Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)

Adhesive capsulitis — better known as frozen shoulder — causes the shoulder to become painful and increasingly stiff, then slowly thaw over time. It typically moves through stages, and while it can be frustrating and slow, most people regain good movement.

Physiotherapy helps at every stage, using pain management, gentle mobility work, and progressive exercise matched to where you are in the condition. In this guide we cover phase-based, evidence-based management of frozen shoulder — helping clinicians match treatment to the stage and helping patients understand the timeline so they know what to expect and how to support their own recovery.