Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and thickened. This leads to progressive stiffness and pain that can last for months or even years if left untreated.
Pain gradually increases and shoulder movement starts to become limited. Night pain is common, making it difficult to sleep on the affected side.
Pain may actually decrease, but stiffness worsens. Simple tasks like reaching overhead, fastening a bra, or tucking in a shirt become extremely difficult.
Range of motion slowly returns. Without treatment, this stage can take up to two years. With physiotherapy, recovery is significantly faster.
It most commonly affects people between 40 and 65 years old. Women are slightly more likely to develop it. Risk factors include diabetes (which doubles the risk), thyroid disorders, prolonged immobility after surgery or injury, and cardiovascular disease.
Early physiotherapy intervention is the gold standard for frozen shoulder treatment. Your therapist will use a combination of:
- Joint mobilisation - gentle, graded movements to restore glide between the joint surfaces
- Stretching protocols - progressive stretching that respects pain thresholds
- Manual therapy - soft tissue work to reduce muscle guarding around the shoulder
- Home exercise programme - pendulum exercises, wall climbs, and towel stretches
Most patients see meaningful improvement within 6-8 weeks of consistent physiotherapy. Complete resolution typically takes 3-6 months depending on the stage at which treatment begins. The key is starting early and sticking with the exercise programme between sessions.
