Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, involves progressive restriction of the shoulder capsule and can affect both active and passive movement. Symptoms often change over time, so the same exercise intensity may not be appropriate throughout recovery.
Key points
- Pain and stiffness can progress through different phases.
- Rotation and elevation are often noticeably restricted.
- Gentle mobility may be more appropriate when pain is highly irritable.
- Strength and functional movement can be progressed as tolerance improves.
What a physiotherapy assessment can add
A physiotherapist can compare active and passive range, assess pain behaviour and screen for other shoulder or neck conditions that may mimic stiffness.
Practical next steps
Use exercises at a tolerable intensity and measure progress over weeks rather than repeatedly forcing the shoulder to its maximum range.
When to seek medical care
A sudden loss of function after trauma, fever, unexplained swelling or significant neurological symptoms should be assessed for causes other than routine frozen shoulder.
