Frozen shoulder: causes, symptoms and treatment
A clinically reviewed guide to frozen shoulder — its stages, and how movement and time restore the shoulder.
Medically reviewed by D.C Matt · Lead Director
Last reviewed 1 July 2026
- Frozen shoulder progresses through freezing, frozen and thawing stages.
- It is more common in people aged 40–60 and those with diabetes.
- Most cases resolve, though recovery can take many months.
What is frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is a condition where the shoulder's capsule becomes inflamed and tightens, causing progressive stiffness and pain.
It typically develops gradually and moves through three stages: a painful 'freezing' stage, a stiff 'frozen' stage, and a 'thawing' stage where movement returns.
What are the symptoms of frozen shoulder?
The hallmark is progressive loss of shoulder movement with pain, often worse at night and with a marked loss of the ability to rotate the arm.
- Gradually worsening shoulder stiffness
- Pain, frequently worse at night
- Difficulty with everyday reaching and dressing
- Loss of both active and passive movement
How is frozen shoulder treated?
Frozen shoulder is treated with pain management, gentle mobility work and exercise matched to the stage, supporting the shoulder as it recovers.
In the painful early stage, treatment focuses on comfort and gentle movement; later, more active stretching and strengthening restore range. Recovery takes time, and referral is considered for stubborn cases.
The Postura approach
At Postura Wellness, care for frozen shoulder is built around OrthoRestore™ — our signature method that combines chiropractic and physiotherapy into one coordinated plan. Depending on your assessment, it can bring together chiropractic adjustments, dry needling, muscle manipulation, Active Release Technique, and targeted exercises, supported where helpful by technology such as shockwave therapy and bioelectric therapy. The aim is to relieve symptoms while addressing the underlying causes, with a plan tailored to you.
Sciatica FAQs
How long does frozen shoulder last?
It varies widely, often from around a year up to two or more, moving through freezing, frozen and thawing stages. Treatment can ease symptoms along the way.
Who gets frozen shoulder?
It is most common between ages 40 and 60, more often in women, and is more frequent in people with diabetes or after a period of shoulder immobility.
Should I push through the pain to loosen a frozen shoulder?
No. Aggressive stretching in the painful stage can aggravate it. Exercise should be matched to the stage of the condition.
Can physiotherapy help frozen shoulder?
Yes. A stage-appropriate programme of manual therapy and exercise helps manage pain and restore movement.
This guide is informed by patient information from accredited medical institutions:
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