Frozen Shoulder – Why Early Physiotherapy Makes a Big Difference

jacob sciacca
Apr 28
1 min read

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a frustrating and often misunderstood condition. It causes pain, stiffness, and severe restriction in shoulder movement—often for months at a time. But the good news is, physiotherapy can make a big difference at every stage of the condition.

What is frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder occurs when the capsule around the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and thickens, reducing movement and causing pain. It commonly affects people aged 40–60 and is more frequent in women and those with diabetes or thyroid issues.

The 3 stages of frozen shoulder:

Freezing phase – Increasing pain and stiffness (may last 6–9 months)
Frozen phase – Pain reduces, but mobility is severely restricted (4–12 months)
Thawing phase – Gradual return of movement (6+ months)

Symptoms include:

Sharp or aching shoulder pain
Inability to lift the arm overhead or behind your back
Night pain and sleep disturbances
Loss of shoulder function in daily tasks

How to manage frozen shoulder:

Anti-inflammatory medication or corticosteroid injections can help reduce pain early on.
Stretching and mobility exercises are essential to maintain movement.
Physiotherapy is the key long-term solution to regain full shoulder function.