What is it?
Frozen shoulder is a painful condition in which the shoulder capsule becomes inflamed and thickened, leading to progressive loss of movement. It passes through three stages: freezing (painful), frozen (stiff), and thawing (recovery). Each stage can last 4–12 months.
Common causes
- Diabetes (a significant risk factor)
- Prolonged shoulder immobilisation after injury or surgery
- Thyroid disorders
- Autoimmune conditions
- Often occurs without a clear cause (idiopathic)
Signs and symptoms
- Gradual onset of shoulder pain, often worse at night
- Progressive loss of all shoulder movements, especially rotation
- Difficulty reaching overhead, behind the back, or across the body
- Pain with any shoulder movement in the early stage
- Stiffness dominant over pain in the later stage
Physiotherapy treatment at VPARC
- Gentle stretching and joint mobilisation within pain limits
- Heat before treatment to improve tissue extensibility
- Hydrodilatation (injection + physiotherapy) in resistant cases
- Progressive strengthening once mobility improves
- Patient education on realistic timelines — full recovery takes 1–3 years
What you can do at home
- Apply heat for 10–15 minutes before exercises
- Perform pendulum exercises: let the arm hang and make small circles
- Towel stretch: hold a towel behind your back and gently pull upward
- Rest the shoulder but avoid complete immobilisation — gentle movement is key
When to visit VPARC
Visit VPARC early — starting physiotherapy in the freezing stage gives the best outcomes and can shorten the overall course significantly.
Call +91 98896 78838 or read more on our Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Varanasi page. This leaflet is general information and does not replace a medical assessment.