What is it?
Frozen shoulder is a condition where the shoulder joint becomes stiff, painful, and difficult to move. It develops slowly and usually follows a pattern of worsening pain and limited movement, then gradually improves—but this process can take months or even years.
What causes it?
The capsule around the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, limiting movement. This can happen:
- After an injury or surgery if the shoulder isn’t moved regularly
- In people with diabetes, thyroid issues, or other metabolic conditions
- Without a clear cause in some cases
How it feels
- Pain in the outer shoulder or upper arm, often worse at night
- Stiffness that limits overhead movements, reaching behind, or even dressing
- Loss of range in all directions, especially lifting the arm or rotating it
The condition progresses in three phases:
- Freezing – Pain worsens, movement decreases
- Frozen – Pain may ease, but stiffness remains
- Thawing – Movement gradually returns
How physiotherapy helps
Physiotherapy is essential in all phases of frozen shoulder. Your physio will:
- Assess movement and pain levels
- Prescribe gentle stretching and mobility exercises suited to your stage
- Use manual therapy or soft tissue techniques when needed
- Teach home exercises and help adjust your activities to avoid strain
- Provide guidance for long-term recovery and prevention
Other treatments may include:
- Pain relief medications
- Injections such as cortisone and saline (hydrodilatation)
- In severe or long-lasting cases, your doctor might discuss procedures to release the tight joint (rarely needed)
Recovery
With the right care, most people regain near-full shoulder function, though recovery may take 1–3 years. Staying active within your limits and doing your exercises regularly is key.
Reference: Trehan SK, Levine WN, Malik AT. Adhesive Capsulitis. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023. NCBI Bookshelf NBK538297.
