Frozen Shoulder Treatment & Physiotherapy
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a painful condition where the shoulder joint capsule thickens and tightens, severely limiting movement. It commonly affects people aged 40-60, especially women and those with diabetes.
Symptoms of frozen shoulder
- Severe pain in the shoulder
- Inability to lift the arm overhead
- Difficulty reaching back (e.g., fastening a bra)
- Pain at night that disturbs sleep
- Stiffness that progresses over months
Common causes
- Diabetes (3x higher risk)
- Prolonged shoulder immobility after injury
- Age 40-60 (especially women)
- Thyroid disorders
- Idiopathic (no clear cause)
Treatment approaches
Most cases of frozen shoulder respond very well to physiotherapy. Common modalities include:
Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques including joint mobilisation, soft tissue massage, myofascial release and trigger point therapy. Used to reduce pain, restore movement and break down adhesions in muscles and connective tissue.
Exercise Therapy
The cornerstone of modern physiotherapy. Progressive, individualised exercises restore strength, mobility and motor control — the only intervention proven to produce long-term changes in tissue and function.
Dry Needling
Fine needles inserted into trigger points to release tight muscle bands. Effective for chronic muscle tension, headaches, and stubborn pain that doesn't respond to massage alone. Different from acupuncture in approach and goal.
Electrotherapy
Modalities like TENS, ultrasound, IFT and laser used to reduce pain and inflammation, especially in the early stages of injury. Always combined with exercise — never used as a standalone treatment.
Related physiotherapy services
Frequently asked questions
- How long does frozen shoulder take to recover?
- Without treatment, frozen shoulder can take 1-3 years. With consistent physiotherapy, most patients regain near-full function in 4-9 months.
- Are steroid injections better than physiotherapy?
- Steroid injections give faster pain relief in the early "freezing" phase but don't restore range of motion. Physiotherapy is essential for long-term recovery; injections + physio is often the most effective combination.