Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
Frozen Shoulder: A Self-Limiting but Prolonged Condition
Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) is a condition characterised by progressive shoulder pain and stiffness caused by inflammation and fibrosis of the shoulder joint capsule. It is self-limiting -- eventually resolving spontaneously in 18-24 months -- but this prolonged timeline causes significant disability and quality of life impairment. Physiotherapy accelerates recovery through each phase and reduces the total duration of symptoms.
The Three Phases
Phase 1: Freezing (3-9 months)
Dominant feature: pain. Stiffness is developing but pain is the primary complaint. Pain is often severe, constant, and particularly bad at night (disturbing sleep). Treatment in this phase focuses on pain management: electrotherapy (IFT, laser), gentle pendulum exercises, and avoiding aggressive stretching that worsens inflammation.
Phase 2: Frozen (4-12 months)
Dominant feature: stiffness. Pain reduces but movement becomes severely limited. External rotation is typically the most restricted movement, followed by abduction and flexion. This is the phase for more active physiotherapy: progressive stretching, joint mobilisation (Grade III-IV when tolerated), pulley exercises, and functional rehabilitation.
Phase 3: Thawing (6-24 months)
Spontaneous resolution begins. Range of motion returns gradually. Physiotherapy accelerates this return through progressive mobilisation and strengthening.
Treatment Details
Glenohumeral Joint Mobilisation
Specific mobilisation techniques targeting the inferior and posterior capsule restrictions. Inferior glide mobilisation restores abduction; posterior capsule stretching restores internal rotation. These manual therapy techniques accelerate the thawing phase when applied appropriately.
Home Exercise Programme
A comprehensive home programme is essential in frozen shoulder -- once-weekly clinic treatment is insufficient. We teach patients self-mobilisation techniques, pendulum exercises, and progressive stretching that maintains gains between sessions.
Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Faridabad
At Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5, Faridabad, we provide phase-specific frozen shoulder management. Book your shoulder assessment today.