Your shoulder started hurting for no clear reason, then stiffened progressively — you can no longer reach behind your back, overhead or out to the side, and night pain won’t let you rest? Adhesive capsulitis — “frozen shoulder” — is one of the most frustrating shoulder conditions, but it comes with good news: it evolves towards recovery, and the right programme shortens the road.
What is adhesive capsulitis?
The shoulder’s joint capsule inflames, thickens and contracts — the joint stays bound “in straps”. The classic course has three phases: “freezing” (rising pain, months), “frozen” (pain eases, stiffness dominates) and “thawing” (mobility gradually returns). Total: from several months to 1–2 years untreated — the right programme significantly accelerates it.
Common symptoms
Deep shoulder pain, worse at night, stiffness that limits even PASSIVE movement (the hallmark — no one can raise your arm either), difficulty dressing, combing hair, reaching behind the back or for the seatbelt.
Common causes and risk factors
Often no clear cause (idiopathic); risk rises after shoulder immobilisation, surgery, in diabetes (several times more common — and more persistent), thyroid conditions and between ages 40–60, especially in women.
Can it be treated without surgery?
Yes, in the vast majority of cases — treatment is conservative and PHASE-ADAPTED: in the painful phase, gentle mobilisation and pain control (aggressive stretching makes it worse!); in the stiff phases, progressive capsular stretching and mobility restoration. Manipulation under anaesthesia or capsular release are reserves for refractory cases.
How we treat frozen shoulder at Medicine Park
We confirm the diagnosis (ruling out the rotator cuff and arthritis), establish the phase, then run the programme suited to it: dosed manual therapy, progressive capsular stretching, clearly guided home exercises, management of sleep and night pain, and — importantly — structured patience: progress is measured in degrees, month by month. All in English.
How long does recovery take?
With a correct programme: pain relief in weeks, substantial mobility recovery in 3–6 months. Diabetics have longer journeys — guidance matters even more.
When to seek help
The earlier and more correctly the painful phase is addressed, the shorter the road. Your first assessment at Medicine Park is free.
