Are You Worried About A Frozen Shoulder Diagnosis? 

Frozen shoulder is diagnosed far more frequently than it actually occurs. In reality, true adhesive capsulitis is rare, affecting only 2% to 5% of the population—yet we see far more people who have been mistakenly told they have it.

At Move Physiotherapy we regularly assess patients who believe they have frozen shoulder, only to find their symptoms stem from more common and treatable conditions, such as rotator cuff injuries, joint stiffness, or referred pain from the neck.

Getting the right diagnosis is critical. If you suspect frozen shoulder, don’t guess—get assessed. Our expert physiotherapists will determine whether you truly have adhesive capsulitis or another condition, ensuring you receive the most effective treatment.

We have convenient locations in East Fremantle, Booragoon and Beeliar. Same Day appointments are often available.

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that leads to progressive pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. It develops when the joint capsule thickens and tightens, restricting movement and making daily activities difficult. While frozen shoulder is a well-documented condition, it is far less common than many people believe, affecting only 2% to 5% of the population. However, individuals with diabetes are at significantly higher risk, with prevalence rates reaching up to 36%.

Many cases of suspected frozen shoulder actually turn out to be other more common and treatable conditions, such as rotator cuff injuries, osteoarthritis, post-surgical stiffness, or even referred pain from the neck. Because these conditions can closely mimic frozen shoulder, it’s essential to have a professional assessment before assuming you have it. Due to the high demands and decreased appointment times disallowing adequate assessment, we recommend these assessments are completed by a Physiotherapist. 

Frozen shoulder develops gradually and progresses through three distinct stages, often taking 1 to 3 years to fully resolve.

• Freezing Stage (2 – 9 months): Shoulder pain gradually worsens, and stiffness increases. Pain is often worse at night and with movement. As the capsule around the shoulder joint tightens, movement becomes progressively restricted, making daily activities more difficult.

• Frozen Stage (4 – 12 months): Pain may begin to ease, but the shoulder remains extremely stiff. Even simple tasks like reaching overhead or behind the back become nearly impossible. The loss of movement is the most significant feature of this stage.

• Thawing Stage (6 months – 2 years): The shoulder gradually regains movement as the capsule loosens. Pain continues to decrease, but stiffness may persist for several months. With proper physiotherapy and rehabilitation, most people recover full or near-full function of their shoulder.

A key characteristic of frozen shoulder is that stiffness persists even when someone else tries to move your arm for you. If a physiotherapist attempts to move your arm and it physically won’t budge, frozen shoulder is a likely diagnosis. However, if your movement improves with assistance, another condition may be the cause of your symptoms.

Because frozen shoulder is often misdiagnosed, getting the right diagnosis is crucial. At Move Physiotherapy, we provide a comprehensive assessment to accurately determine whether you have frozen shoulder or another condition. This thorough physiotherapy assessment will ensure that your treatment plan is based on the correct diagnosis, preventing wasted time on ineffective interventions.

How Is A Frozen Shoulder Treated?

Frozen shoulder can resolve on its own, but this process often takes 1 to 3 years, significantly impacting daily activities and quality of life. The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, maintain movement, and speed up recovery. Early intervention can make a significant difference in managing symptoms and preventing long-term stiffness.

If frozen shoulder is diagnosed early, a corticosteroid injection into the shoulder joint can help reduce inflammationand potentially shorten the duration of symptoms. This treatment is most effective in the Freezing Stage, when pain is the primary issue. In some cases, anti-inflammatory medications may also help manage discomfort. However, while cortisone can provide relief, it should be combined with targeted physiotherapy to prevent further loss of movement.

Throughout all stages of frozen shoulder, physiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing symptoms and restoring function. Treatment focuses on maintaining range of motion, strengthening the shoulder, and preventing excessive stiffness. Physiotherapy may include gentle mobility exercises to keep the joint moving, strength training to prevent muscle weakness, and manual therapy to improve mobility. Stretching and postural exercises also help support shoulder function and prevent further restrictions.

Since frozen shoulder progresses through different stages, treatment approaches are adjusted accordingly. During the Freezing Stage, the priority is pain management and gentle mobility exercises to prevent excessive stiffness. In the Frozen Stage, where movement is most restricted, the focus shifts to maintaining strength and preventing muscle atrophy. Finally, in the Thawing Stage, treatment emphasises gradual strengthening and mobility work to restore full function of the shoulder.

The sooner frozen shoulder is identified and treated, the better the outcome. Early intervention can minimize pain, preserve movement, and prevent prolonged stiffness. If you’re experiencing persistent shoulder pain or stiffness, it’s important to get assessed early to determine the best course of treatment.