Frozen Shoulder: Stages, Recovery Timeline, and Exercise Basics
Direct Clinical Summary (Answer First)
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) progresses through 3 stages: Freezing (severe pain, decreasing motion), Frozen (stiff, less pain), and Thawing (gradual return of motion). Physiotherapy must match the stage: gentle pain relief early, followed by joint mobilizations and stretching during the thawing stage.
Frozen shoulder causes debilitating shoulder stiffness and sleep disruption, often affecting individuals between 40 and 65 years, particularly those with diabetes or thyroid conditions. Forcing movement during the wrong stage can aggravate inflammation.
The Three Clinical Stages of Frozen Shoulder
- 1Stage 1: Freezing (2 to 9 months) - Characterized by severe aching pain, especially at night; range of motion begins to restrict.
- 2Stage 2: Frozen (4 to 12 months) - Pain slowly diminishes, but the joint remains severely stiff and restricted.
- 3Stage 3: Thawing (6 to 24 months) - Shoulder range of motion slowly improves as capsular elasticity returns.
Gentle Home Exercises for Frozen Shoulder
Pendulum exercises (allowing the arm to swing gently using gravity), finger ladder walks up the wall, and gentle towel stretches behind the back help maintain joint capsule circulation without triggering severe inflammatory pain.
What to Ask Before You Book
- •How do you adjust therapy based on whether my shoulder is in the freezing or frozen stage?
Red Flags to Avoid
- ✕Forceful, violent manual manipulations that cause intolerable pain and capsule tears.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does frozen shoulder hurt more at night?
Lying down increases intra-articular pressure, and lack of daytime distraction heightens awareness of capsular tension.
Related Home Care Services
Pain Management & Manual Therapy
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Orthopaedic Physiotherapy
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