If you’re struggling to lift your arm or reach behind your back, you might be experiencing frozen shoulder—a painful and frustrating condition that can last for months, or even years, if left untreated.
At Synergy Physio, we understand just how limiting a frozen shoulder can be, but the good news is: physiotherapy can help. With the right treatment and support, you can regain your movement, reduce pain, and get back to doing what you love.
What Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that affects the shoulder joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. It typically develops slowly and progresses through three key stages:
- Freezing Stage: Pain gradually increases, and shoulder movement becomes limited.
- Frozen Stage: Pain may ease slightly, but stiffness becomes more severe, making everyday tasks difficult.
- Thawing Stage: Movement begins to return slowly and steadily over time.
Frozen shoulder most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60 and is more prevalent in women. Risk factors include diabetes, thyroid conditions, and prolonged immobility (often after surgery or injury).
Symptoms to Watch Out For
Recognising frozen shoulder early can make a big difference. Some common signs include:
- Difficulty performing daily tasks like dressing, reaching overhead, or fastening a bra
- Persistent aching or sharp pain in the shoulder joint
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion in all directions
- Pain that worsens at night or when lying on the affected side
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, physiotherapy may be the key to relief.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
At Synergy Physio, our team specialises in treating frozen shoulder with a holistic and evidence-based approach. Here’s how we can help:
1. Accurate Assessment
The first step is getting the right diagnosis. Our physiotherapists carry out a thorough assessment to confirm frozen shoulder and rule out other issues like rotator cuff injuries or arthritis.
2. Pain Management Strategies
We use a variety of techniques to manage your pain, including gentle manual therapy, massage, and heat or ice treatments. We’ll also give you practical advice on how to move safely to avoid making symptoms worse.
3. Tailored Exercise Programmes
Exercise is crucial for recovery—but it has to be the right kind at the right time. We guide you through:
- Gentle stretches to gradually restore motion
- Strengthening exercises as mobility improves
- Pacing strategies to avoid overloading the joint
4. Education and Reassurance
Understanding your condition can reduce fear and anxiety. We’ll explain what’s happening in your shoulder and what to expect at each stage, helping you stay active and involved in your recovery.
5. Support Through the Stages
Frozen shoulder isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition. Our physiotherapists adapt your treatment as you move through the freezing, frozen, and thawing stages—offering the right tools and techniques at the right time.
If needed we can refer to a consultant to have a review which could include an injection or surgery to help release the capsule.
What Happens If It’s Left Untreated?
Without proper intervention, frozen shoulder can last 2–3 years, and in some cases, lead to permanent loss of motion. Many people start compensating with other parts of their body, which can cause neck, upper back, or arm pain. Early physiotherapy can prevent these complications and speed up recovery.
When to Seek Help
You should consider seeing a physiotherapist if:
- You’ve had shoulder pain and stiffness for more than a few weeks
- You’re struggling with sleep or everyday activities
- You’ve been diagnosed with frozen shoulder but aren’t sure what to do next
How We Can Help at Synergy Physio
At Synergy Physio, we offer expert-led assessment and treatment for frozen shoulder at our Woking and Egham clinics. Our approach is gentle, supportive, and personalised to your needs—helping you move comfortably through your recovery journey. Book an appointment here.
