Frozen Shoulder? What It Is and How Physio Can Help
If you've been dealing with shoulder pain that just won’t go away—and now it feels like your shoulder’s getting stiffer by the day—you might be facing something called frozen shoulder. The good news? You’re not stuck like this forever. And with the right support, you can get your shoulder moving again and feel more like yourself.
At Belconnen Physiotherapy Clinic, we’ve helped many people work through frozen shoulder, so let’s walk through what it actually is, what causes it, and how physio can make a real difference.
So, what is frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder—its medical name is adhesive capsulitis—happens when the capsule around your shoulder joint thickens and tightens. This limits how far your shoulder can move and can make even simple tasks, like reaching for a seatbelt or brushing your hair, really painful and difficult.
There are usually three stages to frozen shoulder:
Freezing Stage – This is when pain starts and your shoulder gradually loses movement. This can last anywhere from 6 weeks to 9 months.
Frozen Stage – The pain may ease up a bit, but your shoulder becomes very stiff. This can go on for 4 to 6 months.
Thawing Stage – Your shoulder slowly starts to loosen up and you get some movement back. This phase can last another 6 months to 2 years.
Yep, it can drag on—but you don’t have to go it alone.
What causes frozen shoulder?
Sometimes it happens after a shoulder injury or surgery, especially if you had to rest your arm for a while. But in many cases, it can come on without a clear cause.
People over 40 are more likely to get it, especially women. It’s also more common in people with diabetes, thyroid conditions, or other long-term health issues.
How physiotherapy helps
Physiotherapy plays a big role in helping you manage frozen shoulder and get back your movement safely. At Belconnen Physio, our goal is to help you move better with less pain, and to guide you through each stage at a pace that suits your body.
Here’s how we can help:
1. Pain Relief
In the early stages, frozen shoulder can be very painful. Your physio can use hands-on techniques, gentle joint movements, or even taping to reduce discomfort. We can also show you how to modify your everyday movements to avoid aggravating your shoulder.
2. Tailored Exercises
As things progress, we’ll guide you through specific exercises to gently improve your range of motion. These aren’t one-size-fits-all routines—your exercises will be carefully chosen to match what your shoulder can handle right now.
3. Education and Support
Understanding what’s happening in your body can ease a lot of the stress. We’ll talk you through the process, answer your questions, and help you set realistic goals. Recovery isn’t always quick, but having someone in your corner makes a big difference.
4. Preventing Future Issues
Once you’ve made progress, we’ll help you build strength and flexibility to support your shoulder long-term. This can help reduce the risk of re-injury or other shoulder problems down the track.
What to expect at your first appointment
When you come to Belconnen Physiotherapy Clinic, we’ll start with a thorough assessment. We’ll chat about your symptoms, check your shoulder movement, and find out how it’s affecting your daily life. Then we’ll create a treatment plan that’s built around you—not just your shoulder.
You won’t be rushed, and you’ll always be listened to. Our team is here to help you feel confident about your recovery.
Let’s get your shoulder moving again
Frozen shoulder can be frustrating and painful, but with the right guidance, you can get through it. Physiotherapy is a safe and effective way to improve your movement, reduce pain, and get back to doing the things you enjoy.
If your shoulder is stiff, sore, or just not working the way it used to, don’t wait it out—book an appointment with Belconnen Physio and let’s get started.
Need help with a frozen shoulder?
Reach out to our friendly team at Belconnen Physiotherapy Clinic. We’re here to help you move better and feel better—one step at a time.
