Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness, pain, and a significant loss of range of motion in the shoulder joint. It happens when the strong connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint—called the shoulder capsule—becomes thick, stiff, and inflamed. This makes it difficult for the ball-and-socket joint to move freely, often making simple tasks like reaching for a seatbelt or washing your hair feel impossible.

The condition typically develops in three stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing. During the initial 'freezing' stage, pain increases and movement decreases. In the 'frozen' stage, the pain may actually lessen, but the stiffness becomes severe. Finally, in the 'thawing' stage, the shoulder slowly begins to regain its mobility. Because this process can be lengthy and frustrating, professional intervention is key to speeding up recovery and reclaiming your quality of life.

• Gradual onset of shoulder pain
• Progressive loss of range of motion
• Difficulty sleeping on affected side
• Inability to reach overhead

• Inflammation of the shoulder joint capsule causing tissue thickening
• Immobilization of the arm for long periods after a fracture or surgery
• Scar tissue formation following a rotator cuff injury
• Idiopathic onset where the cause occurs spontaneously without a clear injury
• Systemic inflammatory responses within the joint
• Post-surgical complications that lead to joint stiffness

• Individuals between the ages of 40 and 60
• Patients with diabetes, who are up to five times more likely to develop it
• Women are more frequently affected than men
• History of thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism)
• Recent immobilization due to a stroke or heart surgery
• Cardiovascular disease or Parkinson's disease

Physical therapy is the gold standard for treating frozen shoulder without surgery. At Physical Therapy Now, you will work 1-on-1 with a licensed physical therapist who will create a customized plan to break down scar tissue and restore movement. During your sessions, your therapist will use manual therapy techniques, including joint mobilizations and gentle stretching, to physically expand the joint capsule. These hands-on movements help glide the bone within the socket in ways you cannot achieve on your own.

In addition to manual therapy, we utilize specialized exercises designed to regain range of motion without over-irritating the joint. These often include pendulum swings, wall crawls, and passive stretching using pulleys or canes. We may also use modalities like heat therapy to relax the muscles before movement or electrical stimulation to manage pain. Our goal is to move you through the 'thawing' phase as quickly as possible, eventually progressing to strengthening exercises to support the joint once mobility returns.

Every shoulder is different, and we are here to ensure you don't have to face this journey alone. Our expert team focuses on gentle, consistent progress to avoid secondary injuries to the neck or back. If your shoulder pain persists, isn't improving in 2-3 weeks, or is getting worse, call us today or schedule an appointment online to start your recovery.

Recovery from frozen shoulder is a gradual process that can take anywhere from six months to two years if left untreated. However, with consistent physical therapy, many patients see significant improvements in mobility and pain reduction within 12 to 16 weeks. The 'freezing' phase may last up to 9 months, the 'frozen' phase up to 12 months, and the 'thawing' phase can take an additional 6 to 12 months to fully resolve.

• Apply heat to the shoulder for 15 minutes before performing any stretches
• Perform gentle pendulum swings by leaning over a table and circling your arm
• Use your 'good' arm to help lift the affected arm during daily tasks
• Avoid sleeping on the affected side to minimize nighttime inflammation
• Practice 'finger ladders' by crawling your fingers up a wall to maintain height
• Focus on tall posture to prevent your shoulder from rounding forward
• Take frequent breaks from typing or driving to relax the shoulder girdle
• Stay consistent with the specific home exercise program provided by your PT

These tips support recovery but don't replace a professional evaluation. If you're unsure or symptoms worsen, please reach out.