What Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a condition where the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful, severely limiting movement. It affects 2-5% of the population, with women aged 40-60 being most susceptible. The good news is that physiotherapy is the primary treatment and can significantly accelerate recovery.
Three Stages of Frozen Shoulder
- Freezing Stage (6 weeks-9 months): Pain gradually increases, and range of motion starts declining
- Frozen Stage (4-12 months): Pain may lessen, but shoulder becomes very stiff with minimal movement
- Thawing Stage (6-24 months): Movement slowly returns to normal
Best Exercises for Frozen Shoulder
These exercises should be done under professional guidance:
- Pendulum Stretch: Lean forward and let the affected arm hang; gently swing in circles
- Towel Stretch: Hold a towel behind your back and use the good arm to pull the affected arm upward
- Finger Walk: Face a wall and slowly walk your fingers up the wall to eye level
- Cross-Body Reach: Use the good arm to lift the affected arm across the body
- External Rotation: Hold a stick with both hands and rotate the affected arm outward
How Home Physiotherapy Accelerates Recovery
While frozen shoulder can resolve on its own over 1-3 years, structured physiotherapy can cut recovery time by 50-60%. Your PhysioWay therapist will use a combination of manual therapy, stretching, and modalities to restore movement faster.
Can frozen shoulder be cured without surgery?
Yes, in most cases. Over 90% of patients recover with physiotherapy alone. Surgery is only considered when there's no improvement after 6-12 months of consistent rehabilitation.
How long does frozen shoulder treatment take?
With regular physiotherapy (2-3 times per week), most patients see significant improvement in 3-6 months. Complete recovery typically takes 6-12 months with treatment versus 1-3 years without.