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Shoulder Impingement Treatment in Glen Iris

Expert physiotherapy for shoulder impingement and subacromial pain — in-clinic and in-home across Glen Iris.

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Suffering From Shoulder Impingement in Glen Iris?

Shoulder impingement, often referred to as impingement syndrome or rotator cuff tendinitis, occurs when the tendons of your rotator cuff and/or the bursa (a fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint) become compressed or pinched between the bones of your shoulder, specifically the top outer edge of your shoulder blade (acromion) and the rotator cuff tendons beneath it. This compression leads to inflammation, pain, and restricted movement.

Your rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that surround the shoulder joint, providing stability and enabling a wide range of motion, particularly for lifting and rotating your arm. When this space narrows, either due to swelling of the tendons or bursa, or structural issues, the impingement occurs. This condition is a common cause of shoulder pain, especially among individuals who engage in repetitive overhead activities.

patient shoulder getting diagnosed

Common Symptoms & Causes Of Shoulder Impingement

  • Pain and discomfort related to Shoulder Impingement
  • Reduced range of motion and flexibility
  • Muscle weakness or imbalance
  • Difficulty with daily activities or sport
  • Swelling or inflammation in the affected area

Our Shoulder Impingement Treatment Approach

Every patient is different. We start with a thorough assessment to understand exactly what’s causing your pain — then build a personalised treatment plan around your goals, lifestyle, and timeline.

  • Comprehensive Assessment: Detailed assessment of piriformis tightness, hip mechanics, and sciatic nerve irritation.
  • Manual Therapy & Soft Tissue Release: Hands-on piriformis and deep hip rotator release to reduce sciatic nerve compression.
  • Dry Needling: Targeted needling of the piriformis and gluteal muscles to release trigger points.
  • Stretching & Mobility Program: Targeted piriformis and hip rotator stretching to reduce nerve compression.
  • Hip & Core Strengthening: Progressive hip stabiliser and core strengthening to reduce piriformis overload.
  • Education & Self-Management: Guidance on activity modification, posture, and home exercises for long-term relief.

In-Clinic & In-Home Available

We treat patients both at our Glen Iris clinic and in the comfort of your own home — ideal for patients who find it difficult to travel.

NDIS Participants Welcome — We work with self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. Contact us to discuss your funding options.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Shoulder impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendons or bursa in your shoulder get pinched between the bones of your shoulder. This often happens during overhead movements, leading to pain and restricted motion.
Common symptoms include pain in the shoulder, especially when lifting your arm overhead or reaching behind your back. You might also experience weakness, stiffness, and pain at night, particularly when lying on the affected side.
Our physiotherapists conduct a thorough history and physical examination, assessing your shoulder, scapula, and spine mechanics. While imaging like X-rays or MRI can be useful, we prioritize clinical assessment to identify the root cause and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Recovery time varies depending on the severity and underlying cause. With consistent physiotherapy, many patients experience significant improvement within 4-8 weeks. Chronic cases or those with structural issues may require a longer rehabilitation period.
We offer a comprehensive approach including precision manual therapy, integrated load management, advanced dry needling, biomechanical movement analysis, neuromuscular re-education, and sport-specific rehabilitation. Our focus is on identifying and correcting the root cause, not just managing symptoms.
Yes, prevention is key. Maintaining good posture, strengthening the rotator cuff and scapular muscles, avoiding repetitive overhead activities without proper breaks, and addressing any biomechanical imbalances can significantly reduce the risk of impingement. Our team provides education and exercises to help prevent recurrence.

Ready to Get Started?

Book an appointment for shoulder impingement treatment at our Glen Iris clinic today.

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Or call us: (03) 9999 7271