Frozen Shoulder

Frozen Shoulder is a painful condition that causes stiffness and progressive loss of movement in the shoulder joint. At Sukumvit Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Center, we provide structured, evidence-based rehabilitation programs to reduce pain, restore mobility, and help patients return to daily activities safely.

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen Shoulder, medically known as Adhesive Capsulitis, occurs when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and thickened. This leads to pain and gradual restriction of shoulder movement.
The condition typically develops slowly and may progress through stages over several months.

Stages of Frozen Shoulder

1. Freezing Stage
• Increasing shoulder pain
• Gradual loss of motion
• Pain worse at night

2. Frozen Stage
• Stiffness becomes more prominent
• Pain may reduce slightly
• Significant limitation in shoulder movement

3. Thawing Stage
• Gradual improvement in range of motion
• Decrease in stiffness

Recovery can take several months to over a year without proper treatment.

Common Symptoms

• Shoulder pain, especially with movement
• Difficulty lifting the arm
• Limited ability to reach overhead
• Trouble reaching behind the back
• Night pain affecting sleep
• Stiffness in all directions of movement

Risk Factors

• Age between 40–60 years
• Diabetes
• Thyroid disorders
• Prolonged shoulder immobilization
• Previous shoulder injury
• Post-surgical recovery

Why Early Physiotherapy Is Important

Without proper management, Frozen Shoulder can lead to:
• Long-term stiffness
• Persistent functional limitations
• Muscle weakness
• Delayed recovery
Early physiotherapy can shorten recovery time and prevent severe mobility loss.

When to Seek Professional Care

Consult our physiotherapy team if you experience:
• Shoulder pain lasted more than a few weeks
• Progressive stiffness
• Difficulty performing daily tasks
• Night pain affecting sleep
• Limited ability to lift or rotate your arm