Cold Laser Therapy for Frozen Shoulder in Adelaide

Photobiomodulation is one option that may be considered for shoulder pain and stiffness associated with frozen shoulder, alongside assessment and exercise guidance where clinically appropriate.

Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, can make everyday movements like reaching, dressing, sleeping and driving more difficult. Research suggests photobiomodulation combined with exercise may help some people with shoulder pain and function. Individual responses vary.

Book a Consultation
Call (08) 8297 5277

Suitability is discussed before care begins. Individual responses vary.

528 Marion Road, Plympton Park
Initial consultation: $99
Standard consultation: $120
No lock-in plans
The decision is always yours

Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor)
Private-pay cold laser service
Open Monday to Saturday
Assessment before suitability

Does this sound familiar?

Frozen shoulder can affect work, sleep, exercise and daily tasks. These patterns can help you decide whether it is worth booking an assessment.

Reaching feels restrictedDifficulty reaching overhead, behind your back, into cupboards or across the car.

Sleep is disruptedShoulder pain or stiffness makes it difficult to find a comfortable position.

Movement is gradually shrinkingThe shoulder feels like it has slowly lost range rather than suddenly failed.

Work or daily care is harderLifting, dressing, washing hair, driving, gardening or shift work tasks are becoming more difficult.

Shoulder pain and stiffness can have different causes. A consultation is used to assess whether this approach is suitable for you. Individual responses vary.

Quick answers before you book

$99 initial consultation
$120 standard consultation
Private pay
No lock-in plans
Progress reviewed regularly

If these patterns sound familiar, an assessment can help clarify whether photobiomodulation may be appropriate for your presentation.

What happens at your first visit

You explain the problem

Your visit starts with a conversation about your shoulder symptoms, movement limits, work demands, exercise goals, sleep disruption and health history.

Suitability is assessed

Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) assesses the shoulder area and discusses whether photobiomodulation may be appropriate for your presentation.

Your options are explained

You are told what is being considered, what the limits are, and what other options may be worth discussing.

You decide

No lock-in plans. The decision is always yours. Any care is discussed after assessment and reviewed regularly.

All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.

No lock-in plans. The decision is always yours.

The aim is to make the next step clear: what may be contributing to your shoulder pain and stiffness, whether photobiomodulation may be suitable, and what other management options may be worth considering.

Individual responses vary. Not all presentations are suitable for photobiomodulation.

Book a frozen shoulder consultation

Discuss whether cold laser therapy may be appropriate for your shoulder pain and stiffness presentation.

$99

Initial consultation, assessment and care where clinically appropriate

Book a Consultation

528 Marion RoadNo lock-in plansPrivate pay

Booking a consultation does not mean treatment is suitable or required. Suitability is discussed after assessment. Individual responses vary.

How photobiomodulation may help

Photobiomodulation uses selected wavelengths of light applied around the shoulder region. For frozen shoulder, published research suggests it may help some people with pain and function when combined with exercise or usual care.

Multi Radiance MR5 ACTIV PRO cold laser therapy handheld device with protective eyewear — The MR5 ACTIV PRO photobiomodulation device used at Adelaide Cold Laser.

Frozen shoulder often involves stiffness and sensitivity around the shoulder joint capsule. Symptoms may be influenced by movement tolerance, sleep, work demands, health history and how long the shoulder has been restricted. Your plan should account for those factors rather than treating shoulder pain as a single isolated problem.

This section summarises general research and clinical reasoning. It does not guarantee a result or replace individual assessment. Individual responses vary.

Evidence snapshot

Research on frozen shoulder includes systematic reviews and randomised trials. The main practical takeaway is that photobiomodulation may be considered as part of a broader plan, particularly alongside exercise guidance.

Cochrane review

Page et al., 2014, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

This review reported moderate-quality evidence that low-level laser therapy with exercise may improve pain and function compared with exercise alone in the included frozen shoulder trials.

Systematic review

Hawk et al., 2017, JMPT

This systematic review considered nondrug, nonsurgical care for shoulder conditions and reported moderate evidence for low-level laser therapy across the shoulder-condition evidence it reviewed.

Randomised controlled trial

Erdinc et al., 2025, American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

This randomised controlled trial compared low-intensity laser therapy and shockwave therapy added to exercise for shoulder adhesive capsulitis, and reported improvements in pain and shoulder measures in the laser therapy group. Individual results may differ.

Research summaries describe study findings, not a promise of individual results. Study protocols do not determine your care plan. Suitability and any ongoing care are discussed after assessment.

When to seek urgent medical advice

Please seek medical advice promptly if shoulder pain follows significant trauma, is associated with chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, unexplained weight loss, marked swelling, spreading redness, arm weakness, numbness, or symptoms that feel unusual for you.

If you are unsure whether your symptoms are urgent, contact your GP or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for advice. In an emergency, call 000.

Common questions about frozen shoulder and cold laser therapy

How long does frozen shoulder last?

Frozen shoulder can vary widely from person to person. Some people notice gradual improvement, while others have ongoing pain, stiffness or movement restriction. A consultation can help clarify your current presentation and whether photobiomodulation may be appropriate as part of a broader management plan.

Can I still use my arm?

In many cases, gentle use within a tolerable range is discussed as part of care. Avoiding all shoulder movement may not be helpful for everyone, but activity should be guided by your presentation and any advice from your healthcare providers.

Why does my shoulder hurt more at night?

Many people with frozen shoulder report night discomfort. The reasons can vary, including shoulder position, sensitivity, stiffness and difficulty finding a supported sleeping posture. If night pain is severe, changing, or associated with other symptoms, medical review is recommended.

How much does a visit cost at Adelaide Cold Laser?

Your first visit is $99 and standard consultations are $120. The first visit includes assessment and care where clinically appropriate. Any ongoing care is discussed after assessment. No lock-in plans. The decision is always yours.

Can cold laser therapy be used with exercises?

Research on frozen shoulder often considers photobiomodulation alongside exercise or usual care. Depending on your presentation, exercise guidance, activity changes, GP input or other management options may be worth discussing.

These answers are general information only. They do not replace assessment or professional advice. Individual responses vary.

Talk through your shoulder stiffness clearly

If shoulder pain and stiffness are affecting sleep, work, dressing, driving or exercise, a consultation can help you understand whether photobiomodulation may be appropriate for you.