Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): Physiotherapy Assessment & Rehabilitation
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful condition characterised by progressive stiffness and loss of shoulder movement. It commonly affects people between 40–65 years of age and can significantly impact sleep, work, and daily activities.
At Fit2Function Allied Health, we provide evidence-based physiotherapy to manage frozen shoulder through each stage of the condition, focusing on pain management, maintaining movement, and restoring function as the shoulder recovers.
What is frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder involves thickening and tightening of the joint capsule surrounding the shoulder, leading to pain and progressive restriction of movement.
It typically progresses through three overlapping phases:
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Painful (freezing) phase – increasing pain and gradual loss of movement
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Stiff (frozen) phase – pain may reduce but stiffness remains significant
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Recovery (thawing) phase – gradual improvement in range of motion
The condition often develops without a clear injury and can last many months if not managed appropriately.
Common symptoms
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Gradual onset shoulder pain
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Significant stiffness and reduced range of motion
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Difficulty reaching overhead or behind the back
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Night pain and disturbed sleep
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Functional limitations with dressing, driving, and work tasks
Physiotherapy management for frozen shoulder
Physiotherapy plays a key role throughout all stages of frozen shoulder.
Management focuses on:
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Pain education and activity modification
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Maintaining safe shoulder movement within tolerance
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Gentle mobility exercises matched to the current phase
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Gradual progression of strength as movement improves
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Guidance on pacing and expectations
Rehabilitation is adapted depending on symptom stage — aggressive stretching early on is avoided.
Do I need imaging?
Frozen shoulder is primarily a clinical diagnosis. Imaging may be used to exclude other causes of shoulder pain but is not required to confirm the condition.
How our physiotherapists help
We provide:
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Stage-appropriate rehabilitation
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Education around timelines and expectations
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Individualised exercise programs
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Ongoing guidance to support recovery and confidence
Book a shoulder assessment
If shoulder stiffness and pain are limiting your daily activities, our physiotherapists can assess your shoulder and guide effective management.
Learn more about shoulder injuries & physiotherapy
Explore our other shoulder condition pages to understand evidence-based assessment, rehabilitation, and return-to-activity strategies:
Rotator Cuff Injuries | Subacromial Pain / Shoulder Impingement | Frozen Shoulder | Shoulder Instability & Dislocation | AC Joint Injuries | Labral Injuries (SLAP, Bankart & Hill-Sachs) | Biceps Tendon Pain / Anterior shoulder pain
Our physiotherapists provide individualised programs focused on restoring movement, strength, and long-term shoulder health.
