Physiotherapy Treatment for Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder can affect anyone. It starts slowly and then gets worse. Daily activities like wearing clothes or reaching for something become difficult. The pain limits your movement and affects your sleep. Knowing how to deal with it early makes recovery easier.

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is a condition where the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful. It affects the capsule that surrounds the joint. Over time, this capsule thickens and tightens. Movement becomes restricted. The condition usually develops in stages.

First, there is pain. Then stiffness follows. Finally, movement starts to return. This condition is also known as adhesive capsulitis. It mostly affects people between the ages of 40 and 60. Women are more likely to get it than men.

What Are the First Signs of a Frozen Shoulder?

Pain is the first sign. It may feel dull or aching. You will notice it gets worse at night. The range of movement starts to reduce. Simple tasks like combing your hair or putting on a shirt feel harder. The shoulder starts to stiffen, and over time, even small movements cause discomfort. The early stage is often called the “freezing” stage. This is when pain increases, and stiffness begins. Spotting the signs early helps with faster treatment.

Frozen Shoulder Causes

There is no single reason why frozen shoulder happens, but there are common risk factors. Injuries or surgeries that prevent arm movement for long periods can lead to stiffness. Diabetes and thyroid issues also increase the risk. Other causes of frozen shoulder include inflammation and scar tissue. When the shoulder is not used for a while, the tissue tightens, making movement difficult.

How Long Does Frozen Shoulder Last?

It depends on the stage. The condition moves through three phases. The freezing phase, the frozen phase, and the thawing phase. Each phase can last several months. In total, frozen shoulder can last from one to three years. Some people recover faster, especially if treatment starts early. Others may need longer, especially if there are other health issues.

Can Massage Therapy Help a Frozen Shoulder?

Yes, massage therapy may be helpful. It enhances the blood flow, minimises stiffness, and assists in relieving pain. The muscles around the shoulder can be relaxed by soft tissue massage. It may not fix the problem, but it helps reduce tension.

Massage works best when combined with physiotherapy. It prepares the shoulder for movement and makes stretching easier. Always consult a professional. The wrong type of massage may make things worse.

A physiotherapist guides you through movements that target the joint capsule. They make sure you do not overstretch. Progress takes time. The goal is to increase the range of motion without causing more pain.Hot or cold packs may be used during sessions to ease discomfort. In some cases,the therapist may use ultrasound or electrical stimuation to support healing.

Home Care and Daily Tips

In addition to therapy, you can implement a few measures at home.

• Use hot packs prior to exercises
• Perform stretches as recommended
• Do not make sudden movements
• The shoulder should be kept active but controlled.

Get into a routine. It is all about movement, even though it may seem slow. Rest is good but excessive rest slows down the healing process.

Final Thoughts

Frozen shoulder takes time to heal, but it does get better. Early signs should not be ignored. Knowing what is frozen shoulder and what causes it makes it easier to manage. With the right therapy and daily care, movement returns. You do not have to live with pain. Take action early. Stay consistent with treatment. That is how recovery begins.

Best Physiotherapist in Andheri West – Dr. Komal R Gupta

If you are struggling with shoulder pain, stiffness, or Frozen Shoulder, the right care can make all the difference.With over 7 years of experience, Dr.

Komal R Gupta has helped many patients overcome frozen shoulder, shoulder injuries, arthritis, and post-surgical stiffness. She combines advanced orthopedic knowledge with personalized physiotherapy, making recovery smoother, faster, and more comfortable.

Read More