Regain Mobility and Reduce Pain Without Surgery
If your shoulder feels stiff, painful, and harder to move over time, you may be dealing with frozen shoulder.
Simple movements like reaching overhead, getting dressed, or even sleeping comfortably can become frustrating and limiting.
At Infinity Physical Therapy, we help patients restore mobility, reduce pain, and get back to normal movement safely and effectively.
What Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder (also called adhesive capsulitis) occurs when the shoulder joint becomes stiff and inflamed, limiting your range of motion
It often develops gradually and can worsen over time if not treated properly.
Frozen shoulder typically progresses in stages:
- Painful stage (increasing discomfort)
- Stiff stage (loss of movement)
- Recovery stage (slow return of motion)
Signs You May Have Frozen Shoulder
You might be experiencing frozen shoulder if you notice:
- Progressive stiffness in your shoulder
- Difficulty lifting or rotating your arm
- Pain with everyday movements like dressing or reaching
- Significant loss of range of motion
- Pain that may worsen at night
Unlike other shoulder issues, frozen shoulder is often defined more by stiffness than weakness.
Why Frozen Shoulder Gets Worse Without Treatment
Frozen shoulder rarely improves quickly on its own.
Without proper care:
- Stiffness can become more severe
- Movement becomes more restricted
- Recovery can take much longer
Early treatment helps restore mobility and prevent long-term limitations.
How Physical Therapy Helps Frozen Shoulder
Treatment focuses on safely restoring motion while reducing pain.
Your plan may include:
- Guided stretching to improve mobility
- Hands-on therapy to loosen tight structures
- Controlled strengthening exercises
- Education on safe movement during recovery
Our goal is to help you:
- Regain full or near-full range of motion
- Reduce pain and stiffness
- Return to normal daily activities
What to Expect at Your First Visit
We’ll start with a detailed evaluation of your shoulder mobility and symptoms.
During your visit, we will:
- Assess your current range of motion
- Identify the stage of your condition
- Begin gentle treatment right away
- Create a plan tailored to your recovery
Start Moving Comfortably Again
Frozen shoulder can feel frustrating, but with the right approach, recovery is absolutely possible.
The sooner you start, the better your outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder can develop after injury, surgery, or periods of limited movement.
It’s also more common in individuals with certain medical conditions like diabetes.
How long does frozen shoulder last?
Frozen shoulder can last several months to over a year, depending on the stage and how early treatment begins.
Will frozen shoulder go away on its own?
It can improve over time, but without treatment, recovery is often slower and stiffness may be more severe.
Is frozen shoulder the same as a rotator cuff injury?
No
Rotator cuff injuries usually involve weakness and pain, while frozen shoulder is primarily stiffness and loss of motion.
Is it safe to move my shoulder if it’s stiff?
Yes, but movement should be guided and controlled.
Too much or too little movement can slow recovery, which is why physical therapy is important.
Do I need surgery for frozen shoulder?
Most cases can be treated successfully with physical therapy without the need for surgery.
When should I start physical therapy?
As soon as you notice ongoing stiffness or limited motion.
Early treatment can help speed up recovery and prevent worsening symptoms.