Summary

A frozen shoulder – also known as adhesive capsulitis – occurs when the connective tissue surrounding your shoulder joint becomes inflamed and stiff. This limits movement and can cause persistent pain. Physiotherapy with the White House Clinic helps you regain mobility and reduce pain through guided movement, targeted exercise and expert care across 14 locations in South Yorkshire, North East Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

An overview of frozen shoulder

The shoulder joint is one of the most mobile joints, allowing you to reach, lift and rotate your arm. When the capsule of tissue surrounding the joint becomes inflamed or thickened, movement becomes restricted and painful. This condition develops gradually and can last months or years if left untreated. Early physiotherapy can help manage symptoms and shorten recovery time.

Symptoms of frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder usually develops in three stages – freezing, frozen and thawing – each with its own pattern of pain and stiffness. Common symptoms include:

• Dull or aching pain around the outer shoulder or upper arm
• Stiffness and limited range of movement
• Pain that worsens at night or when lying on the affected side
• Difficulty performing everyday tasks such as dressing or reaching overhead

Causes of frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder happens when the tissue around the joint thickens and tightens, often following inflammation or injury. It may develop after surgery, fractures, or prolonged immobility. Certain conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid disease and cardiovascular problems, can also increase the risk. In some cases, the cause is unclear.

When to seek help

If your shoulder pain and stiffness lasts for multiple weeks without improvement, it’s best to seek professional advice. A physiotherapist at the White House Clinic can assess your movement, identify the cause, and start a tailored rehabilitation plan to relieve pain and restore movement.

What to do if you have a frozen shoulder

It’s essential to keep your shoulder gently moving. Avoid heavy lifting or gym exercises that worsen pain, but maintain daily mobility with light, controlled stretches.

To manage symptoms:

• Apply gentle heat packs to ease discomfort
• Avoid smoking, as it can delay recovery
• Take mild pain relief if needed, as advised by a pharmacist
• Follow your physiotherapist’s exercise plan consistently

Treatment for frozen shoulder

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is the primary treatment for frozen shoulder. Your physio will guide you through stretching and strengthening exercises designed to restore range of motion and reduce stiffness. They may also use kinesiology taping or posture advice to support healing and comfort.

Steroid injections

For moderate to severe pain, a corticosteroid injection may reduce inflammation and improve movement. These injections are available at selected White House Clinic locations through our Sports and Exercise Medicine Injection Clinic.

Shockwave therapy

In some cases, focused or radial shockwave therapy may be recommended to promote tissue healing and relieve pain, particularly if stiffness persists despite exercise.

Surgery

Surgery is rarely needed, but could be considered if non-invasive treatments do not improve mobility. The goal is to release the tightened capsule and restore shoulder movement.

Who is affected by frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder most commonly affects people aged 40 to 60, and is slightly more common in women. It can occur after injury, surgery, or in people with long-term conditions such as diabetes.

Preventing recurrence

Once your shoulder has healed, maintaining flexibility and regular exercise can reduce the risk of recurrence. Focus on good posture, balanced shoulder strength and keeping up your prescribed mobility exercises even after symptoms improve.

Get help from the White House Clinic.

Are you struggling with shoulder stiffness or pain that limits your movement? The White House Clinic offers rapid access to physiotherapy, shockwave therapy, and injection treatments at convenient locations across South Yorkshire, North East Derbyshire, and Nottinghamshire.

Our experienced physiotherapists can help you manage pain, restore movement and return to everyday life with confidence.

References

• NHS Frozen Shoulder
• NCBI
• OrthoInfo