PHYSIOMOTIVEWhat a frozen shoulder is
Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, is a condition in which the lining around the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and tight. The shoulder loses movement in all directions, not only in one.
It is most common between about 40 and 60 years of age and is seen more often in people with diabetes or thyroid conditions. It can also follow an injury or a period when the arm was kept still. Often there is no clear cause.
The usual stages
- Freezing: pain increases, often worse at night, and movement starts to reduce
- Frozen: pain may ease a little but the shoulder is very stiff
- Thawing: movement slowly returns
- The whole course can take many months and sometimes longer than a year, which is why steady, guided treatment matters
How we treat it
The right treatment depends on the stage. In the painful phase the aim is to calm the shoulder down. As it stiffens, the focus moves to gentle, regular movement.
- Pain-settling techniques and advice on positions for sleep
- Hands-on mobilisation of the shoulder and shoulder blade
- Guided stretching and range-of-motion exercises you repeat at home
- Strengthening for the shoulder and upper back as movement returns
- Electrotherapy or dry needling where they suit your case
Is it frozen shoulder or something else?
Rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement, arthritis and pain referred from the neck can feel similar. A frozen shoulder is stiff when someone else moves your arm as well, not only when you move it yourself. We examine the shoulder and neck to tell them apart, and tell you if scans or a doctor's opinion are needed.
When to see a doctor first
Physiotherapy is not right for every problem. Get medical attention promptly if you have any of these:
- Shoulder or arm pain together with chest pain, breathlessness, sweating or pain spreading to the jaw. Treat this as an emergency
- Shoulder pain after a fall or injury, or a visible deformity
- A red, hot, swollen shoulder, especially with fever
- Sudden weakness in the arm, or loss of the ability to lift it
- Constant severe pain that does not change with movement
Frequently asked questions
How long does frozen shoulder take to recover?
It varies widely. Frozen shoulder commonly runs its course over many months and, in some people, a year or more. Physiotherapy aims to reduce pain, keep the joint moving and help you regain function along the way.
Should I stop using my arm?
No. Keeping the shoulder completely still tends to make it stiffer. Gentle movement within a comfortable range, as guided by your physiotherapist, is usually advised.
Is frozen shoulder linked to diabetes?
It is seen more often in people with diabetes. If you have diabetes or a thyroid condition, tell us during the assessment.
How do I sleep with a painful shoulder?
Many people find it easier to lie on the other side with a pillow hugging the sore arm, or to sleep slightly propped up. We suggest positions that suit you.