Shoulder pain and stiffness can make even the simplest daily activities difficult — from combing your hair to reaching for something on a shelf. One of the most common conditions behind this is frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis. It is a progressive condition that limits your ability to move your arm freely and, if left untreated, can take years to resolve.
Understanding what frozen shoulder is, why it happens, and how physiotherapy can help is key to managing the condition effectively.
What Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder occurs when the tissues around the shoulder joint become inflamed and thickened, leading to stiffness and restricted movement. The shoulder capsule, which surrounds the joint, tightens and develops scar tissue, making movements painful and limited.
It usually develops gradually and can last between one to three years if not treated properly. The condition commonly affects people between the ages of 40 and 60, and women tend to be at higher risk.
Stages of Frozen Shoulder
The condition typically progresses through three distinct phases:
- Freezing Stage
- Lasts 2–9 months.
- Shoulder becomes increasingly painful, especially at night.
- Range of motion begins to decrease.
- Frozen Stage
- Lasts 4–12 months.
- Pain may ease, but stiffness worsens.
- Everyday tasks like lifting, reaching, or rotating the arm become very difficult.
- Thawing Stage
- Lasts 6–24 months.
- Gradual improvement in mobility.
- Function slowly returns as the shoulder “unfreezes.”
Knowing these stages is important because the right treatment approach can vary depending on where you are in the cycle.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
While the exact cause of frozen shoulder is not always clear, several factors increase the risk:
- Prolonged immobility (after surgery or injury)
- Medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, heart disease, or Parkinson’s
- Age and gender: more common in people over 40, especially women
- Previous shoulder injury or repetitive strain
Symptoms to Watch Out For
- Persistent pain in the shoulder joint
- Increasing stiffness over time
- Difficulty lifting the arm overhead or behind your back
- Pain that disrupts sleep, particularly when lying on the affected side
If these symptoms continue for weeks without improvement, it’s recommended to seek medical assessment or consult a physiotherapist.
How Frozen Shoulder Is Diagnosed
A physiotherapist or doctor will usually:
- Review your medical history
- Perform a physical examination to assess range of motion
- In some cases, order imaging tests like X-rays or MRI to rule out other conditions (e.g., arthritis or rotator cuff tears)
Treatment Options
The good news is that frozen shoulder can be managed effectively, especially with early intervention. Treatment usually focuses on reducing pain and restoring mobility.
1. Pain Management
- Heat or cold therapy to relieve discomfort
- Anti-inflammatory medications if prescribed
- Corticosteroid injections in more severe cases
2. Physiotherapy
This is the most effective non-surgical approach. A physiotherapist will:
- Teach gentle stretching and mobility exercises
- Perform manual therapy techniques to loosen the joint
- Design a home exercise plan to maintain progress
3. Advanced Interventions
If symptoms persist despite conservative care, options such as joint distension (hydrodilatation) or arthroscopic surgery may be considered.
Recovery Tips at Home
- Stay consistent with exercises recommended by your physiotherapist
- Apply heat before stretching to loosen the joint
- Practice good posture to reduce strain on your shoulder
- Be patient — recovery can take time, but gradual improvement is a positive sign
Why Physiotherapy Is Essential
Physiotherapy is not only about pain relief — it addresses the root cause of frozen shoulder by improving flexibility and strength. With guided therapy, many patients can return to normal daily activities faster and prevent long-term disability.
If you’re in Malaysia and want a detailed resource that explains frozen shoulder in depth — from causes, symptoms, and treatment options to recovery advice — check out PhysioCare’s guide to Frozen Shoulder. It’s a comprehensive reference designed to help patients understand their condition and make informed choices about treatment.
Conclusion
Frozen shoulder is a condition that demands attention, patience, and the right treatment plan. While it can resolve naturally over time, physiotherapy speeds up recovery, reduces discomfort, and helps you regain full mobility.
By understanding the stages, symptoms, and treatment options, you can take control of your shoulder health and get back to doing the activities you enjoy. For a more detailed breakdown and professional guidance, don’t miss the in-depth article by PhysioCare on frozen shoulder treatment and recovery.
