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SHOULDER
Frozen Shoulder Physiotherapy in Richmond
See how Richmond Physiotherapy can help you below
Frozen Shoulder: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes stiffness, pain, and progressive loss of shoulder movement. The condition develops when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and tight, restricting motion.
Frozen shoulder often develops gradually and may worsen over several months. Many people first notice shoulder stiffness when reaching overhead, reaching behind the back, or performing everyday movements such as dressing.
Physiotherapy treatment focuses on improving shoulder mobility, reducing stiffness, and gradually restoring normal shoulder movement.
At Richmond Physiotherapist, we provide physiotherapy treatment for frozen shoulder in Richmond to help patients regain comfortable shoulder movement and function.
What Causes Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder can develop for several reasons, though it often occurs without a clear injury.
Common contributing factors include:
• prolonged shoulder immobilization after injury
• shoulder surgery
• rotator cuff injuries
• diabetes
• thyroid disorders
• prolonged inactivity of the shoulder
Frozen shoulder most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder symptoms typically develop gradually and may progress through several stages.
Common symptoms include:
• persistent shoulder stiffness
• difficulty raising the arm overhead
• pain when reaching behind the back• reduced shoulder range of motion
• aching shoulder pain, especially at night
• progressive limitation in shoulder movement
The condition typically progresses through freezing, frozen, and thawing stages, which may last several months.
How Physiotherapy Helps Frozen Shoulder
Physiotherapy plays an important role in restoring shoulder movement and preventing long-term stiffness.
During your physiotherapy assessment at Richmond Physiotherapist, we evaluate:
• shoulder joint mobility• capsular stiffness
• muscle tightness around the shoulder
• posture and shoulder mechanics
• contributing movement limitations
Understanding the stage of frozen shoulder helps guide treatment and rehabilitation exercises.
Physiotherapy Treatments for Frozen Shoulder
Treatment focuses on gradually restoring shoulder mobility while reducing irritation in the joint.
Physiotherapy treatments may include:
Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques used to gently improve shoulder joint mobility.
Exercise Rehabilitation
Targeted stretching and mobility exercises designed to gradually restore shoulder movement.
Dry Needling / IMS
Helps reduce muscle tension surrounding the shoulder joint.
Shockwave Therapy
May be used in some cases to address chronic shoulder irritation.
Movement Education
Guidance on daily movements and exercises that support shoulder recovery.
These treatments help improve shoulder mobility and reduce discomfort as the shoulder gradually regains movement.
When to See a Physiotherapist
You should consider physiotherapy if:
• shoulder stiffness continues to worsen
• reaching overhead becomes difficult
• shoulder movement becomes limited
• shoulder pain interferes with sleep
• daily activities become restricted
Early physiotherapy treatment can help maintain shoulder mobility and support recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will frozen shoulder go away on its own?
Eventually, but eventually can mean one to three years, and some people never fully get their range back without help. Physio shortens that timeline and gets you moving sooner. Waiting it out is the slowest option. The earlier we start, the better the outcome.
What are the stages of frozen shoulder?
Three. Freezing, where pain increases and motion drops over months. Frozen, where pain eases but stiffness peaks. Thawing, where motion gradually returns. Physio helps most in the first two stages by keeping pain manageable and preserving whatever motion you have. We work with the stage you’re in, not against it.
Is frozen shoulder related to diabetes?
Yes, there’s a real link. Diabetics are several times more likely to develop frozen shoulder and tend to have longer courses. If you have diabetes, tighter blood sugar control helps the shoulder recover. We factor that into the plan and set expectations accordingly.
Should I use heat or ice on frozen shoulder?
Heat for stiffness before movement and stretching. Ice after activity if it’s flared up. In the early painful freezing stage, ice is usually more useful. Later when it’s stiff but less painful, heat wins. Match the tool to the stage.
Book an appointment
Your recovery starts with one visit.
Every session is 1-on-1, built around your body and your goals. We bill your insurance directly, so you can focus on getting better.