A recent study found that 37% of Australians aged over 65 experience shoulder pain. While it doesn’t get the same attention as knee or hip pain, shoulder pain can affect daily function, work performance, sleep and overall quality of life.
While the shoulder’s high mobility and reliance on soft tissues for stability make it a more complex joint to replace than hips or knees, those qualities also mean that many shoulder problems can be effectively managed with non-surgical methods.
getback™ Clinical Director Geoffrey Mackay says the getback shoulder treatment program is a clear, measurable pathway to guide patients from pain to long-term prevention.
Early stage: Understanding pain and limitations
‘The getback patient journey begins with an objective assessment, rather than subjective guesswork,’ he says.
‘We use our TGA-registered medical devices to measure the patient’s range of motion, muscle strength and imbalance, pain levels during movement and functional limitations.’
‘This data-driven approach ensures that every patient starts with a clear baseline to enable treatment planning.’
Activation phase: Safe and guided movement
Mackay says that shoulder pain often leads to avoidance of movement, but inactivity actually worsens the problem. The getback shoulder program introduces safe, controlled activation on getback exercise therapy devices.
‘The devices are bio-mechanically optimised to protect joints,’ he says.
‘The device screens guide movement within a safe range of motion and load is adjusted automatically when the patient touches on with their personalised program card.’
‘It means that patients can regain confidence as they move without fear of overload or re-injury.’
Resilience phase: Building strength and function
Once the patient’s mobility improves, the shoulder program focus shifts to progressive strengthening.
Mackay says the getback devices adapt to the patient’s capability and progression.
‘Resistance and movement patterns remain controlled and isolated and the patient’s progress is continuously tracked through data collected by the devices during exercise.’
‘This ensures consistent progression for the patient and avoids plateaus or setbacks.’
Monitoring & feedback: Data-driven care
One of the biggest gaps in traditional therapy is a lack of measurable outcomes.
With getback exercise therapy software:
- Patient data is recorded from every exercise session
- Therapists can adjust load and movement parameters instantly
- Patients stay motivated by tracking their progress with regular re-assessments.
Prevention phase: Long-term shoulder health
Mackay says that constant monitoring and supervision by getback therapists creates transparency and accountability in the rehabilitation process.
‘Recovery is not the end, the goal is long-term prevention,’ he says.
‘This is where healthcare meets wellness, ensuring patients remain active, strong and pain-free.’
‘The getback shoulder program is more than a set of devices — it’s a fully integrated care pathway.’
