Frozen Shoulder
If you’ve ever struggled with persistent shoulder pain and limited mobility, you might be dealing with a condition known as frozen shoulder. This article will help you understand what frozen shoulder is, what causes it, how it’s diagnosed, and most importantly, how it can be treated and managed effectively.
If you’re in Manhattan and looking for high-quality, one-on-one care, contact Paspa Physical Therapy. Our experienced therapists provide personalized treatment plans in private rooms with full gym access, no aides, no shortcuts, just skilled care from seasoned professionals.
What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It typically develops gradually, worsens over time, and then slowly improves, although the entire process can take months or even years.
This condition affects the joint capsule, the connective tissue that surrounds the shoulder joint, which becomes thickened and tight. Over time, this restricts shoulder movement and results in a significant loss of range of motion.
What Are the Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder?
The hallmark frozen shoulder symptoms include chronic shoulder pain, stiffness, and difficulty with everyday movements, such as reaching overhead or behind the back. Pain is often worse at night and may disrupt sleep.
These symptoms generally progress through three stages:
- Freezing stage: This is characterized by increasing pain and limited movement.
- Frozen stage: The stiffness remains, but pain may lessen.
- Thawing stage: A gradual return of movement and function.
Pain may radiate from the shoulder into the upper arm and worsen with certain activities. In some cases, people develop pain even when the affected arm is at rest.
Causes of Frozen Shoulder
So, why does frozen shoulder occur? The exact cause isn’t always clear, but several factors can contribute. Often, it follows an injury or surgery that limits arm movement for a long period, such as a rotator cuff tear or a broken arm.
Risk factors include:
- Age (most common between 40–60)
- Gender (more common in women)
- Medical conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders
- Post-surgical recovery when shoulder movement is restricted
Prolonged immobility is one of the primary contributors to developing frozen shoulder, making early intervention and proper care essential.
For many patients, recovery involves guided rehabilitation. If you’re dealing with limited shoulder movement, consider exploring physical therapy options. At Paspa Physical Therapy, you’ll receive focused one-on-one attention from seasoned professionals, never from aides or trainees.
How is Frozen Shoulder Diagnosed?
To diagnose frozen shoulder, your doctor will review your symptoms and perform a physical exam to assess your range of motion and pain level. Imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs might be used to rule out other conditions, such as arthritis or a rotator cuff tear.
During the physical exam, your provider may attempt to move your arm while it’s relaxed. Limited shoulder movement both actively (you move it) and passively (they move it) is a strong indicator of frozen shoulder.
Frozen Shoulder Treatment Options
The good news is that frozen shoulder treatment can significantly improve your function and relieve pain, especially when started early. The most common treatments include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications are used to reduce pain and swelling.
- Steroid injections are used to relieve severe pain and inflammation.
- Physical therapy is the cornerstone of treatment, focused on restoring mobility.
- Surgical intervention is required in rare cases where other treatments fail.
At Paspa Physical Therapy, our experienced therapists develop custom plans that evolve as you regain motion. Because we treat one patient at a time, you can expect focused care, faster recovery, and a safer, more comfortable experience.
Frozen Shoulder Exercises
A well-structured rehab plan will include frozen shoulder exercises to increase flexibility and restore function. These may include:
- External Rotation (Passive Stretch)
Stand in a doorway and bend the elbow of your affected arm to a 90-degree angle, placing your hand against the door frame. Keep your hand in place and slowly rotate your body away from your arm until you feel a gentle stretch in the shoulder. Hold this position for 30 seconds, then relax. Repeat several times. - Forward Flexion (Supine Stretch)
Lie flat on your back with your legs extended. Use your unaffected arm to lift your stiff arm overhead, keeping the movement slow and steady. Stop when you feel a gentle stretch, not pain. Hold for 15 seconds, then return to the starting position. Repeat as directed by your therapist. - Cross-Body Arm Stretch
Bring one arm across your body at chest level, just below your chin. Use your other hand to gently pull the arm closer to your chest, going as far as you can comfortably without triggering pain. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds, then release and repeat.
Your therapist will guide you through each stage, ensuring the exercises are performed safely and effectively. Doing the wrong exercises, or too much, too soon, can lead to setbacks, including increased scar tissue buildup.
Why Choose Paspa Physical Therapy?
If you’re struggling with frozen shoulder or recovering from surgery, Paspa Physical Therapy in Manhattan offers the comprehensive, personalized care you need. Our full gym and private rooms ensure a comfortable recovery environment. And with no aides or new grads, every session is led by a seasoned physical therapist.
Many of our patients come to us because they value quality, privacy, and results. Whether you’re dealing with frozen shoulder, a rotator cuff tear, or post-operative stiffness, we help you get back to your full function, one step at a time.
Regain Control of Your Shoulder Health
Frozen shoulder doesn’t have to define your life. With early diagnosis, expert treatment, and a personalized rehab plan, recovery is possible. At Paspa Physical Therapy in Manhattan, New York, we provide one-on-one care with experienced therapists committed to your recovery.
Contact us today to schedule your personalized evaluation and begin your journey toward pain-free movement!
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