Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder, medically referred to as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the shoulder joint becomes painful and stiff, resulting in a marked reduction in movement. It happens when the capsule surrounding the shoulder thickens and tightens, restricting motion. Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three stages: freezing (increasing pain and stiffness), frozen (mainly stiffness), and thawing (gradual return of movement). The exact cause is often unclear, though it is more common in people aged 40–60, those with diabetes, thyroid issues, or following shoulder injury or surgery.

At Elite Physical Medicine, our skilled physiotherapists provide an individualised and evidence-based approach:

Comprehensive Assessment: We carry out a full assessment to confirm frozen shoulder, exclude other causes of stiffness, and to understand your goals and functional needs.

Education & Advice: We explain the stages of frozen shoulder and what to expect, and offer advice on pacing activities to reduce pain but keep the shoulder as mobile as possible.

Exercise Programme: A personalised exercise plan is created to help maintain and then gradually improve shoulder mobility and strength. This involves gentle stretching, mobility, and strengthening exercises tailored to your current stage and comfort.

Manual Therapy: Gentle mobilisation and soft tissue techniques may be used to help manage pain, combat muscle tightness, and optimise joint function.

Pain Management: You’ll receive advice on using ice or heat, over-the-counter pain relief where suitable, and practical self-management strategies for comfort.

Activity Modification: We support you in adapting daily, work, and leisure activities so you can remain as independent and active as possible through each stage of your recovery.

Referral for Further Intervention: If your pain or stiffness remains significant despite physiotherapy, we can refer you for further intervention such as a rotator interval guided injection . Surgery is only very rarely needed and is considered only if all other options have proven ineffective.

Our expert, patient-centred approach is built to support you through each stage of frozen shoulder focused on effective pain relief, restoring movement, and helping you regain confidence in your shoulder’s function. With tailored rehabilitation, manual therapy, and continual support from our physiotherapy team, we aim to help you achieve the best possible recovery.