Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Common Symptoms

• Deep shoulder pain, often worse at night
• Progressive loss of shoulder motion in multiple directions
• Difficulty reaching overhead, behind the back, or across the body
• A painful 'freezing' phase, a stiff 'frozen' phase, and a gradual 'thawing' phase
• Pain that may radiate down the arm in the early phase

What May Contribute

Frozen shoulder often appears without a clear trigger, but several factors increase the likelihood.

• Diabetes and thyroid conditions
• Recent shoulder injury, surgery, or prolonged immobilization
• Age in the 40 to 60 range
• Female sex, more commonly affected
• Previous frozen shoulder, sometimes on the other side

How Form and Function Approaches This

Frozen shoulder follows a predictable pattern, and care is most useful when it matches the phase you are in. We work with where your shoulder is now, not where it 'should' be.

• A thorough mechanical and functional assessment to identify what is driving symptoms
• A care plan that may combine hands-on care, movement, education, and recovery strategies based on your presentation
• Clear reasoning at each step, so you understand what we are doing and why
• Coordination with medical providers when imaging, medication, or specialist input would be helpful

Read more about our overall approach to care.

Treatment Options May Include

• Education about the phases of the condition and what each one needs
• Pain-easing and movement work in the early painful phase
• Progressive mobility and loading as motion returns
• Joint mobilization for the shoulder capsule, matched to the current phase of the condition
• Activity modification and sleep strategies during the painful phase
• Coordination with a physician for injection or further input when symptoms are severe

How This Condition Is Commonly Diagnosed

Frozen shoulder is diagnosed clinically by the pattern of motion loss, especially external rotation.

• History of how the symptoms began and how motion has changed
• Examination including active and passive range of motion
• Screening to rule out other shoulder conditions
• Imaging when another diagnosis is suspected

Expected Recovery and Prognosis

Frozen shoulder typically resolves over twelve to twenty-four months, though the trajectory varies and well-timed care can ease symptoms and support function along the way.

Most people regain enough motion and function to return to normal activities, with strength and mobility work continuing through the thawing phase.

Related Conditions

• Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
• Labral Pathology
• Post-Surgical Recovery

Related Services

• Movement-Based Rehabilitation
• Chiropractic Care
• Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT)

When Symptoms May Require Emergency Medical Evaluation

• Sudden or progressive weakness
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Numbness in the groin or saddle region
• Fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss
• Severe trauma or suspected fracture
• Persistent night pain or rapidly worsening symptoms
• Shortness of breath, chest pain, or other non-musculoskeletal symptoms
• Symptoms that are severe, spreading, or not improving as expected

These symptoms are uncommon, but they can indicate conditions that may require urgent medical evaluation. If you are unsure whether your symptoms fit this category, Form and Function can help guide appropriate next steps or referrals when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions