Physio for frozen shoulder: stiffness, stages and treatment

What is a frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the tissue around the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and tight. The shoulder becomes painful and stiff, and it gets hard to move it, even when someone else lifts your arm.

It is most common between about 40 and 60 and affects women more often than men. It is more common in people with diabetes or thyroid conditions, and after a period when the shoulder was not moved much, such as after surgery or an injury.

The three stages

• Freezing: pain builds and the shoulder gradually stiffens, often with night pain. This can last weeks to months
• Frozen: the pain may ease a little, but stiffness is at its worst and everyday tasks like dressing or reaching behind you become difficult
• Thawing: movement slowly returns over months

The whole process often takes one to three years, though it varies from person to person. Most people recover a useful range of movement, but it is a slow process, and it is worth knowing that from the start.

How a physio can help

There is no quick fix for frozen shoulder, but a physio can help you manage it and keep as much movement and function as possible. Treatment depends on your stage and usually includes:

• Explaining the stages so you know what to expect
• Pain-guided movement and gentle stretching, adjusted so you do not push through sharp pain
• Strengthening exercises for the muscles around the shoulder and shoulder blade
• Hands-on techniques to ease stiffness and discomfort
• Practical advice on sleeping positions, dressing and daily tasks
• Helping you decide when to talk to your doctor about other treatment

See our guide to physio for shoulder pain for other common causes of shoulder pain.

Other treatments your doctor may discuss

If pain or stiffness is severe or not improving, your doctor may discuss options such as an injection into the joint, a procedure to stretch the joint capsule, or surgery in a small number of cases. These have benefits and risks, so ask about what is known about how well they work and what recovery involves.

When to see a doctor first

• Your shoulder pain follows a fall or injury
• You have sudden weakness or you cannot lift your arm at all
• The pain is severe, constant or unrelenting at night
• You have a fever, or the shoulder is hot, red or swollen
• You have arm or shoulder pain with chest pain, shortness of breath or sweating. This could be an emergency, so call 000

Costs and funding

Physio fees vary by clinic, and private health extras may pay a rebate. See our cost guide and Medicare guide.

Common questions

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or physio about your own situation.