Frozen shoulder: home physiotherapy

How physiotherapy helps

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a debilitating condition causing progressive loss of motion and severe pain. It progresses through 3 phases: freezing (pain), frozen (stiffness), and thawing (recovery). Without treatment, it can last 1–3 years. Home physiotherapy can dramatically reduce this duration. The therapist applies specific joint mobilization techniques, low-intensity prolonged stretching, and progressive strengthening exercises. They also teach you home exercises to perform daily. With consistency, most patients recover in 4–6 months instead of 2–3 years.

Common symptoms

• Gradual loss of shoulder motion
• Pain especially at night
• Inability to reach overhead or behind the back
• Stiffness worsening over time
• Pain even at rest