How Can PT Help a Frozen Shoulder?

How Can Physical Therapy Help a Frozen Shoulder?

September 28, 2022

By Adam Lee Lota, PT, DPT

What is a Frozen Shoulder?

A frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, does not actually mean your shoulder is frozen. A frozen shoulder is stiff, painful, and has limited mobility. A frozen shoulder can occur when there is little to no movement in the shoulder such as after surgery or after other injuries have occured. Typically, adults that are 40 years or older are more likely to be affected by a frozen shoulder.

With a frozen shoulder, it can be challenging to do simple daily tasks like reaching for something on the top shelf, carrying a case of water, carrying a full grocery bag, or tying your hair up.

Physical therapy will reduce pain and increase mobility in your shoulder. Recovery time for a frozen shoulder can be long, depending on the stage of the condition, but seeing a physical therapist that can help provide specific stretches, strengthening exercises, and manual treatment will speed up your recovery time.

Frozen shoulder has 3 stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing. It’s important to have the right exercises for each stage. Here are a few exercises that can help reduce your symptoms in the frozen stage: