Frozen shoulder – medically called adhesive capsulitis – causes pain and a gradual, often severe, loss of shoulder movement. It can make everyday tasks like dressing or reaching difficult. The encouraging news is that physiotherapy plays a central role in recovery.
What is frozen shoulder?
In frozen shoulder, the capsule around the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, thickened and tight, restricting movement. It typically develops in stages – a painful “freezing” phase, a stiff “frozen” phase, and a gradual “thawing” phase – and can last many months if not managed well.
How physiotherapy helps frozen shoulder
- Pain management and gentle mobilisation – carefully graded to the stage you are in, to ease pain without aggravating the joint.
- Stretching and range-of-motion work – to gradually restore movement as the condition allows.
- Strengthening – to rebuild the shoulder’s support as movement returns.
- A guided home programme – consistency between sessions is key to a good outcome.
Why the right approach matters
Doing too much too soon can increase pain, while doing too little allows stiffness to persist. A physiotherapist matches your treatment to the stage of the condition, which is why individual assessment matters. Where needed, we coordinate with your doctor on additional options.
Frozen shoulder is treated within our orthopaedic physiotherapy service.
Book an assessment
Call or WhatsApp +91 98189 11195 to book at your nearest APARC centre or at home.
This article is general information and not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Always follow the guidance of your treating doctor and physiotherapist.