If your shoulder has been slowly getting stiffer and more painful, and reaching up or behind your back has become hard, you may be dealing with a frozen shoulder. The medical name is adhesive capsulitis.
Frozen shoulder can be uncomfortable and slow, but understanding what it is and how it behaves makes a real difference. Here is what a frozen shoulder is, who tends to get it, the stages it moves through, and how physiotherapy can help.
- What is a frozen shoulder?
- Who tends to get a frozen shoulder?
- What are the stages of a frozen shoulder?
- How long does a frozen shoulder take to recover?
- How can physiotherapy help?
- When should you see a physio or doctor?
- Helping You Perform at Your Best
What is a frozen shoulder?
A frozen shoulder is a condition where the capsule around the shoulder joint becomes thickened and tight, leading to pain and a progressive loss of movement. It often comes on gradually and can affect everyday tasks like dressing, reaching overhead or putting on a seatbelt.
It can develop on its own or after a period of reduced shoulder use, and it most often affects people roughly between 40 and 60 years of age.
Who tends to get a frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is more common in middle age, and there is a notable link with diabetes. Research shows adhesive capsulitis occurs around five times more often in people with diabetes. That does not mean everyone with diabetes will get it, but it is a recognised association worth being aware of.
What are the stages of a frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder typically moves through stages, and knowing them helps set realistic expectations:
- Freezing: pain increases and movement gradually reduces
- Frozen: pain may ease somewhat, but stiffness and limited movement remain
- Thawing: movement slowly returns over time
Because it moves through these phases, what helps most can change depending on the stage you are in.
How long does a frozen shoulder take to recover?
Recovery is often slow, and timelines vary from person to person. According to OrthoInfo from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, while a frozen shoulder tends to improve over time, full recovery may take up to three years. Recovery can be slower for people with diabetes. Understanding this helps avoid discouragement and supports sticking with a sensible plan.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy that focuses on shoulder movement is a recommended first-line approach. Depending on your stage, a physio may help with:
- Managing pain and protecting comfortable movement early on
- Gentle, guided range-of-movement work to maintain and gradually restore motion
- Progressive exercise as the shoulder allows
- Practical advice for daily activities while the shoulder recovers
Many people improve their pain and function with a staged, personalised programme.
When should you see a physio or doctor?
See a physio if your shoulder is stiffening, losing movement, or affecting daily tasks, so you can get a clear assessment and a plan suited to your stage. See your doctor if the shoulder pain follows a significant injury, there is a lot of weakness, or you are unsure what is causing your symptoms, so other causes can be considered.
Helping You Perform at Your Best
A frozen shoulder can be wearing, especially when it drags on and limits everyday movement, sleep and work.
At Ace Sports Medicine in Upper Mount Gravatt, our physiotherapists provide personalised care for frozen shoulder across Brisbane's southside, matched to the stage you are in. Your first appointment includes an assessment and a starter plan with realistic expectations.
Need support for a stiff, painful shoulder? Book an appointment with the Ace Sports Medicine team today.
