Condition Guide
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder can cause significant shoulder pain and stiffness, making daily tasks such as dressing, reaching and sleeping difficult. Physiotherapy can help guide safe movement, symptom management and function through the different stages of recovery.
Overview
Understanding Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, usually involves pain and marked stiffness of the shoulder joint.
It can develop gradually and may take a long time to improve.
Treatment depends on the stage, irritability and impact on daily life.
At a Glance
- Common symptoms: Shoulder stiffness, Pain with reaching or dressing, Difficulty reaching overhead or behind the back.
- Common contributors: Often no clear cause, May follow injury, surgery or reduced use, May be associated with diabetes or thyroid conditions.
- Recovery varies by: severity, duration, irritability, general health and activity demands.
- Physiotherapy may help: when symptoms affect movement, function or confidence.
Common Symptoms
Shoulder stiffness
Pain with reaching or dressing
Difficulty reaching overhead or behind the back
Night pain
Reduced active and passive movement
Difficulty washing hair, fastening clothing or sleeping
Why Does It Happen?
Several factors may contribute, and the most relevant factors vary between people.
Often no clear cause
May follow injury, surgery or reduced use
May be associated with diabetes or thyroid conditions
Joint capsule stiffness
Pain-related guarding
Reduced shoulder movement over time
When Should I Seek Urgent Medical Attention?
Seek prompt medical assessment if symptoms are associated with:
- Severe pain after trauma
- Changed shoulder shape
- Fever or feeling unwell
- Unexplained weight loss
- New arm weakness or numbness
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Rapidly worsening pain
These symptoms do not automatically mean that a serious condition is present, but they should be assessed promptly by an appropriate medical professional.
Physiotherapy Assessment
Symptom history and duration
Active and passive shoulder movement
Functional limitations
Pain irritability
Medical history including diabetes or thyroid conditions
Screening for other causes of stiffness
How Physiotherapy Can Help
Treatment is individualised and may include:
Education about stages and expectations
Gentle mobility matched to irritability
Pain-management strategies
Manual therapy where appropriate
Home movement plan
Functional rehabilitation as movement improves
Recovery and What to Expect
Frozen shoulder can take months or longer to improve. The goal is to manage symptoms, maintain useful movement and gradually restore function without forcing highly irritable movement.
Recovery is often slow, but gradual improvement is common. The treatment plan changes as the condition moves through its different stages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is frozen shoulder serious?
It is usually not dangerous, but it can be painful and limiting.
Should I force the shoulder?
No. Movement should be guided by irritability and stage.
How long does it last?
Recovery varies and can be slow.
Can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy may help with education, safe movement and function.
Can I book via WhatsApp?
Yes. Appointments can be arranged by phone or WhatsApp.
Evidence Corner
Frozen shoulder is commonly managed with education, symptom control and stage-appropriate movement. The best plan depends on pain irritability and functional limitation.
Treatment recommendations should combine current evidence, clinical expertise and your individual assessment.
Marna’s Clinical Perspective
Frozen shoulder needs patience and precision. The right amount of movement matters more than forcing range at all costs.
Marna’s Tip
If the shoulder is very irritable, gentler and more consistent movement often works better than aggressive stretching.
Related Services
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
Resource in development
Exercise Rehabilitation
Resource in development
Manual Therapy
Resource in development
Chronic Pain Management
Resource in development
Related Conditions
Osteoarthritis
Resource in development
Post-operative Stiffness
Resource in development
Related Resources
Exercise Library
Resource in development
Patient Guide
Resource in development
Video
Resource in development
Recovery Programme
Resource in development
Recommended Exercises
Exercises should be selected according to the individual assessment. Exercise links remain marked as Resource in development until approved by Marna Webb.
Gentle pendulum movement
Resource in development
Assisted shoulder mobility
Resource in development
Table slides
Resource in development
External rotation mobility
Resource in development
Functional reaching
Resource in development
Strengthening when appropriate
Resource in development
Need Help With Frozen Shoulder?
Contact Marna Webb Physiotherapy for an individual assessment and treatment plan.