Take Control of Your Shoulder Health Today
Don’t let shoulder pain limit your life. Book your consultation with Melbourne’s leading shoulder physiotherapy team today and start your journey to recovery.
With more than 1,000 shoulder patients treated annually, a deep research pedigree, and collaborations with surgeons, GPs, and sports medicine specialists, we set the gold standard in Melbourne’s shoulder physiotherapy.
Rotator Cuff and tendon conditions
Instability and dislocations
Labral and joint disorders
Post surgical rehabilitation
Neck related shoulder pain
Joint replacements
Elbow ligament repair
Elbow contracture release
Tendon repairs
Nerve decompression/transposition
Fractures non operative and post surgery
Led by Dr. Phillip Hughes, an internationally recognised shoulder expert, our clinic applies the latest evidence and research to every treatment. Dr. Hughes has presented at international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.
With over 30 years of experience treating shoulders and teaching shoulder diagnosis to students and physiotherapists, Dr. Hughes brings unparalleled skill and wisdom to every patient.
Dr. Phillip Hughes has the highest level of expertise assessing and treating shoulder conditions, while building strong rapport with patients.
We use dynamometers to objectively measure shoulder strength and real-time ultrasound to visualise what’s happening inside your shoulder, ensuring precise assessment and progress tracking.
Our centrally located East Melbourne clinic offers appointments before, during, and after work. We also offer home consultations to make recovery even easier.
Every patient receives an individualised treatment plan crafted from a comprehensive assessment — with regular plan adjustments as you heal and improve.
This consultation will involve taking a detailed history of your shoulder issue. We will look at the whole person, involving a biopsychosocial approach to assessing your shoulder issue. We will investigate any lifestyle factors that may be playing a part in your continuing pain, as well as looking for connections to specific shoulder structures that may be at fault. Following the detailed history, a comprehensive physical examination will be completed. This will be a detailed, evidence-based approach to assessment.
Once a clear understanding of your problem is established, we will explain the issue to you in clear terms, so you have an accurate understanding of the issues involved. We want you to ask questions. It’s important that you feel heard. We will take the time to explain your situation, as we see it, and develop a clear understanding of what we, and you, need to do to help you back on the path to good health again.
As part of your assessment, we will use real-time ultrasound to visualise the tendons of the shoulder to add to our
process of diagnosis. This adds another layer of certainty when assessing a shoulder and allows an effective treatment approach to be developed.
When assessing your muscle strength, we use a dynamometer. This is an electronic device that measures your strength and creates a graph. The advantage of using this is that it provides a baseline for assessing strength in the future. We can identify your improvement as it occurs over time.
We will then layout a systematic approach to treatment involving exercises, manual therapy and lifestyle modification.
Exercises will form an important part of your treatment to strengthen the muscles around your shoulder, to stretch tight shoulder ligaments and muscles, and to improve the way your shoulder moves.
Strengthening is critical for rehabilitating tendon injuries, such as when a rotator cuff is damaged. Research tells us that to heal a tendon, we need to put load through it. Stretching (or mobilising) tight structures can be seen as normalising movement. It is critically important in a frozen shoulder. It is equally important when shoulder impingement is an issue.
Stretching a tight posterior shoulder capsule is important in overcoming this.
We see patients and therapists as a team. We communicate, give you time, and work together for the best outcome for your shoulder.
“After having visited other hand therapists Jennifer was a breath of fresh air! She made me feel very comfortable and her knowledge and care were outstanding! She made me feel confident that she could help my complicated situation”
“I have attended 2 appointments with Kate at the Bundoora clinic and I have found it to be very friendly and professional. Kate gave me all options for treating my hand condition and explained fully what to expect with my treatment plan. I would highly recommend Kate and Melbourne Shoulder Therapy”
If shoulder pain, stiffness, or weakness is limiting your daily activities — from getting dressed to playing sport — shoulder physiotherapy can make a world of difference. Many people wait, hoping it will pass, only to face worsening symptoms. Our shoulder physiotherapists uncover the root cause, whether it’s a rotator cuff issue, impingement, frozen shoulder, or instability. By addressing both symptoms and the underlying problem, we help you recover faster and prevent future injury. Whether your goal is to return to sport, work comfortably, or simply sleep without pain, shoulder physio offers a personalised solution.
Your first appointment is all about understanding your shoulder story. We start with a detailed history and comprehensive physical assessment, including range of motion, strength, and functional testing. Using technologies like ultrasound and dynamometers, we generate precise data on your shoulder’s condition. After explaining the findings clearly, we’ll create a personalised treatment plan with hands-on therapy, exercises, and practical advice to get you started immediately. You’ll leave with clarity, confidence, and a clear roadmap — plus a team ready to support you between sessions.
Recovery time depends on your condition, how long you’ve had it, your overall health, and your consistency. Acute injuries often improve in 2–3 sessions, while chronic conditions like frozen shoulder may take 8–12 weeks. Post-surgical rehab timelines vary, sometimes requiring several months. We set measurable goals, track progress objectively, and adjust your plan as you recover. Consistency matters — attending sessions, doing exercises, and following advice can dramatically speed up recovery and help you get lasting results.
Absolutely! We work with elite athletes, weekend warriors, gym-goers, and active people across all sports. Our shoulder physiotherapists understand the specific demands of each sport, tailoring rehab to address strength, mobility, endurance, and sport-specific technique. We also collaborate with coaches, trainers, and medical teams to ensure a safe and confident return to play. Whether you’re aiming for the podium or just want to stay active without pain, we’re here to get you back in the game — better and stronger.
We are Melbourne’s only clinic focused exclusively on shoulder physiotherapy. Led by Dr. Phillip Hughes, an internationally recognised expert, we combine cutting-edge research, objective data, and compassionate care. We use real-time ultrasound and dynamometers to measure progress precisely, ensuring the best outcomes. But beyond the tech, it’s our personalised approach that sets us apart — no cookie-cutter programs here. We listen, we care, and we craft treatment plans that fit your life, goals, and recovery journey.
Don’t let shoulder pain limit your life. Book your consultation with Melbourne’s leading shoulder physiotherapy team today and start your journey to recovery.