Up to 2 in 3 people will experience shoulder pain at some point in their lifetime, according to Healthdirect (2023). Find out how you could use your Bupa health insurance cover to help treat and manage shoulder pain.
How Bupa can help you manage shoulder pain
Shoulder pain can affect your sleep, mood and daily routine. But there are steps you can take to manage or even resolve your injury, with the right help.
You might be experiencing short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) discomfort. While it’s true our joints change with age, there’s also ways we can prevent pain by tweaking our exercise routines, or sitting posture.
Using your cover to help manage shoulder pain
Bupa has thousands of registered Members First providers across Australia. As a Bupa member, you may pay less on physiotherapy services when you visit a Members First provider.*
Physios can help you manage a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions in the body, including conditions related to shoulder pain. They assess and treat your condition through various techniques such as hands-on treatment, movement and exercise.
Find a provider
You can check your cover for physio treatments on the myBupa app.
A GP can help direct you to the right treatment pathway if physiotherapy isn’t helping the pain go away.
If you’re looking for an online appointment, eligible^ Bupa health insurance members can access a Blua online doctor 24/7 to request a prescription, referral, or general medical advice, on demand.
For those who live in Sydney, you can visit our Seaforth Healthcare Centre.
Some other health providers who can help treat and manage your shoulder pain are:
- Osteopaths
- Remedial massage therapists
- Myotherapists
- Occupational therapists
- Sports and exercise physicians
- Orthopaedic surgeons
Depending on your level of extras cover, you might be able to get money back when you see these providers. You can check your cover on the myBupa app.
How to check what your policy covers
How you’re covered
We know understanding your health insurance is a lot to take in, as even a basic hospital or extras policy can cover hundreds of individual services.
You can see what's included under your policy on the myBupa app.
How to check your health insurance cover:
- Log in to your myBupa account.
- Select cover.
- See membership details, what you’re covered for, and who’s included in your policy.
- Download your policy statement as a PDF if you need.
Please contact us if you need more specific information about individual services, especially if you're going into hospital.
More support options
Talk to a Bupa health coach to help manage your condition
If you're living with a long-term medical condition such as osteoarthritis or diabetes, need support to get back on track, or just want to find a healthier you, Bupa’s health coaching program is here to help. Get information or advice from a qualified nurse or dietitian at times that suit you.
Learn about Bupa health coaching
This program provides resources and health information as a guide only, not as a substitute for medical advice or a professional endorsement. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Explore our going to hospital resources
Sometimes, when treatment doesn’t bring relief anymore, you might require surgery. Explore our going to hospital resources to help make your hospital experience as simple as possible.
Explore more resources on shoulder pain
Rotator cuff injury and treatment
A rotator cuff injury is an injury affecting the muscles and tendons in your shoulder. It’s a common cause of shoulder pain, especially in older and active people.
[Video] Stretches to ease aches and pains
For most of us, modern life isn’t designed with our backs, shoulders, and necks in mind. We might spend many hours sat at a desk, driving, or using devices that strain our upper body.
Frozen shoulder: Symptoms, causes and treatments
Frozen shoulder is a condition where your shoulder becomes painful and stiff. Its medical name is ‘adhesive capsulitis’. Taking painkillers and doing exercises can help ease your symptoms.
* Depending on your level of cover, for most services at our Members First extras providers covering dental, physiotherapy, chiropractic and podiatry consultations. Bupa has Members First providers for these services. Not available in all areas. Yearly limits, benefit claiming restrictions, waiting periods, fund and policy rules apply.
^ Waiting periods, fund and policy rules apply. Members will only be able to book general doctor appointments via Blua. Appointments with specialists cannot be booked via Blua. Members who are under 18 years old may need to attend the appointments with a parent or guardian. Available on all eligible extras and combined products that include Blua online doctor appointments. 100% of the appointment fees will be covered for Blua online doctor appointments. Service provided by third party partner.
To book online doctor appointments once you've reached your yearly service limit, you'll need to book directly with another provider such as Doctors on Demand.
For Bupa OSHC and OVC members: 100% of the consultation fees will be covered for Blua online doctor appointments. Yearly limits apply to Essential Lite Visitors cover, but these limits will be waived (only in relation to Blua consultations) until further notice.
Members’ preferred language may not be available 24/7.
These resources are not intended to be a comprehensive list or to represent that Bupa endorses any specific health practitioner or program. Everyone’s health journey is individual and health outcomes can vary from person to person. These resources are also not intended to be a replacement for personalised and specific medical, healthcare or other professional advice. If you have any concerns about your health, see your doctor or other health professional.