Frozen Shoulder Therapy


Don’t let frozen shoulder stop you from doing what you love. Recover safely with Restore Physiotherapy.

What is Frozen Shoulder? 

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is inflammation and shrinking of the capsule (connective tissue) that surrounds the shoulder joint, leading to pain and restriction of movement. This is often felt as moderate to severe pain or a constant dull ache when rotating or elevating the shoulder. 

The capsule is like a plastic wrap that surrounds and supports the shoulder joint. With frozen shoulder, the affected area becomes inflamed and then shrinks, which restricts shoulder movement. Patients will often feel that their shoulder pain slowly increases, then decreases. Meanwhile, shoulder movement is said to be initially restrictive, but eases over time. 

While frozen shoulder can be self-limiting, this condition will get better with time and therapy. 

Frozen Shoulder

Signs and symptoms of frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder can come in 3 stages, with varying signs and symptoms. 

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Freezing Stage

  • Gradually increasing shoulder pain
  • Increasing restriction of movement
  • Pain is typically worse at night and in the early morning

Frozen Stage

  • Pain begins to decrease
  • Significant loss of shoulder movement
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Thawing Stage


  • Pain continues to ease
  • Gradual return of range of motion

Typically, the loss of movement range and pain in the shoulder can also be caused by osteoarthritis of the joint, rotator cuff injuries, and Bursitis/Impingement syndrome. Our team can rule this out with an X-ray and other physical assessments.  

Frozen shoulder therapy with Restore Physiotherapy

Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder is a condition that lasts a long time, which can be demotivating for most patients. At Restore Physiotherapy, our goal is to be with you at every stage with reassurance, guidance, and sound advice. Our team will first assess your scenario, injury history, and risk factors. 

We will then tailor a therapy plan for you based on your stage, keeping you educated and empowered with the right exercises and advice. This includes stretching, massage, progressive loading, strengthening, or stretching.  

Your recovery: Step-by-step 

Tailored
Freezing Stage

In the freezing stage, we will first confirm the diagnosis and help you understand more about frozen shoulder.

It’s important to know that while recovery can take anywhere from 1 to 2.5 years, the condition will improve over time. During this phase, our main focus is on managing pain and inflammation. 

We will also advise you on the types of activities you should do and which activities to avoid. 


Frozen Stage
Frozen Stage

During the frozen stage, pain often begins to subside, but shoulder stiffness may increase. Our goal here is to help you maintain as much movement as possible with simple, non-aggravating exercises. 

With pain becoming more manageable, we can gradually reintroduce movement-focused exercises. 

 We will continue to assure you at this stage, as progress may still feel slow, but staying consistent with gentle exercise helps prepare your shoulder for the next phase of recovery. 


Thawing Stage
Thawing Stage

In the thawing stage, the shoulder begins to loosen and range of motion improves. This is when we increase the intensity of both manual therapy and exercise therapy to restore your mobility and strength. 

Because pain is generally minimal at this stage, we encourage patients to gently work with their pain if it helps them regain movement. 

The focus now shifts toward rebuilding shoulder function and returning to your everyday activities with confidence. 


Physiotherapy case study: Treating
frozen shoulder in a swimmer

frozen shoulder in a swimmer

Scenario

A 56-year-old experienced swimmer visited us with shoulder pain that worsened after a bump to the shoulder. The pain increased with swimming and everyday activities, and was especially bad at night. The female patient’s shoulder movement was also restricted, particularly in rotation and lifting motions. An MRI confirmed she had frozen shoulder. 

Solution

Our team guided the patient about the stages of frozen shoulder and how it would progress. We then helped her develop pain management strategies, including the use of ice, heat, and modifying her activity. She stopped swimming with her arms but continued kicking in the pool with a kickboard to maintain fitness and mental well-being.  

Pain-free exercises, such as pendular movements, were prescribed 5 to 6 times a day. Over the next year and a half, she was monitored regularly, received two hydrodilatation injections, and followed a gradual rehabilitation plan that included water-based and strengthening exercises.  

Results

After about 12 months, her shoulder began to improve. Her exercise therapy progressed, and she gradually returned to swimming. By 18 months, she had full shoulder movement, improved strength, and was back to swimming pain-free, even better than before the injury.  

Book an appointment 

Better mobility starts here. Book an appointment online or contact Restore Physiotherapy to speak to our care team.

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Frequently asked questions

Yes, we typically see the following demographics being more at risk:  

  • Age: between 40 and 60
  • Women are more likely than men
  • Individuals with a history of frozen shoulder on the other side
  • Diabetics
  • Individuals with thyroid disorders

Patients often report moderate to severe pain. They also may feel a constant dull ache with sharp pains when movement is attempted.  

Yes, we do use adjunct therapies when appropriate. This may include dry needling to release muscle tension, joint mobilisations to improve shoulder mobility, and ultrasound therapy to assist with pain and inflammation. We always tailor these treatments to the stage of frozen shoulder and our patients' conditions.  

Here are a few common misconceptions we often hear:

  • “Push through the pain.” This can actually make things worse during the early (freezing) stage by increasing inflammation and slowing recovery.

  • “It should get better quickly.” Frozen shoulder normally takes 1 to 2 years to fully resolve. It's important to be patient and follow a guided rehab plan.

  • “Don’t move your shoulder at all.” While painful movements should be avoided, we do recommend doing gentle, pain-free movements to prevent further stiffness.