{"id":295,"date":"2020-01-04T21:55:07","date_gmt":"2020-01-04T21:55:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.physiotherapymatters.co.uk\/private-clinics\/?page_id=295"},"modified":"2025-02-16T21:45:25","modified_gmt":"2025-02-16T21:45:25","slug":"frozen-shoulder","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.physiotherapymatters.co.uk\/private-clinics\/conditions\/frozen-shoulder\/","title":{"rendered":"Frozen shoulder"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is frozen shoulder?<\/h2>\n

Frozen shoulder, also known as \u2018adhesive capsulitis\u2019, is a condition in which the shoulder joint becomes initially painful and then progressively stiff with restricted range of movement. The onset is often insidious, so you may not have noticed any particular injury or event that caused your symptoms. There is a gradual reduction in both active and passive range of movement \u2013 you may notice difficulty with overhead activities, dressing and getting your hand behind your back. If you are suffering these symptoms then don’t worry, physiotherapy for frozen shoulder can help ease the pain and get you back to normal activities.<\/p>\n

Frozen shoulder progresses through three phases which tend to overlap:<\/h4>\n

Acute\/freezing phase<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 this phase can last anywhere from 3-9 months. Symptoms start with shoulder pain at rest and at night.<\/p>\n

Adhesive\/frozen phase<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 this phase can occur from about 4 months and last up until 12 months. Pain starts to reduce, and range of movement becomes more restricted. You may only notice pain at end ranges of movement.<\/p>\n

Resolution\/thawing phase<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 spontaneous improvement in symptoms and range of movement. This phase can last anywhere between 1-3 years.<\/p>\n

What causes frozen shoulder?<\/h3>\n

The cause of frozen shoulder remains\u00a0unclear and\u00a0is\u00a0most likely multi-factorial. Frozen shoulder can be either primary or secondary.<\/p>\n

It is considered primary if the condition has come on spontaneously, with no known cause or trauma. Frozen shoulder can occur secondary to trauma, surgery or other pathology. Risk factors for secondary frozen shoulder can be systemic conditions such as diabetes, and shoulder pathologies such as rotator cuff tendinopathy. Frozen shoulder is more prevalent in women and those aged 40-65.<\/p>\n

Physiotherapy for frozen shoulder pain.<\/h3>\n

At Physiotherapy Matters, our physiotherapists can conduct a thorough assessment to confirm the diagnosis, help you manage pain and return to normal activity.<\/p>\n

Treatments which can help frozen shoulder include:<\/h4>\n