Frozen Shoulder: What It Is and How Physiotherapy Can Speed Up Recovery

If you’ve been dealing with persistent shoulder stiffness and pain that won’t seem to go away, you might be experiencing frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis. This condition can severely limit your ability to move your shoulder, making even simple daily activities a challenge. The good news is that with the right approach, Physio Performance can help restore movement, reduce pain, and get your shoulder functioning properly again.

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is a condition where the shoulder joint capsule becomes thickened and inflamed, leading to stiffness and a progressive loss of motion. Over time, the connective tissue around the joint tightens, restricting movement and making it increasingly painful to move the shoulder.

The condition typically develops in three distinct stages:

• Freezing Stage (Painful Stage) – Shoulder pain gradually increases, and movement starts to become restricted. This stage can last anywhere from 6 weeks to 9 months.

• Frozen Stage (Stiffness Stage) – Pain may decrease, but stiffness remains, making it difficult to move the arm. This phase can last between 4 to 12 months.

• Thawing Stage (Recovery Stage) – Shoulder mobility gradually improves as the inflammation subsides. This final stage can take between 6 months to 2 years.

What Causes Frozen Shoulder?

The exact cause of frozen shoulder isn’t always clear, but several factors can contribute to its development:

• Injury or Surgery – Immobilization of the shoulder due to injury, surgery, or a prolonged period of inactivity.

• Medical Conditions – People with diabetes, thyroid disorders, or cardiovascular diseases are more prone to developing frozen shoulder.

• Aging – Most cases occur in individuals aged 40 to 60, with women being more affected than men.

• Prolonged Immobilization – If the shoulder remains inactive due to conditions like fractures or stroke, the risk of frozen shoulder increases.

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder symptoms develop gradually and worsen over time. Common signs include:

• Persistent shoulder pain, especially during movement.

• Difficulty raising the arm above the head or reaching behind the back.

• Shoulder stiffness that limits movement.

• Increased pain at night, making sleep difficult.

• Gradual loss of mobility that doesn’t improve with rest.

How Physiotherapy Central Dunedin Can Help with Frozen Shoulder

While frozen shoulder can resolve on its own over time, physiotherapy can significantly speed up recovery and improve shoulder function more effectively. At Physiotherapy Central Dunedin, we take a structured approach to help relieve pain, restore movement, and prevent future stiffness. Here’s how:

1. Pain Management Techniques

During the early stages, pain can be intense. Physiotherapists use a combination of treatments to ease discomfort:

• Manual therapy to improve circulation and reduce muscle tension.

• Heat therapy to increase blood flow and relax tight muscles.

• TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) to help manage pain signals.

2. Gentle Range of Motion Exercises

Regaining mobility is key to recovery. Physiotherapists guide you through passive and active range-of-motion exercises to gradually improve shoulder flexibility.

Common exercises include:

• Pendulum Swings – Using gentle swinging motions to loosen the shoulder joint.

• Wall Walks – Slowly walking fingers up a wall to stretch the joint.

• External Rotation Stretches – Using a resistance band or towel to gently improve mobility.

3. Strengthening Exercises

Once pain starts to decrease, strengthening exercises help rebuild muscle support around the shoulder. This prevents further stiffness and restores function.

• Isometric Shoulder Strengthening – Engaging shoulder muscles without excessive movement.

• Resistance Band Exercises – Controlled movements to build shoulder strength gradually.

• Scapular Stability Training – Strengthening the muscles around the shoulder blade for better joint support.

4. Joint Mobilization Techniques

Physiotherapists use hands-on mobilization techniques to gently stretch and manipulate the shoulder joint. This helps break down adhesions (tightened tissue) and improves movement.

5. Postural and Ergonomic Advice

Bad posture and incorrect movement patterns can contribute to shoulder problems. Physiotherapists provide postural corrections and advice on how to modify daily activities to avoid putting unnecessary strain on the shoulder.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Frozen Shoulder?

The timeline for recovery varies depending on how early physiotherapy begins and how consistent treatment is. With a structured rehabilitation program at Physio Performance Physiotherapy Central Dunedin, many people experience significant improvement within 3 to 6 months.

• Early intervention leads to faster mobility gains.

• Regular physiotherapy sessions help prevent long-term stiffness.

• Home exercises combined with in-clinic treatment ensure progressive recovery.

Can Frozen Shoulder Be Prevented?

While not all cases of frozen shoulder can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• Stay Active – Regular movement helps keep the shoulder joint flexible.

• Avoid Prolonged Immobility – If recovering from injury or surgery, work with a physiotherapist to maintain shoulder motion.

• Stretch Regularly – Simple daily stretches help prevent stiffness.

• Strengthen Shoulder Muscles – Stronger muscles provide better joint support and reduce strain.

Conclusion: Regain Shoulder Mobility with Physiotherapy Central Dunedin

Frozen shoulder doesn’t have to keep you sidelined for years. With the right physiotherapy approach, you can reduce pain, restore movement, and regain strength faster. At Physio Performance Physiotherapy Central Dunedin, we tailor treatment plans to your specific needs, ensuring a smooth and effective recovery process.

Don’t let shoulder stiffness control your life – book a physiotherapy session today and take the first step towards recovery!