shoulder strain (recent injury): Usually responds within 2-4 weeks with proper treatment.
Rotator cuff tendinitis or impingement: Typically 4-8 weeks, depending on severity.
Frozen shoulder: This one's the longest. It can take 3-6 months to see significant improvement, sometimes longer. But treatment helps manage pain and maintain as much movement as possible.
Post-surgical rehabilitation: Depends on the surgery, but I can help with rehab once your surgeon clears you for treatment.
I'll give you a realistic timeline after your first assessment. If progress is slower than expected, we'll adjust the approach or refer you for imaging or specialist review.
Why Geelong Locals Choose Latrobe Terrace Chiropractic for Shoulder Pain
There are other options in Geelong. Here's why people come to us:
No pressure selling. I'm not going to lock you into a long-term treatment plan. We'll work together and adjust based on your progress.
Same-day treatment. If I can help, we'll start treatment on your first visit.
You see the owner every time. I'm the only chiropractor here. Consistent care, no rotating practitioners.
Family-owned practice. Been at 293 Latrobe Terrace since 2009. Not a corporate chain.
Comprehensive approach. I don't just adjust your shoulder. I assess your whole body—neck, upper back, posture—because they all affect shoulder function.
Honest about limitations. If your shoulder pain needs surgery or specialist care, I'll tell you and help you get to the right person.
Book Your First Appointment - $65 Special
FAQs About Shoulder Pain Treatment in Geelong
Can a chiropractor help with shoulder pain?
Yes, in many cases. Chiropractic care is effective for rotator cuff issues, impingement, frozen shoulder, muscle strains, and posture-related shoulder pain. If your shoulder needs surgery or specialized orthopedic care, I'll refer you.
How much does shoulder pain treatment cost in Geelong?
First visit is $65 (special offer). Follow-up visits are $65 also. Most private health funds cover chiropractic through HICAPS, so you can claim on the spot.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly online at chirogeelong.au or call 5224 1838.
Will you adjust my shoulder?
If appropriate, yes. Shoulder adjustments are usually gentle joint mobilizations, not the "cracking" you might associate with spinal adjustments. I'll explain what I'm doing before I do it.
How many visits will I need?
Depends on your condition. Acute strains might need 3-5 visits. Chronic issues like frozen shoulder or tendinitis might need 8-12 visits over a few months. I'll give you an estimate after assessing you.
Can you help with shoulder pain from gym or sports?
Absolutely. I work with a lot of gym-goers, tradies, and local athletes dealing with shoulder injuries. We'll address the injury and help you return to your activity safely.
What if my shoulder pain is coming from my neck?
That's actually common. Referred pain from cervical spine issues can cause shoulder pain. I'll assess both your neck and shoulder to figure out the source and treat accordingly.
Should I stop exercising with shoulder pain?
Depends on the cause. Some activities need to be modified or stopped temporarily. Others can continue with adjustments. We'll discuss what's safe for your specific situation.
Book Your Shoulder Pain Assessment Today
Located at 293 Latrobe Terrace in Geelong (free parking at rear of building).
Open Monday to Saturday
Phone: (03) 5224 1838
Online booking: chirogeelong.au - First visit just $65.
Let's figure out what's causing your shoulder pain and get you moving freely again.
Book Online Now
Servicing Geelong and Surrounding Areas
We help patients with shoulder pain from all over the Geelong region, including:
- Geelong CBD
- Newtown
- East Geelong
- West Geelong
- South Geelong
- Geelong West
- Belmont
- Highton
- Breakwater
- Thomson
- Manifold Heights
- Herne Hill
Convenient location on Latrobe Terrace with parking available.
Latrobe Terrace Chiropractic Health Centre
Dr. Nicholas Robb - Chiropractor
293 Latrobe Terrace, Geelong VIC 3220
Phone: (03) 5224 1838
AHPRA Registered | 4.9★ Rating
Same-day appointments available. No hard sells. No long-term contracts. Just honest chiropractic care for Geelong locals.