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Frozen Shoulder: A Complete Guide

Published: 30 Jan 2025

Frozen Shoulder: A Complete Guide

Stuck Shoulder? Here’s What You Need to Know

Imagine reaching for your favourite ice cream on a hot summer day, only to realise your shoulder won’t budge. It’s stiff, painful, and simply refusing to cooperate.

While the term ‘frozen’ is appealing when it comes to desserts, a frozen shoulder is anything but sweet. If you’ve been struggling with persistent shoulder pain and stiffness, you might be dealing with frozen shoulder—a common yet frustrating condition that can make even the simplest movements feel impossible.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know, from symptoms to treatment options and how physiotherapy can speed up your recovery.

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes significant stiffness, pain, and difficulty moving your shoulder. It occurs when the shoulder capsule thickens and tightens, limiting movement and causing discomfort.

An illustration of the anatomy of frozen shoulder.

The anatomical changes that occur in the shoulder with frozen shoulder.

Who Is Most at Risk?

✅ People aged 40-60 (most common around age 55)
✅ Women are more commonly affected than men
✅ Those with diabetes or thyroid conditions
✅ Individuals recovering from shoulder injuries, surgery, or prolonged immobilisation

Types of Frozen Shoulder

Primary Frozen Shoulder – Develops without an obvious cause and is often linked to metabolic conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders.
Secondary Frozen Shoulder – Occurs after shoulder trauma, surgery, rotator cuff injuries, or prolonged immobilisation (e.g., after wearing a sling).


Common Signs & Symptoms

✅ Gradual onset of shoulder pain that worsens over months
Progressive loss of movement, especially in:

  • Lifting your arm (abduction)
  • Rotating your arm outward (external rotation)
  • Reaching behind your back (internal rotation)

Both active & passive movement are restricted


How Is Frozen Shoulder Diagnosed?

A diagnosis is usually clinical—meaning a physiotherapist can identify this condition through a detailed assessment of your symptoms and movement limitations.

📌 Do I Need Imaging?

  • In most cases, X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds aren’t required.
  • However, imaging may be used if another condition (like arthritis or a rotator cuff tear) is suspected.

💡 At The Healthy Body Company, our expert physiotherapists will assess your movement and tailor a treatment plan to help you regain function as quickly as possible.


How Is Frozen Shoulder Treated?

Treatment aims to reduce pain and restore movement as efficiently as possible.

🔹 Physiotherapy – The Gold Standard Treatment

Your physiotherapist will design an individualised treatment plan using a combination of:
Stretching & Mobility Exercises – Tailored exercises to gradually restore movement
Manual Therapy – Hands-on techniques like joint mobilisations and soft tissue massage
Self-Management Strategies – Education on pacing, activity modification, and pain relief
Dry Needling, Shockwave, or Heat Therapy – Additional modalities to help ease stiffness

📌 Will I Need Surgery or Injections?

  • In some cases, corticosteroid injections may provide temporary relief.
  • Surgery is rarely needed and is only considered in extreme, prolonged cases.

💡 Early physiotherapy intervention can prevent long-term complications and help you recover faster!


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

🔹 Can frozen shoulder heal on its own?

Yes, but it can take up to two years. Physiotherapy can significantly shorten this timeframe.

🔹 Does frozen shoulder always require surgery?

No! Most cases improve with physiotherapy, movement exercises, and manual therapy.

🔹 How soon can I start treatment?

The earlier, the better! Starting physiotherapy early can prevent worsening stiffness and speed up recovery.


Take Action – Book Your Physiotherapy Assessment Today!

If you’re experiencing shoulder pain or stiffness, don’t wait for it to “thaw” on its own. Take control of your recovery with expert physiotherapy.

📅 Book an appointment with The Healthy Body Company today! Our experienced physiotherapists are here to help you move freely again.

👉 Click here to book your session now!


References

  1. St Angelo JM, Taqi M, Fabiano SE. Adhesive Capsulitis. [Updated 2023 Aug 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: NCBI Link
  2. Zhang R, Wang Z, Liu R, Zhang N, Guo J, Huang Y. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy as an Adjunctive Therapy for Frozen Shoulder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Orthop J Sports Med. 2022 Feb 4;10(2):23259671211062222. doi: 10.1177/23259671211062222.
  3. Physiopedia. (2023). Frozen shoulder. Physiopedia Link