A Frozen Shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition which is characterized by pain in the shoulder joint region along with progressive loss of active and passive range of motion due to inflammation and subsequent thickens and tightening of the joint.
It involves inflammatory changes progressing to fibrosis and formation of adhesions in the joint capsule, therefore normal movements become restricted.Ā
A Frozen Shoulder can be:
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Frozen Shoulder progresses through three clinical phases:
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The freezing phase shows an increase in the pain while the frozen phase is the peak of pain and inflammation. The thawing phase is the recovery phase and it can take months or years for this healing because the joint capsule tightens and then gradually loosens.
The common symptoms of a Frozen Shoulder are:
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These symptoms should not be ignored because if diagnosed early, early intervention can help in faster healing. The diagnosis of a Frozen Shoulder is primarily clinical based on pain and shoulder mobility.Ā
Imaging is not essential for diagnosis but can be done to rule out other suspicions like arthritis or rotator cuff tears.
There are several recognized risk factors of Frozen Shoulder that increase the chances of its occurrence. These are:
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The likelihood of a Frozen Shoulder is increased due to these factors and proper care beforehand can significantly reduce chances of its occurrence.Ā
The goal of the treatment plans for Frozen Shoulder are to reduce pain and restore motion and functioning. These treatment managements could be:
Non-surgical or First Line TreatmentĀ
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Surgical TreatmentĀ
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Over 1 to 3 years many patients show significant improvement even without aggravated interventions. But early intervention of physiotherapy for frozen shoulder can shorten the duration of symptoms and improve range of motion.
Also Read: Physiotherapy For Joint PainĀ Ā ; Physiotherapy For Disc Burge
Physiotherapy for Frozen shoulder is beneficial since it is opted as a first line treatment and helps in significant decrease of pain and stiffness. Early intervention with Frozen Shoulder Exercises does not only reduce the ache but also improves range of motion so daily activities do not become difficult.Ā
Advantages of frozen shoulder exercises by physical therapy are:
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Scientific evidence supports Frozen Shoulder Exercises due to significant pain reduction and range of motion improvement.Ā
Several physiotherapy techniques for a frozen shoulder can help improve pain and inflammation in order to enhance joint mechanics. These techniques can be:
Therapeutic Shoulder Stretching Exercises : Shoulder stretching exercises are strongly recommended for mobilization and strengthening.Ā
Manual Therapy : Manual therapy and mobilization can reduce pain and improve the range of motion.
Targeted Strengthening : Targeted strengthening for scapular muscles can improve biomechanics and functionalities.Ā
Telerehabilitation: Online physiotherapy at home or telerehabilitation is very beneficial for some patients who aren’t able to travel to clinics frequently.Ā
These interventions can help improve the condition of the patient early on and decrease chances of future flare ups.
A Frozen Shoulder or adhesive capsulitis often develops gradually over a period of time. This is important to know because actively doing exercises can reduce the chances of adhesive capsulitis or other such diseases. Gentle exercising and stretching for frozen shoulders will not only improve pain and stiffness of the shoulders but starting early can also prevent worsening or even its occurrence. Doctors and physiotherapists recommend starting slow with gentle movements and staying within comfortable limits of your body.
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Following are the 7 best frozen shoulder exercises that can help you greatly in your healing.
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Pro tip: Ā warm up your shoulder with a warm shower or heating pad before you start these exercises because it helps increase blood flow and reduces pain.
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Also keep in my mind to stretch to the point of tension but not pain while doing these exercises.Ā
Armpit Stretch focuses on muscles in the side chest and upper back and greatly Improves range of motion over time.
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Pendulum Stretches are an excellent exercise for early shoulder rehab and frozen shoulders.
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Also Read: Physiotherapy For knee painĀ Ā ; Physiotherapy For back pain
A finger walk is a simple hand/shoulder mobility exercise beneficial for general hand/shoulder stiffness.Ā
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A towel stretch exercise is a Frozen Shoulder exercise that helps in mobilization of the shoulder joint.
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Cross Body Stretch is an easy frozen shoulder exercise that targets the shoulder muscles and helps improve movement.Ā
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External Rotational exercise is an important exercise for frozen shoulder as it focuses on rotating the arm away from the body.
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Internal Rotation Stretch is a vital frozen shoulder exercise as it helps significantly improve the range of motion.
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Precautions :
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Consult a physiotherapist in cases of severe or worsening pain or if the situation does not improve with consistent exercising.
The best treatment for a frozen shoulder includes shoulder stretching exercises and pain relieving activities.Ā
Yes. A Frozen Shoulder can heal within 12 to 18 months with gradual exercising and low impact movements.Ā
Yes. Physiotherapy for Frozen Shoulder is one of the first line treatment options that helps reduce pain and stiffness. It also improves range of motion and mobility.Ā
Home remedies for frozen shoulders include shoulder stretching exercises and heat/cold therapies that can help in decreasing pain and inflammation.Ā
NSAIDS are helpful in the case of frozen shoulders because they are analgesic (pain relief) and anti-inflammatory.
Frozen Shoulder is primarily caused by inflammation and thickens of the shoulder joint capsule.Ā
If you leave your frozen shoulder untreated for a long time then it can worsen the pain and stiffness making you unable to do simple actions like tying your hair or lifting your arms.
Yes you can do frozen shoulder exercises at home with the help of online physiotherapy platforms like Resolve360 that guide and instruct you throughout your healing journey while being in the comfort of your home.Ā
Yes, online physiotherapy sessions with Resolve360 provide guided exercises, posture correction, and real-time feedback from expertsāgiving the same benefits as clinic visits, while saving time and travel.
To prevent cervical pain, keep your screen at eye level, take breaks every 30 minutes, use a supportive pillow, practice posture correction, and do regular neck stretches. Physiotherapy + lifestyle changes ensure long-term relief.
Dr. Nidhi Kumari
She has persuaded her bachelor’s from SGT University, Gurugram, she has done her internship at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, and persuade her Master in Physiotherapy from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut. She has previously worked with Orthocure clinic, Dr.Nasir physiotherapy rehabilitation, Quantum physiotherapy, and wellness center.
If you have more questions.
Dr. Nidhi
She has persuaded her bachelor’s from SGT University, Gurugram, she has done her internship at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, and persuade her Master in Physiotherapy from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut. She has previously worked with Orthocure clinic, Dr.Nasir physiotherapy rehabilitation, Quantum physiotherapy, and wellness center.
If you have more questions.
Also Read: Back Pain: Causes and Treatment
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We are your doctorās first choice and trusted by 50,000+ patients.
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