No More stiff, Sore, weak or Clicking Shoulders
Nearly 25% of all Australians are currently living with some form of constant shoulder pain or injury. Most of these are easily treatable. Without requiring surgery or any other invasive medical procedure.
rehab injuries
faster
Whether your injury or condition requires surgery, Exercise Physiology can play a major role in speeding up your recovery journey. Rebuilding strength, stability and function.
Fix your pain & stiffness
In many instances, your injury or condition can be remedied with appropriate movement and exercise. Removing the need for surgery or other invasive medical procedures.
Expert Coaching & guidance
Correct exercise prescription and measured progression will ultimately determine the quality of your results. Make sure to entrust this to the best certified experts.
Why empower?
At Empower, we aim to change lives. Helping you to achieve better health, function and vitality through effective movement and exercise. Begin to live pain-free and unlock an optimised version of yourself.
Our service offering includes Injury Rehabilitation, Workplace Injury, Chronic Pain, Back + Neck Pain, NDIS, Pre + Post Operative, Chronic Fatigue, Arthritis + Osteoporosis, Cardiovascular Disease and Mental Health.
​
Our practitioners are highly skilled, trained and compassionate, meaning you are putting your health in the best of hands. We pride ourselves on our results and our customer service, earning us a 5 star rating from our current and previous clients.
People Loving What We Do
meet the team
Matthew Donovan
Matthew is the driving force behind Empower Exercise Physiology. Founding the clinic in 2014 with the vision of helping people experience the therapeutic effect of exercise. With over 10 years of experience as an accredited Exercise Physiologist, he has established a reputation on the Northern Beaches for providing exceptional care in a professional and personable manner.
​
His professional interest lies in musculoskeletal rehabilitation and pain management. He has considerable experience managing complex presentations and people across the age spectrum.
Luke Stait
An Accredited Exercise Physiologist, Luke has a passion for movement because of the physical and psychological benefits it provides. Bringing a high level of care to each client he sees, Luke aims to impart upon them the tools and knowledge needed to continually improve their own health and wellbeing.
Luke has considerable experience in the area of musculoskeletal rehabilitation, Cardio-metabolic conditions, disability and sporting populations. His capabilities in managing a broad range of people have allowed him to be effective across the spectrum of rehabilitation to performance.
Shoulder Issues we treat
Shoulder Instability + Dislocation
A shoulder dislocation occurs when the shoulder joint separates. With the ball leaving the socket of the joint. As this injury is normally associated with a traumatic event to the shoulder, after one dislocation, further dislocations can occur. Some individuals can be more susceptible to dislocation due to genetic traits causing a shallow joint socket. These increased risk factors for dislocation are referred to as shoulder instability.
​
Regardless of whether surgical intervention is required, exercise rehabilitation will always be a part of treatment to ensure the joint is strong and stable. An Exercise Physiologist is an essential part of this rehabilitation process. Working with you to help rebuild strength and function when transitioning back to regular activities. We can ensure you are doing everything necessary to properly rehabilitate from injury, and avoid any ongoing pain and instability.
​
Speak to an expert about your Shoulder Dislocation or Instability.
Shoulder Labrum Tear
The labrum of the shoulder is a soft tissue structure that deepens the socket of the shoulder, providing stability to the joint. Labrum tears have a range fo different causes and can create symptoms such as the shoulder catching or locking, lack of strength, limited range of motion, and a feeling of instability and pain when sleeping.
​
As the tear begins to heal, the muscles around the joint must be correctly re-strengthened and correct movement must be restored. The complexity of the shoulder joint means that pain-free movement and structural integrity is the primary focus of treatment. An Exercise Physiologist can help by guiding you on how to restore both strength and movement to allow the injury to heal.
​
Speak to an expert about your Shoulder Labrum Tear.
Rotator cuff injury
Your rotator cuff is a group of small muscles within the shoulder that are responsible for keeping the joint stable. Tears within these muscles can make your shoulder feel painful and weak when performing activities like reaching overhead, grabbing objects from a shelf or heavy lifting.
​
If your goals are more focused on living an active life with normal shoulder function, then conservative treatment such as Exercise Physiology is a smart option. Utilising mobility techniques to restore range of motion and a variety of strengthening exercises to allow normal use of the shoulder again.
​
Speak to an expert about your Rotator Cuff Injury.
shoulder bursitis
A bursa is a fluid-filled sac which helps specific areas of your body to move without friction and rubbing. Bursitis is a condition where a bursa becomes irritated and inflamed. The condition is most often due to overuse or a sudden increase in loading you are not accustomed to, typically causing pain at the top of the shoulder when reaching up overhead.
​
Once we have identified the cause of your shoulder bursitis, the goal of treatment is to reduce pain sensitivity and restore mobility. Performing specific exercises to rebuild shoulder strength and mobility without irritating the bursa in the process. Occasionally a corticosteroid injection may be a used if the bursa is significantly inflamed. This will help reduce sensitivity and allow for engaging in an exercise program.
​
Speak to an expert about your Shoulder Bursitis.
SLAP TEar
A SLAP (Superior Labral from Anterior to Posterior) tear occurs when you tear the cartilage within the inner shoulder joint. Often caused by a traumatic incident or extended overuse, particularly with overhead movements, SLAP tears decrease the range of motion in the shoulder and can cause pain and discomfort.
​
Typically, a specialist will arrange scans of your shoulder to understand the type and severity of the tear. This helps to determine whether surgery is required or a non-operative management approach can deliver equal benefit. Either way, an Exercise Physiologist will support your rehabilitation journey with appropriate exercise and movement prescription and progression.
​
Speak to an expert about your SLAP Tear.
1/507 Pittwater Rd
Brookvale NSW 2100
Empower changes lives. Helping people achieve better health, function and vitality through effective movement and exercise. Begin to live pain-free and unlock an optimised version of yourself.
© Empower Exercise Physiology 2022