Frozen Shoulder: Stages, Treatment and What Physio Can Do
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) makes the shoulder painful and very stiff in every direction. It moves through freezing, frozen and thawing stages over months. Physiotherapy eases pain and restores movement faster with stage-appropriate mobility and strengthening.
Frozen shoulder is most common between ages 40 and 60, and more common in people with diabetes or thyroid conditions. It often starts with no obvious injury and can be frustratingly slow without guidance.
The three stages
Freezing: pain increases and movement starts to disappear, often with night pain. Frozen: pain eases but the shoulder is very stiff. Thawing: movement slowly returns. Each stage can last several months.
How physiotherapy helps
Early on we focus on pain relief, sleeping positions and gentle movement that doesn't flare the joint. As pain settles we progress to joint mobilisation, stretching and strengthening to win back reaching, dressing and lifting. Treatment is matched to your stage — pushing too hard in the painful phase makes things worse.
How many sessions?
Typically 8 to 12 sessions spread over a few months, with a home programme in between. Your progress decides the frequency.
When to see a physiotherapist
If you can no longer reach behind your back or above your head and it has been getting worse for a few weeks, book an assessment to confirm the cause.
Related physiotherapy services
Frequently asked questions
Does frozen shoulder go away by itself?+
It often improves eventually, but it can take a year or more and some stiffness may remain. Physiotherapy helps you recover movement sooner.
Is it the same as a rotator cuff injury?+
No. In frozen shoulder the joint capsule tightens, so movement is lost even when someone else moves your arm. An assessment tells them apart.
Medical disclaimer: this article is general education and does not replace a personal assessment. If your pain is severe, worsening, or accompanied by numbness, weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control, seek care promptly.
Book with N S Physiotherapy
In clinic in Eco Park, Centurion, or home visits across Centurion and Midrand.
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