What Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) occurs when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes thickened and tight, restricting movement. It typically develops gradually and can significantly limit daily activities like reaching overhead or behind your back.
Who Is Affected?
The Three Stages
### 1. Freezing Stage
Gradually increasing pain, often worse at night, with progressively reducing range of motion. Can last several weeks to months.
### 2. Frozen Stage
Pain may start to ease, but stiffness remains significant, limiting daily activities. This stage can last several months.
### 3. Thawing Stage
Movement gradually returns, though this stage can also take an extended period. Overall, frozen shoulder is often a slow process — many people take a year or more to fully resolve, so understanding the timeline and staying consistent with treatment matters.
How Physiotherapy Treatment Is Tailored By Stage
What Treatment May Include
Managing Expectations
Frozen shoulder often improves on its own over time, but this can take a long time without treatment. Physiotherapy aims to reduce pain sooner, maintain as much function as possible throughout, and support a smoother recovery. Early assessment allows your physiotherapist to match treatment to the correct stage.
Book Your Shoulder Assessment
📍 Santry Clinic — 256 Swords Road, Dublin 9
📍 Swords Clinic — Applewood Close, Co. Dublin
📞 +353 83 098 5073
☎️ +353 1 513 0603
📧 contact@365physiotherapy.ie
