If your shoulder has gradually become stiff, painful, and harder to move, you may be dealing with frozen shoulder.
Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes pain and significant loss of mobility in the shoulder joint. Simple movements like reaching overhead, putting on a jacket, or lifting objects can become frustrating, uncomfortable and painful.
At Durham Orthopedic & Sports Injury Clinic, we help patients across Ajax and the Durham Region improve shoulder mobility and manage pain with personalized physiotherapy treatment plans.
What Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder happens when the connective tissue around the shoulder joint becomes irritated and tight, limiting movement over time.
Unlike a sudden injury, frozen shoulder usually develops gradually. Many people first notice mild pain before the shoulder becomes increasingly stiff.
The condition often progresses through stages:
- Painful stage – shoulder pain gradually increases
- Frozen stage – stiffness becomes more severe and movement becomes limited
- Recovery stage – mobility slowly begins to improve
This process can last several months or longer without proper treatment.
Common Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
Symptoms may include:
- Shoulder pain that worsens at night
- Difficulty reaching overhead
- Trouble reaching behind your back
- Pain when getting dressed
- Reduced range of motion
- Stiffness that gradually worsens
Many patients notice everyday tasks becoming more difficult, including driving, lifting, or sleeping comfortably.
Who Is More Likely to Develop Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder can affect anyone, but it is more common in:
- Adults between 40 and 60
- People recovering from shoulder injuries
- Individuals with diabetes
- People who have had shoulder surgery
- Those who have kept the shoulder immobilized for extended periods
Even reduced movement after an injury can sometimes contribute to shoulder stiffness over time.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
Physiotherapy plays an important role in managing frozen shoulder and improving mobility safely.
Treatment may include:
- Gentle mobility exercises
- Stretching programs
- Manual therapy
- Strengthening exercises
- Pain management strategies
- Education on activity modification
The goal is to gradually improve shoulder movement while reducing pain and stiffness.
Don’t Ignore Ongoing Shoulder Stiffness
Frozen shoulder can become increasingly limiting if left untreated. Early treatment may help improve comfort and restore movement more effectively.
If you’re experiencing shoulder stiffness or pain in Ajax or Durham Region, contact our team at Durham Orthopedic & Sports Injury Clinic. We can help assess your symptoms and create a treatment plan tailored to your recovery goals.
