Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the shoulder capsule becomes inflamed, thickened, and stiff, significantly restricting range of motion. It affects approximately 2–5% of the population, most commonly people aged 40–60. The good news? Physiotherapy is widely recognised as one of the most effective conservative treatments for frozen shoulder.
The Three Stages of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder progresses through three stages, each lasting several months. The full cycle can take 12–36 months:
- Freezing Stage (Inflammatory) — Pain increases gradually, especially at night. The shoulder starts to stiffen. Lasts 2–9 months.
- Frozen Stage (Adhesive) — Pain may lessen, but stiffness becomes severe. Range of motion is dramatically reduced — you can't lift your arm or reach behind your back. Lasts 4–12 months.
- Thawing Stage (Recovery) — Range of motion slowly returns. This is the golden window for rehabilitation. Lasts 5–24 months.
How Physiotherapy Helps at Each Stage
Physiotherapy plays a vital role throughout all three stages. Here's what your physiotherapist may recommend:
- Manual Therapy — Gentle joint mobilisations and soft tissue release to gradually restore range of motion.
- Passive Stretching — The therapist gently moves your shoulder through its range, ensuring no forceful overstretching that could cause injury.
- Active Exercises — Pendulum swings, finger-wall walking, and pulley exercises you can do at home.
- Modalities — Ultrasound, shockwave therapy, or electrical stimulation to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Home Programme — A customised daily exercise plan tailored to your stage and tolerance.
Self-Check: Could You Have Frozen Shoulder?
If you experience any of the following, you may be in the early stages of frozen shoulder:
- Unable to raise your arm fully overhead
- Difficulty fastening a bra or zipper behind your back
- Waking up at night when you roll onto the affected side
- Pain when putting on tight clothing
- Difficulty reaching behind you to grab something
💡 Pro Tip: The earlier you start treatment, the better the outcome. If you notice your shoulder range is diminishing — even if the pain is tolerable — see a physiotherapist promptly. Delaying treatment allows the adhesions to worsen and extends your recovery time.
Frozen Shoulder vs. Rotator Cuff Injury
These two conditions are often confused, but they have a key difference. With frozen shoulder, you cannot lift your arm — and neither can anyone else help you lift it. With a rotator cuff tear, the arm is painful and weak, but a therapist can manually lift it through its full range. Getting the right diagnosis is crucial, so always seek a professional assessment.
#frozenshoulder
#physiotherapy
#shoulderpain
#adhesivecapsulitis
#painrelief
#HongKongphysio
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult a registered physiotherapist or doctor for shoulder pain.