01What is frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)?
Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the capsule around the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and then thickened and tight. This causes pain and a marked loss of movement in all directions.
It often progresses through overlapping stages: a painful “freezing” stage, a stiff “frozen” stage, and a gradual “thawing” stage. The whole process can take a long time, and it varies between people.
02Common symptoms
- Shoulder pain, often worse at night and when lying on the affected side
- Progressive stiffness in all directions
- Difficulty reaching overhead, behind the back or out to the side
- Pain spreading to the upper arm
- Difficulty with dressing, grooming and reaching
03Possible causes and risk factors
- Often no clear cause
- Diabetes, which is a well-recognised risk factor
- Thyroid conditions
- A period of shoulder immobilisation after injury or surgery
- More common between ages 40 and 60
04How a physiotherapy assessment helps
Your assessment with Dr. Pankaj B. LokhandeBPTh, MPTh (Ortho & Sports), PhD Scholar (MUHS)
We assess active and passive shoulder movement, strength, neck involvement and your daily limitations. Frozen shoulder needs to be distinguished from other shoulder problems such as rotator cuff conditions or arthritis.
Treatment is matched to the stage: calming pain in the early phase and restoring movement later.
05Rehabilitation approaches we may use
Pain-calming strategies
Positioning, gentle movement and advice on sleep during the painful phase.
Stage-appropriate stretching
Gentle range-of-motion exercises progressed as pain allows.
Manual therapy
Joint mobilisation may help movement in the stiffer phases.
Strengthening
Restoring shoulder and shoulder-blade strength as movement returns.
Function practice
Working towards specific daily tasks.
Liaison with your doctor
Where pain is severe, medical options such as injections may be discussed with your doctor.
Your plan is chosen after assessment. Not every approach listed here is suitable for every person.
06Who may benefit
- Adults with frozen shoulder at any stage
- People with diabetes and shoulder stiffness
- Those with stiffness after shoulder immobilisation
07Safety precautions
- Aggressive stretching in the painful phase can increase symptoms; intensity is matched to the stage.
- If you have diabetes, keeping blood sugar well managed supports overall health.
- Injections and medications are decisions for your doctor.
08When to see a doctor first
- Shoulder pain with chest pain, breathlessness or sweating – seek emergency care
- Severe pain after a fall, with inability to lift the arm
- A hot, swollen joint with fever
- Unexplained weight loss or night pain unrelated to movement
09Frequently asked questions
How long does frozen shoulder last?
It is often a long-lasting condition, commonly lasting many months and sometimes longer. Timelines vary between people.
Will it go away on its own?
Many people improve over time. Physiotherapy aims to manage pain, maintain as much movement as possible and speed up functional recovery.
Should I keep using my arm?
Yes, within comfort. Gentle use helps prevent further stiffness.
Is frozen shoulder linked to diabetes?
Yes. People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing frozen shoulder.
FURTHER READING
This page provides general information and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for an individual assessment. Recovery varies from person to person. See our medical disclaimer.
