Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a condition where the shoulder joint capsule becomes inflamed and stiff, progressively restricting movement and causing significant pain. It typically develops in stages over months to years. A Cochrane review found moderate-quality evidence that photobiomodulation (cold laser therapy) combined with exercise may reduce pain and improve function compared to exercise alone.
🏥 Est. 1972
💳 All major health funds accepted
📍 528 Marion Road, Plympton Park
Does this sound familiar?
💻 Office & Desk Workers
What you might be feeling:
- Difficulty reaching behind you to tuck in a shirt or fasten a bra
- Shoulder pain that disrupts sleep, especially lying on the affected side
- Increasing difficulty reaching for files, overhead shelves or a seatbelt
- A gradual loss of movement that crept up over weeks or months
Frozen shoulder can develop without an obvious injury. Office workers often notice it when reaching across a desk becomes painful or when they cannot lift their arm to wash their hair. The condition progresses through three stages — the “freezing” phase (increasing pain), the “frozen” phase (maximum stiffness), and the “thawing” phase (gradual recovery). The entire process can take 12 to 30 months without intervention.
The Adelaide Cold Laser connection: A Cochrane review found that cold laser therapy combined with exercise was more effective than exercise alone for frozen shoulder pain and function. Treatment is painless and requires no recovery time. Our location on Marion Road suits commuters.
A proper assessment: If your shoulder has been gradually locking up, an assessment can help determine what stage you may be in and whether photobiomodulation is appropriate.
Book a Consultation
🧓 Retirees & Older Adults
What you might be feeling:
- Cannot reach the top shelf or hang washing on the line
- Sleep disrupted every night by shoulder pain
- Difficulty dressing — putting on a jacket feels impossible
- Loss of independence in daily tasks that you once did without thinking
Frozen shoulder most commonly affects people between 40 and 60, but it can develop at any age. Diabetes is a significant risk factor — people with diabetes are 2 to 4 times more likely to develop adhesive capsulitis. The combination of pain and progressive movement restriction can significantly impact quality of life and independence.
The Adelaide Cold Laser connection: Cold laser therapy is gentle and non-invasive. There are no needles and no medication. Treatment sessions are comfortable and brief. We are open Saturday mornings for convenient appointments.
A proper assessment: If your shoulder has been getting stiffer and more painful, understanding what stage the condition is in can help guide the most appropriate approach.
Book a Consultation
🏃 Active Adults & Weekend Warriors
What you might be feeling:
- Cannot throw a ball, swim or lift weights with the affected arm
- A deep ache in the shoulder that limits your sport
- Frustration that stretching does not seem to help
- Pain that started months ago and has progressively worsened
Active adults find frozen shoulder particularly frustrating because the condition restricts the movements that define their lifestyle. Unlike a muscle strain that responds to rest and gradual loading, frozen shoulder involves the joint capsule itself becoming thickened and contracted. Traditional rehabilitation can be slow, which is why many people explore additional modalities.
The Adelaide Cold Laser connection: Research suggests that photobiomodulation may help when combined with exercise — producing greater improvements in pain and function than exercise alone. A systematic review found that LLLT was the only modality with moderate evidence supporting its use across all four common shoulder conditions.
A proper assessment: If your shoulder has been restricting your activity for weeks or months, an assessment can help determine whether cold laser therapy alongside rehabilitation may be appropriate.
Book a Consultation
🏥 Nurses & Shift Workers
What you might be feeling:
- Cannot reach overhead for equipment or supplies
- Pain when lifting or turning patients
- Shoulder stiffness that worsens with long shifts
- Sleep disruption from shoulder pain compounding shift fatigue
Healthcare workers who develop frozen shoulder face a particular challenge — the physical demands of patient care cannot easily be modified. Reaching, lifting and sustained arm positions are inherent to the role. Frozen shoulder can develop following a minor shoulder injury, after surgery, or without any identifiable trigger.
The Adelaide Cold Laser connection: We are open from 7am and across lunch. Treatment sessions are brief and require no recovery time, making it possible to fit around shift patterns. Cold laser therapy does not require medication, which some shift workers prefer.
A proper assessment: If shoulder stiffness is affecting your ability to do your job, understanding the underlying cause is the first step toward managing it.
Book a Consultation
How photobiomodulation may help frozen shoulder
A Cochrane review of 19 RCTs found moderate-quality evidence that cold laser therapy combined with exercise may reduce frozen shoulder pain by 19 points on a 100-point scale and improve function compared to exercise alone. A separate systematic review found that LLLT was the only modality with moderate evidence supporting its use across all four common shoulder conditions.
Frozen shoulder involves inflammation and fibrosis (thickening) of the joint capsule. The capsule contracts, reducing the volume of the joint space and restricting movement in all directions. This process can be painful, disabling and slow to resolve.
What the research suggests may occur with PBM:
- Pain reduction — The Cochrane review found a 19-point pain reduction on a 100-point scale when LLLT was combined with exercise (95% CI 15–23, moderate-quality evidence)
- Improved function — Function improvements were maintained at 4 months in the same trial
- Treatment success — In one trial, 80% of participants reported treatment success with LLLT compared to 10% with placebo (low-quality evidence)
- Broad shoulder evidence — A systematic review of 25 SRs and 44 RCTs found LLLT to be the only modality with moderate evidence for all shoulder conditions — impingement, rotator cuff, adhesive capsulitis and non-specific shoulder pain
Photobiomodulation may influence the inflammatory component of frozen shoulder and support the biological processes involved in tissue remodelling. By delivering specific wavelengths of light to the shoulder capsule and surrounding structures, PBM may modulate the cellular environment in ways that support recovery alongside exercise.
Individual responses to photobiomodulation vary. Frozen shoulder typically requires a sustained course of treatment. The condition has a natural history of eventual resolution, but this can take 1–3 years without intervention. A thorough clinical assessment is recommended before commencing any treatment plan.
The evidence
📊 COCHRANE SYSTEMATIC REVIEW · 2014
Page MJ et al. — 19 RCTs, 1,249 participants
The gold standard of evidence synthesis for frozen shoulder electrotherapy. This Cochrane review found moderate-quality evidence that LLLT plus exercise for 8 weeks was more effective than placebo plus exercise. Pain was reduced by 19 points on a 100-point scale (95% CI 15–23). Function improvements were maintained at 4 months. In a separate comparison, 80% of participants receiving LLLT alone reported treatment success at 6 days versus 10% in the placebo group. No adverse events were reported in either group.
PMID: 25271097 | DOI
Published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Individual responses vary.
📊 SYSTEMATIC REVIEW · JMPT · 2017
Hawk C et al. — 25 systematic reviews + 44 RCTs
A comprehensive review of all conservative, non-drug, non-surgical shoulder treatments. The reviewers found that low-level laser therapy was the only modality with moderate evidence supporting its use across all four common shoulder conditions: impingement syndrome, rotator cuff disorders, adhesive capsulitis and non-specific shoulder pain. This is a significant finding — no other single modality achieved this breadth of evidence.
PMID: 28554433 | DOI
Published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. Individual responses vary.
📊 RCT · Am J Phys Med Rehabil · 2025
Erdinc F et al. — 60 patients
This recent RCT compared LLLT, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and control groups for frozen shoulder. Both LLLT and ESWT improved pain at 3 weeks, but at 12 weeks the LLLT group showed greater improvements in range of motion, overall Constant-Murley score and quality of life measures (physical and emotional role limitations). This suggests that LLLT may offer advantages over other modalities in the medium term.
PMID: 40857136 | DOI
Published in the American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Individual responses vary.
“Low-level laser was the only modality for which there was moderate evidence supporting its use for all 4 [shoulder] conditions.”
— Hawk et al., JMPT, 2017
What to expect — Treatment walkthrough
Your first visit ($99)
- Assessment — Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) will assess your shoulder range of motion, pain patterns and functional limitations. This helps determine the stage of your frozen shoulder and whether photobiomodulation is appropriate.
- Treatment — The Multi-Radiance MR5 ACTIV PRO (ARTG-listed, 370913) is applied around the shoulder joint capsule. Treatment is painless. A typical shoulder session takes approximately 10–15 minutes.
- Exercise guidance — The strongest evidence supports cold laser therapy combined with exercise. Dr Johnson will provide appropriate shoulder exercises based on the stage of your condition. These are typically gentle range-of-motion exercises that work within your current comfortable range.
- Your plan — Frozen shoulder typically requires a sustained course of treatment. Dr Johnson will discuss what may be appropriate based on your assessment findings. No lock-in plans. The decision is always yours.
Standard visits (from $80)
Follow-up sessions combine treatment delivery with exercise progression as your range of motion improves.
Red Flags — When to See Your GP Urgently
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- 🔴 Sudden shoulder pain after a fall or trauma (may indicate fracture or dislocation)
- 🔴 Inability to lift your arm at all combined with severe pain (may indicate rotator cuff tear)
- 🔴 Shoulder pain with shortness of breath, chest pain or jaw pain (cardiac symptoms can refer to the shoulder)
- 🔴 Fever with a hot, red, swollen shoulder (may indicate infection)
- 🔴 Unexplained weight loss combined with persistent shoulder pain
These symptoms require urgent medical investigation beyond the scope of cold laser therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does frozen shoulder last?
The natural history of frozen shoulder varies significantly. Without intervention, the condition typically progresses through three stages — freezing (2–9 months), frozen (4–12 months) and thawing (5–24 months). Total duration can range from 12 months to over 3 years. Some people recover full range of motion; others retain mild restrictions. The Cochrane review found that LLLT combined with exercise may improve pain and function outcomes compared to exercise alone, which may support a more comfortable recovery process.
Can I still use my arm during treatment?
Yes, and in fact gentle use is encouraged. The evidence supports cold laser therapy alongside exercise — not instead of it. Avoiding use of the shoulder (while tempting when it is painful) can lead to further stiffening. The key is working within your comfortable range and gradually progressing as your mobility improves.
Why does my shoulder hurt more at night?
Night pain is one of the hallmark features of frozen shoulder. When lying down, the inflamed joint capsule is compressed, and the absence of daytime movement allows the capsule to stiffen further. Many people find that sleeping on the unaffected side with a pillow supporting the affected arm provides some relief.
How much does treatment cost at Adelaide Cold Laser?
Your first visit is $99, which includes a thorough assessment and treatment where clinically appropriate. Standard sessions start from $80. Most private health funds cover part of the cost under chiropractic extras. No lock-in plans. If you prepay for sessions you do not end up using, we refund them in full.
My GP said frozen shoulder just resolves on its own — why would I try treatment?
Frozen shoulder does have a natural history of eventual resolution, and your GP is correct about that. However, “eventual” can mean 1–3 years, and many people retain some residual restriction. The question is whether you want to wait — potentially in significant pain — or explore approaches that the evidence suggests may help manage symptoms and support recovery along the way. A Cochrane review found moderate evidence that LLLT combined with exercise improves outcomes compared to exercise alone. Individual responses vary.
I have already had a cortisone injection — can I still try cold laser?
Yes. Cortisone injections and photobiomodulation work through different mechanisms. Cortisone suppresses local inflammation (which can provide temporary relief), while PBM delivers light energy that may influence cellular processes and tissue remodelling. The two approaches are not mutually exclusive. Many people explore photobiomodulation when injection relief has been temporary or when they prefer to avoid repeat injections.
What makes frozen shoulder different from other shoulder conditions?
Frozen shoulder is distinct because it involves the joint capsule itself — the “sleeve” that surrounds the shoulder joint. Other conditions like rotator cuff injuries or impingement involve the muscles and tendons around the joint. In frozen shoulder, the capsule becomes inflamed, thickened and contracted, which progressively restricts movement in all directions. This is why stretching alone often feels ineffective — the capsule is physically preventing the movement.
Is there a link between diabetes and frozen shoulder?
Yes. Diabetes is one of the strongest risk factors for adhesive capsulitis. People with diabetes are 2–4 times more likely to develop frozen shoulder, and the condition tends to be more severe and longer-lasting. The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it is thought to relate to the effects of elevated blood glucose on connective tissue. If you have diabetes and are developing shoulder stiffness, early assessment is recommended.
What device do you use and is it the same as what was used in the research?
We use the Multi-Radiance MR5 ACTIV PRO, an ARTG-listed (370913) super-pulsed laser device. It delivers multiple wavelengths including 905 nm super-pulsed laser, 875 nm infrared and 640 nm red light. The Cochrane review and other trials used various LLLT devices with wavelengths typically in the 780–904 nm range, which falls within the spectrum delivered by our device.
Will I get my full range of motion back?
Most people recover a significant proportion of their range of motion, though some retain mild restrictions that may not be noticeable in daily activities. The Cochrane review found that LLLT combined with exercise improved function outcomes that were maintained at 4 months. Recovery depends on multiple factors including the severity of capsular involvement, how long the condition has been present, and individual biology. Individual responses vary.
Can frozen shoulder affect both shoulders?
Approximately 6–17% of people with frozen shoulder will develop it in the other shoulder, though typically not at the same time. Having had frozen shoulder on one side is a risk factor for developing it on the other. The condition rarely recurs in the same shoulder.
Related conditions
References
- Page MJ et al. (2014). Electrotherapy modalities for adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2014(10):CD011324. PMID: 25271097
- Hawk C et al. (2017). Systematic Review of Nondrug, Nonsurgical Treatment of Shoulder Conditions. JMPT, 40(5):293-319. PMID: 28554433
- Erdinc F et al. (2025). Effects of Low-Intensity ESWT and LLLT on Shoulder Adhesive Capsulitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Am J Phys Med Rehabil, 105(2):119-126. PMID: 40857136
About Adelaide Cold Laser
Practitioner: Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor)
Qualifications: BSc(Chiro), MChiro — Macquarie University
Practice: Adelaide Cold Laser, 528 Marion Road, Plympton Park SA 5038
Phone: (08) 8297 5277
Hours: Mon–Fri 7am–7pm, Sat 8am–12pm
Device: Multi-Radiance MR5 ACTIV PRO (ARTG 370913)
Last clinically reviewed: April 2026 by Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor)
The information on this page is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Photobiomodulation (cold laser therapy) is a complementary approach. Individual responses vary. All clinical claims are supported by peer-reviewed research cited in the references section. If you are unsure whether cold laser therapy is appropriate for your situation, please discuss with your treating health professional.
