Frozen Shoulder Treatment

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a condition characterized by progressive stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It occurs when the joint capsule — the tissue that surrounds and encases the shoulder — becomes inflamed and develops adhesions that severely restrict movement in all directions.

Common symptoms of frozen shoulder include:

• Difficulty reaching overhead — progressive loss of the ability to lift your arm above shoulder height
• Inability to reach behind your back — tasks like fastening a bra, tucking in a shirt, or reaching for a seatbelt become painful or impossible
• Night pain that disrupts sleep — a deep ache in the shoulder that makes finding a comfortable sleeping position difficult
• Stiffness that limits daily activities — combing hair, getting dressed, and reaching into cabinets all become restricted
• Pain with sudden or unexpected movements — sharp pain when the arm is bumped or moved quickly beyond its available range

Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three stages: the freezing stage (increasing pain and stiffness over two to nine months), the frozen stage (stiffness plateaus and pain may decrease, lasting four to twelve months), and the thawing stage (gradual return of motion over five to twenty-four months). Risk factors include diabetes, thyroid disorders, prior shoulder surgery or immobilization, and age between 40 and 65. While frozen shoulder can eventually resolve on its own over one to three years, physical therapy can significantly accelerate recovery and prevent prolonged disability.

Our treatment approach is tailored to your current stage of frozen shoulder and adapts as the condition progresses. The intensity and focus of treatment shift depending on whether you are in the painful freezing phase or the stiffness-dominant frozen and thawing phases.

Your individualized plan may include:

• Joint mobilization — hands-on techniques to stretch the joint capsule and break up adhesions, progressively restoring motion in all directions
• Sustained stretching — prolonged, low-load stretches that are more effective for capsular restrictions than aggressive range of motion or forced manipulation
• Pain management — manual techniques and therapeutic approaches to manage pain during the more inflammatory freezing stage
• Strengthening — progressive rotator cuff and scapular strengthening as motion returns, rebuilding the functional capacity you need for daily activities
• Home stretching program — daily exercises are critical for frozen shoulder recovery, and your therapist will provide a specific program and teach proper technique to maximize your gains between visits

Our one-on-one treatment model is particularly important for frozen shoulder because the manual therapy techniques require sustained, skilled hands-on work that cannot be replicated with machines or group exercise. Your therapist spends the entire session working directly with you to restore your shoulder mobility.

Your evaluation will assess your current range of motion in all directions, identify your stage of adhesive capsulitis, and evaluate shoulder strength and scapular function. We use objective measurements to track your progress visit to visit so both you and your therapist can see exactly how your motion is improving. Wear a shirt that allows easy access to your shoulder.

Improvement with frozen shoulder is gradual — patients typically gain a few degrees of motion each week with consistent treatment and daily home exercises. Most patients see significant functional improvement within eight to twelve weeks of treatment, though full range of motion recovery may take longer depending on your stage at the start of care. We will be transparent about realistic timelines and adjust your treatment approach as you progress through the stages of recovery.

Patience and consistency with your home stretching program are the biggest factors in your outcome. Your therapist will teach you exactly what to do, how long to hold each stretch, and how often to perform your exercises to get the best results.

We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicare Advantage. In Delaware, you do not need a physician referral to begin physical therapy. Our front desk team can verify your benefits before your first visit. Call (302) 998-7681 or use our online scheduling tool to book your evaluation.