SHOULDER & ARM
Frozen shoulder
Also known as adhesive capsulitis
● Affects 2–3% of the population ● More common in women over 40 ● Recovery up to 2 years
Frozen shoulder is a painful restriction of the shoulder joint. While the onset is generally unknown, contributing factors include physical trauma or injury to the shoulder, surgery, and underlying medical conditions such as diabetes.
THE 3 PHASES OF FROZEN SHOULDER
Increasing pain & stiffness
FREEZING
FROZEN
Very stiff, less painful
Painful to sleep on. Makes daily activities difficult.
Adhesive fibrous tissue forms within the joint capsule.
Up to 6 months
Up to 1 year
— Gradual decrease in range of motion that is becoming worse — e.g. doing up your bra, washing your hair, hanging up washing
— General ache in the shoulder that you cannot pinpoint
— Painful to sleep on at night — often disrupts sleep
— Alleviated at rest
— Aggravated by movement
SYMPTOMS
HOW OSTEOPATHY CAN HELP
Your osteopath will begin with a thorough history and examination to confirm your diagnosis. Treatment aims to improve pain levels, increase range of motion, and restore function of the shoulder. Hands-on treatment may include:
● Shockwave Therapy
To stimulate tissue repair, increase blood flow, and reduce pain within the joint capsule.
● Infrared Laser Therapy
To assist with pain management and support comfort throughout your treatment program.
● Soft tissue therapy
To relieve muscular tension, reduce guarding around the shoulder, and improve mobility.
● Joint Mobilisation
● Rehabilitation exercises & home advice
Gentle techniques to restore range of motion and improve overall joint function.
Gentle, tailored exercises to support your recovery between appointments, plus practical strategies for managing your symptoms at home.
Recovering from frozen shoulder with us
At Body Align Osteo, we understand how limiting and painful frozen shoulder can be. We are committed to supporting you through every stage of recovery with hands-on treatment, tailored exercise programs, and a holistic approach focused on restoring mobility, easing pain, and improving function over time.
We also work collaboratively with other healthcare providers and can refer you to trusted specialists if your condition requires further intervention. Whether you're just beginning your recovery or seeking alternative management, we're here to guide and support you on the path to healing.
Ready to start your recovery?
Book a consultation and let's get you moving again.
THAWING
Range of motion returns
Shoulder gradually unfreezes. Mobility progressively improves.
Up to 2 years total
Up to 1 year
Very stiff, less painful
FROZEN