Frozen Shoulder: Causes, Stages and the Right Physiotherapy Plan

Frozen shoulder can take months to resolve on its own — here is how targeted physiotherapy speeds up recovery at every stage.

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) causes the shoulder capsule to thicken and tighten, leading to progressive stiffness and pain that can last many months if left untreated.

The three stages

• Freezing: Increasing pain and gradually reducing movement
• Frozen: Pain may ease but stiffness is at its worst
• Thawing: Movement slowly returns over several months

How physiotherapy helps

We combine deep heat (shortwave diathermy or ultrasound), gentle joint mobilisation, and a structured home exercise program to protect range of motion and shorten each stage. Starting therapy early — as soon as stiffness begins — gives the best long-term outcome and can prevent months of unnecessary immobility.

If you've noticed your shoulder getting stiffer and harder to lift each week, don't wait — book a consultation with our physiotherapy team.