Understanding a painful, stiff shoulder
Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, restricts shoulder movement and may cause pain at night. Symptoms can change over time, and recovery can be prolonged. Other shoulder conditions may look similar, so persistent stiffness should be assessed rather than diagnosed from an online description.
Your physiotherapy assessment
- Discuss the onset of pain, sleep disturbance, previous injury or surgery and relevant health history.
- Compare movement you perform yourself with movement gently assisted during the examination.
- Assess functional limits such as reaching overhead, dressing or reaching behind the back.
- Agree on tolerable movement goals and consider medical review if findings require it.
A plan built around your needs
Rehabilitation may include gentle range-of-movement exercises, carefully selected stretches and later strengthening. The amount of stretching should reflect how easily the shoulder is irritated. Forcing a painful shoulder is not the goal; the programme is adapted as symptoms and function change.
Preparing for your visit
Describe which movements disturb sleep or dressing, and bring any previous shoulder reports. Discuss relevant conditions, including diabetes, during the assessment. Medication or injection decisions require an appropriate medical clinician; these are not assumed to be part of your clinic appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Is every stiff shoulder a frozen shoulder?
No. Several shoulder conditions can cause restricted movement. An assessment helps distinguish the possibilities and decide whether medical review is needed.
Should I push hard through pain when stretching?
Do not force a highly painful shoulder. Gentle movement and an individually chosen exercise range are more appropriate than strenuous exercises selected without assessment.
How long does frozen shoulder take to improve?
The course varies and can last months or longer. There is no reliable fixed recovery date for an individual; progress is reviewed through comfort, sleep and movement.
Will I need an injection?
Not everyone does. If pain remains difficult to manage, discuss medical treatment options with an appropriate clinician. Physiotherapy does not replace that decision.
Discuss your frozen shoulder concerns
Arihant Physiotherapy Clinic · Scheme No. 1, Alwar, Rajasthan, India.
Call or WhatsApp +91 94140 16588. Please confirm clinic timings and charges when contacting us.
Your request is confirmed only when the clinic replies. Treatment and progress depend on your assessment; no outcome or recovery time is guaranteed.
Other treatment information
General information to help you prepare for an assessment; it is not an individual diagnosis or exercise prescription.
Further reading: NHS: Frozen shoulder · Cambridge University Hospitals: Frozen shoulder