Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder treatment at Physical Studio: phase-specific physiotherapy, ultrasound assessment and a tailored mobility programme.
What is it?
A frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition in which the shoulder joint gradually becomes stiffer and range of motion decreases. The joint capsule thickens and tightens, making movements such as raising your arm or reaching behind your back progressively harder. The complaint often develops gradually, without an obvious injury, and can involve both pain and a persistent feeling of the shoulder being 'stuck'.
Frozen shoulder typically progresses through several phases, each with its own character: a painful phase during which the shoulder becomes increasingly stiff, a phase in which stiffness is the dominant feature, and a phase in which mobility gradually returns. The condition is more common between the ages of 40 and 60 and occurs somewhat more often in women. At Physical Studio we combine a careful assessment with a treatment approach tailored to the phase you are in, so you can work purposefully on mobility and everyday function.
Common causes
- Unknown cause (idiopathic), the most common form
- Prolonged immobilisation of the shoulder, for example after an injury or surgery
- Diabetes mellitus, which is associated with a higher likelihood of frozen shoulder
- Thyroid conditions
- Previous shoulder surgery or injury
- Extended reduced use of the arm due to pain elsewhere in the body
- Cardiovascular disease and Parkinson's disease are associated with a higher risk
- A previous frozen shoulder in the other shoulder
How we diagnose
At Physical Studio, assessment of a frozen shoulder always starts with a thorough intake, in which we map your history, how the complaint has developed, and the daily limitations you're experiencing. This is followed by a movement assessment, testing the active and passive range of motion of your shoulder in every direction and comparing it with the other side. This helps us determine which phase the frozen shoulder is in. Where clinically relevant, we use ultrasound to rule out or confirm other causes of shoulder complaints, such as a tendon injury or inflammation of the bursa tissue. This gives us a complete picture of what is happening in and around the joint, so we can tailor treatment accordingly.
Treatment approach
Treatment of a frozen shoulder at Physical Studio focuses on preserving and gradually increasing your range of motion, tailored to the phase you're in. During the painful, increasingly stiff phase, the emphasis is on gentle, pain-free mobilising exercises and advice on everyday loading, so the shoulder isn't pushed into further stiffness unnecessarily. As stiffness becomes the dominant feature, we use manual therapy and targeted mobility exercises to increase range of motion step by step. In the final phase, as the shoulder gradually loosens, we guide the rebuilding of strength and functional use of the arm, for example through personal training focused on shoulder stability. We continuously match pace and intensity to what your shoulder can handle at that point in time.
Expected recovery
Recovery from a frozen shoulder is gradual, and the length of the process varies considerably from person to person, depending on the phase in which the complaint is recognised, the underlying cause, and how your body responds to treatment. Broadly speaking, the full course, from the initial painful phase to fully restored mobility, can take anywhere from several months to over a year. Many people find that targeted exercise therapy and manual therapy contribute to a smoother process and more control over daily limitations, even though the overall timeline is often not quick. During your intake we discuss a realistic estimate based on your specific situation, rather than promising a fixed timeline.
When to seek help
Get in touch with Physical Studio if you notice your shoulder becoming progressively stiffer and harder to use, or if the complaint is significantly affecting your sleep or daily activities. We can then assess whether frozen shoulder is the cause and work out an approach with you. See your GP (huisarts) if the pain starts suddenly and severely after a fall or accident, if you have a fever combined with a warm, red or swollen shoulder, if you notice a visible deformity of the joint, or if alongside the shoulder complaint you experience unexplained loss of strength, tingling or numbness in the arm. These signs are not typical of an ordinary frozen shoulder and warrant medical assessment.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a frozen shoulder last?
What are the three phases of a frozen shoulder?
Does a frozen shoulder go away on its own?
Can physiotherapy speed up recovery?
Which exercises help with a frozen shoulder?
Is physiotherapy for a frozen shoulder covered by insurance?
Can I keep exercising or training with a frozen shoulder?
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