Frozen Shoulder: Causes, Phases, and Recovery Plan
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) causes significant pain and restriction in shoulder movement. It progresses in phases and can last 6–18 months without treatment.
⏱️ The 3 Phases:
Freezing Phase – Gradual onset of pain, increasing stiffness (6–12 weeks)
Frozen Phase – Pain reduces, but stiffness persists (4–6 months)
Thawing Phase – Movement slowly improves (6 months+)
🧰 Treatment Plan:
Pain control: Ultrasound, TENS, cold packs
Range-of-motion exercises
Joint mobilizations
Stretching & strengthening
Home exercise compliance
Note: Early diagnosis and regular therapy can shorten the condition’s duration significantly
Forcefully moving the shoulder can tear the joint capsule. Exercises must be pain-monitored and guided.
Related Articles
Understanding Orthopedic Physiotherapy: What It Is and Who Needs It
Orthopedic physiotherapy is focused on treating musculoskeletal conditions involving bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. It plays a critical role in rehabilitation post-injury or surgery and helps restore mobility, strength, and function. ...Managing Arthritis with Physiotherapy: A Long-Term Care Plan
Arthritis affects millions of people and leads to joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. While there’s no permanent cure, physiotherapy offers powerful tools to slow progression and maintain function. ? Types of Arthritis: Osteoarthritis: ...Understanding the Role of Physiotherapy in Pain Management
Introduction: Physiotherapy is a science-based profession that helps people affected by injury, illness, or disability through movement, exercise, and manual therapy. One of its major roles is pain management. Content: Pain, whether acute or chronic, ...Post-Surgery Physiotherapy: Why It’s Essential After Orthopedic Procedures
Many patients assume that surgery alone resolves the problem—but physiotherapy is what truly restores function. Whether it’s a knee replacement, spinal surgery, or fracture fixation, rehab plays a vital role in healing. Note: Each surgery has its own ...Benefits of Physiotherapy After Surgery
Introduction: Post-operative recovery is a critical phase, and physiotherapy plays a key role in speeding up the healing process and preventing complications. Content: After surgery, patients may experience stiffness, swelling, and weakness. ...