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Frozen Shoulder Rehabilitation
Frozen shoulder rehabilitation uses stretching, mobility exercises and manual therapy to reduce stiffness and restore movement in a stiff, painful shoulder over time.
Causes & risk factors
- Thickened, tight shoulder capsule
- Prolonged shoulder immobility
- Diabetes and thyroid disorders
- Recovery after shoulder injury or surgery
- Age over 40, more common in women
Common symptoms
- Shoulder pain, often worse at night
- Progressive stiffness
- Difficulty reaching overhead or behind the back
- Reduced range of movement
- Trouble with dressing and grooming
Tests & diagnosis
Treatment & management
- Daily stretching and mobility exercises
- Manual therapy and gentle mobilisation
- Heat packs before exercises
- Pain relief as advised
- Gradual, progressive loading of the shoulder
- Controlling blood sugar if diabetic
When to see a doctor urgently
- Severe night pain disturbing sleep
- No improvement despite weeks of exercises
- Sudden inability to move the arm after injury
- Rapidly worsening stiffness
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about frozen shoulder rehabilitation. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
How long does frozen shoulder rehab take?
Recovery is slow, often several months, because the shoulder capsule loosens gradually. Consistent daily exercises give the best results.
Will stretching make the pain worse?
Gentle stretching may cause mild discomfort but should not be very painful. A physiotherapist will guide the right intensity for each stage.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.