What You Need to Know About Frozen Shoulder and Mobility Loss
If you are struggling with stiffness, pain, and a limited range of motion in your shoulder, you may be experiencing a condition known as frozen shoulder. It develops when the tissues around the joint become inflamed and tight, making movement difficult and painful.
While this condition may linger for multiple years, the team at Bridge Physical Therapy can help you manage your symptoms and feel better faster.
Frequently Asked Questions About Frozen Shoulder and Its Treatment
What exactly is frozen shoulder? Why does it happen?
Also called adhesive capsulitis, it’s a condition in which the capsule of tissue around the shoulder joint becomes thickened and stiff, limiting the joint’s ability to move normally. It develops in stages, with each stage having slightly different symptoms.
It’s not always clear why it develops, although certain factors can increase your risk, including injury, surgery, or health conditions like diabetes.
What are the three stages?
1. The Freezing Stage
- This stage is marked by shoulder pain, and shoulder movement becomes more limited. It can last from 6 weeks to 9 months.
2. Frozen Stage
- Your pain will typically decrease in this stage, but stiffness remains severe, making daily activities very difficult. This stage often lasts 4 to 6 months.
3. The Thawing Stage
- During this stage, your symptoms will slowly improve. Pain will fade, range of motion will increase, and function will gradually return. This recovery stage can take 6 months to 2 years.
Understanding these stages helps set realistic expectations for recovery. At Bridge Physical Therapy, we guide patients through each phase with personalized treatment to reduce pain and safely regain mobility.
How do I know if I really have frozen shoulder?
If your shoulder pain worsens and your ability to move your arm significantly decreases over time, frozen shoulder may be the cause. Our physical therapists can assess your movement, identify patterns of stiffness, and help confirm the condition. We may also order imaging tests to rule out other problems.
How can physical therapy help?
Physical therapy is actually one of the most effective treatments for frozen shoulder! Our team will help you manage your symptoms and restore movement and function with individualized programs that safely guide you through each stage of recovery.
We generally do this through techniques like gentle stretching, joint mobilization, and guided exercises. Therapy also focuses on improving shoulder mechanics to prevent further problems.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery time varies by person. Some people see improvement in a few months, while others need over a year to fully regain mobility. Staying consistent with your therapy plan, doing prescribed exercises at home, and following your therapist’s recommendations can facilitate your progress.
Is there anything I can do at home to help?
Yes! In fact, your plan will likely include simple stretches you can do on your own. Heat therapy before stretching may help loosen the shoulder joint, while ice can reduce pain after exercise. However, it’s important not to push through sharp pain, as this can worsen the condition.
Will my shoulder freeze again?
It is uncommon for frozen shoulder to affect the same shoulder twice, but it can sometimes develop in the opposite shoulder. Maintaining shoulder mobility, staying active, and addressing underlying health conditions can reduce the risk.
When should I seek help for shoulder stiffness?
If shoulder pain and stiffness last more than a few weeks or keep getting worse, it’s time to schedule an appointment at Bridge Physical Therapy. Early intervention can prevent further loss of motion and shorten recovery time.
Address Your Frozen Shoulder with Bridge Physical Therapy
If you are dealing with shoulder stiffness or pain, our team is here to help. We specialize in safe, effective treatment plans tailored to your needs. Schedule a consultation at our South Ogden, UT clinic today to start your path toward better mobility.